Five years of funding to the Upper Assiniboine River Conservation District for a new agroforestry project, was announced at Miniota on February 21. Kenton farmer Doug Caldwell is part of the headlines, as he looks for a greener way to feed and winter cattle.
At the unveiling of the Agroforestry project and funding on February 21, (back row l-r) Doug Caldwell (cattle producer), Bill McQuaker (UARCD), Robbie Craig (UARCD) Johnny Michasiw (UARCD) Charles Bertram (UARCD) Doug Turnbull (UARCD), Ray Armbruster (MBP), and Blair English (AESB (formerly PFRA)); (Front row l-r) Gerald Shier (UARCD), Rusty Still (UARCD), MP Robert Sopuck, Ron Kostesky (UARCD Board Chairman), Ryan Canart (UARCD Manager), Dr. Bill Ashton (BU Rural Development Institute) and Ian Shanghvi (RDI Research Assistant). Photo/Anne Davison
Based upon existing science, the project hopes to demonstrate better agricultural practices and convince producers they can successfully be put into practice. Funding for the project through the Agricultural Greenhouse Gases Program (AGGP) amounts to $160,000 to UARCD over five years. On behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, Robert Sopuck, MP for Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette addressed the group gathered – members of the UARCD, Manitoba Beef Producers, councillors from the R.M.s of Miniota and Wallace, and government officials.
MP Sopuck spoke enthusiastically about the project saying, “Conservation and agriculture go hand in hand.” He noted, recent spring flooding indicates, “We need to change some of our practices,” and spoke of the need for “new tools to protect our environment.”
UARCD manager Ryan Canart called this project a milestone for the CD, now 16 years into their mandate, saying “This is the largest funding project we’ve tackled.” In an interview Canart explains how the project got started, “The need was identified by Douglas (Caldwell), the UARCD only helped to bring in the design that we had been exposed to elsewhere. As for the larger social marketing component, UARCD approached RDI [Brandon University’s Rural Development Institute] with the idea, and RDI made it happen, from proposal development to design, and continues to carry the majority of the ongoing conversation with livestock producers.”
Cattle farmer Doug Caldwell is explaining the agroforestry and cattle wintering project to Doug Turnbull and others on the UARCD.
A quarter section demonstration plot on Doug and Val Caldwell’s farm, northeast of Kenton, is transected with seven shelterbelts comprised of a double row of tightly planted poplar trees. A shrub row protects the seedlings on the windward side. The trees are about three feet high with electric fencing enclosing the cattle and keeping them out of the new trees. The project is in its infancy, but as the trees grow to have a measurable impact, monitors will determine wind velocities, animal and crop performance as well as nutrient cycling in both the treatment and non treatment areas, including changes to soil characteristics. The Caldwell operation includes 3,000 crop acres and a 150 cow herd. Cattle are currently being fed in the shelterbelt area.
Director of Brandon University’s RDI, Dr. Bill Ashton spoke of their role in this project to “bring technology together with the social sciences.” Meanwhile, Manitoba Beef Producers President Ray Armbruster acknowledged the “positive role the conservation district plays on the landscape.”
Funding for this project, through AGGP is from a five-year, $27 million initiative that focuses on the development of on-farm greenhouse gas mitigation technologies. The AGGP will provide funding to various partners across Canada to investigate innovative mechanisms, tools and approaches that provide real solutions for the agriculture sector.
Courtesy of Anne Davison – Virden Empire-Advance
More Photos…
Doug Caldwell and MP Robert Sopuck exchanging views about the project.
Doug Caldwell narrating a story about his involvement in the project and how he believes farmers from around Manitoba can benefit from using shelterbelts.
MP Robert Sopuck announcing the five years of funding to the Upper Assiniboine River Conservation District for a new agroforestry project – entitled: Demonstration and Investigation into Livestock Systems Adoption.
Standing in front of a picture of the shelterbelt design model, from left to right are Dr. Bill Ashton (RDI Director), Doug Caldwell (cattle producer from Kenton), MP Robert Sopuck, Ryan Canart (UARCD Manager), and Ray Armbruster (MBP President).