In the last two and a half years, over $1 million worth of projects have been partially funded by the Canada-Saskatchewan Farm Stewardship Program and the organization is requesting that farmers interested in a project contact them.
At the moment, it is unclear whether the federal government will renew its funding commitment to the program. There are still some months left in the year though, so farmers interested in implementing "beneficial management practices" are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. For most projects, the deadline to apply for funding is approaching quickly.
Beneficial management practices are defined as practices that minimize negative impacts to the environment by improving soil, water air quality and biodiversity, ensuring long-term health of land and its resources and are practical and make good long-term economic sense. Projects are divided into five categories: improved livestock site management, improved manure management, improved land management, water well management and improved pest management. For these project there is anywhere from 30 to 70 per cent cost sharing with the government.
The three most commonly applied-for projects are portable windbreaks and calf shelters, fencing to protect the environment and remote water systems. Portable windbreaks are used for wintering cattle, to allow them to stay in a field rather than in confinement, leading to spread-out manure. Many producers use portable windbreaks while swath grazing and bale grazing. Fencing projects can be used to control invasive weeds, protect riparian areas, increase grazing acres or enhance winter site management. A remote water system for winter or summer can provide a farmer with more options for grazing and feeding livestock.
Money from the CSFS is administered through the Provincial Council of Agricultural Development and Diversification DD Boards for Saskatchewan, with the North Saskatchewan River Agri-Environmental Group Plan helping get the word out and help farmers apply for funding.
For more information about the program, or to apply for funding for a project, contact Annette Smith at 441-4066 or by email at ca.smith@sasktel.net, or Tom Brown with the Provincial Council of Agriculture Development and Diversification by phone at 845-2325 or by email at parklane@sasktel.net.
