Agricultural Conservation Initiatives
"Increasing Profitability Through Stewardship"
Who is the NWACI?
Parkland County has partnered with six other municipalities to create the North West Alliance Conservation Initiative (NWACI). This partnership receives funding from the Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture (AESA) program, which contributes to projects that demonstrate the importance of innovation in agricultural and environmental sustainability.
What is Agricultural and Environmental Sustainability?
Nutrient Management
Nutrient management involves the feeding, storage, transport, application and use of nutrients on the farm. It addresses challenges dealing with odour, surface and groundwater quality and health and safety issues while promoting the concept of manure as a resource.
Responsible Pest Management and Pesticide Use
New environmentally safe and cost effective methods of pesticide use involve integrated pest management systems. These include site-specific management, crop rotation or biological control. These methods reduce the environmental risks to soil, water, air and non-targeted species.
Integrated Crop Management
Integrated management develops practical agronomic and economic tools for management, taking into account soil, water, air and biodiversity. Cropping systems may include site-specific management, crop rotation, crop diversification, grassed waterways and residue management to reduce the impacts of crop production on the environment. Having an integrated cropping system enhances the profitability and efficiency of farm operations.
Sustainable Grazing and Riparian Management
Sustainable grazing addresses environmental concerns and provides a balance between forage production and livestock consumption. A grazing area with a well-balanced variety of species and a well managed grazing schedule produces more grass and creates a sustainable environment for long-term grass production. Healthy grass cover protects soil from erosion and provides wildlife habitat.
Where pastures border on riparian areas, grazing management includes riparian area management. This improves water quality, reduces bank erosion, improves forage production and enhances fish and wildlife habitat.
What Can NWACI Do For You?
Awareness
The NWACI has several methods of getting information to producers in the area. Local newspaper articles, tours of local projects, seminars and workshops dealing with a variety of topics to promote agriculture conservation. Check the coming events on the NWACI website www.nwaci.com/schedule.htm or give us a call for an event near you.
Farm Calls
The NWACI has qualified conservationists that can visit your farm and work with you to find the solutions to conservation issues pertinent to your operation. Our primary goal is to help producers adopt beneficial management practices that will make your farm more profitable and sustainable. Do not hesitate to give us a call; we look forward to hearing from you.
Portable Solar Watering Systems
The NWACI has two portable solar watering systems available for temporary producer use. If you are interested in purchasing a solar watering system and don’t know where to start the NWACI can assist. The units are lent out at no charge along with assistance in setting them up on your operation.
Forage Sampling
The NWACI offers forage sampling to local producers. An NWACI conservationist can come to your farm take a forage sample and then assist with interpretation of the analysis. The only cost for this service is the laboratory fees and shipping.
Click here to see this month's Conservation Tidbits!
For more information on conservation initiatives contact:
Mike Hittinger, Conservation Coordinator
Phone: 939-0602
Email: mhittinger@sturgeoncounty.ab.ca
or
Jennifer Stoby, Conservation Technician
Phone: 939-0618
Email: jstoby@sturgeoncounty.ab.ca
www.nwaci.com
