The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has recently announced a continuation of funding for farm environmental improvement projects available through the Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program (COFSP).
The funding will support farmers’ continuing efforts to complete positive, voluntary environmental stewardship projects, including planting treed windbreaks and watercourse buffers.
Treed windbreaks reduce soil erosion, especially during the winter and early spring when exposed soil is susceptible to wind erosion. Numerous studies have shown windbreaks have a positive net impact on crop yields over the long term. Windbreaks around barns and livestock yards reduce heating costs and during winter months and can reduce costs associated with snow removal.
Funding for windbreaks is also available in Middlesex and Huron through Clean Water Programs that are available in those counties. County funding can be used, for eligible projects, in conjunction with the COFSP funding to recover up to 100 per cent of the project costs in Huron and up to 70 per cent of the project costs in Middlesex. COFSP funding is available in Lambton and Perth Counties at a rate of 50 per cent of project costs.
To be eligible for the COFSP funding, farmers must complete a voluntary Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) for their farm business. Workshops are held locally by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA). For workshop schedules or grant information farmers can call their local OSCIA field representative. In Huron County, contact Lois Sinclair (519-357-3146); in Lambton County, call Allan Butler (519-692-5399); in Middlesex, call Margaret May (519-287-5334); and in Perth, Mary McIntosh (519-393-6232). For information on Clean Water Program grants in Huron and Middlesex counties contact the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) at 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.
The most common windbreak species in our region are white cedar and white or Norway spruce. Where road salt spray is an issue, salt-tolerant species like Austrian pine or blue spruce are used. Windbreak trees can be planted as 2’ stock in the autumn or spring, or as seedlings in the spring.
The fall tree order form will be available in August and September at the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) administration centre at 71108 Morrison Line, RR 3 Exeter or it can be printed from the ABCA website at abca.on.ca
The ABCA offers planting services as well as technical advice for planning and site preparation to help improve the success of your project. Contact Ian Jean, ABCA Forestry and Stewardship Specialist for information on windbreak trees.
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