“Over the last three years, we’ve distributed $1.2 million to 150 producers in the area – and we’re very excited to have this funding again for our local producers.”
This from Dani Gosselin, Program Coordinator with the Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District (SRRWD), referencing the Prairie Watershed Climate Program, which has just been renewed for another three years.
She says this funding comes from the On-Farm Climate Action Fund through Agriculture and Agri Foods Canada. Here in Manitoba, it’s led by the Manitoba Association of Watersheds, and delivered by the 14 Manitoba watershed districts, which includes the SRRWD.
“That funding covered over 7700 acres of cover crops, almost 100,000 acres with improved nitrogen management, and 6100 acres under rotational grazing,” reveals Gosselin. “We've seen such success in our Watershed district with this program and we're very fortunate it's been extended until March 2028.”
Gosselin says this funding is specifically for producers who are trying these three beneficial management practices (BMPs) for the first time, or are expanding the scope on their farm.
“We want to support local farms, which helps to build climate resiliency, and the Prairie Watershed Climate Program provides funding to implement BMPs such as cover crops, nitrogen management, and rotational grazing – just taking some of that financial risk out of the equation as they are trying this for the first time.”
Cover crops can help reduce soil erosion and increase water infiltration.
“There are a few different approaches a farmer can take for cover cropping,” notes Gosselin. “If it's a full season cover crop, you’re keeping living roots in the ground for as long as possible during the growing season – that’s what helps with soil erosion and protecting our top layer of soil. And with shoulder season cover crops, they can seed before and after the cash crop, or even mixed with that cash crop.”
Rotational grazing gives livestock the chance to graze a smaller area for a short period of time, being moved from paddock to paddock.
“This often looks like having a pasture broken down into smaller paddocks with cross fencing,” says Gosselin. “And then animals will rotate through, having shorter grazing periods within each paddock, giving the pasture opportunity to regenerate.”
Gosselin says farmers who are interested in improving nitrogen management can also gain financial help for implementing practices such as using dual inhibitors, split fertilizer application, and for nitrogen agronomic support.
“This program helps producers better apply their nitrogen and make better use of it,” Gosselin says. “Things like splitting the fertilizer application at two different times, rather than all at once,
giving the plants a chance to use what's needed at that time. This program can also cover things like soil mapping and using different products like polymer coated urea and nitrogen inhibitors.”
Gosselin says the Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District is looking forward to partnering with more producers over the next three years.
“If you're interested, please reach out to us,” invites Gosselin. “You can visit our website at www.srrwd.ca and send us an interest of expression form, or give us a call at 204-326-1030. We have a lot of information and a lot of very helpful staff who are always happy to chat, and we’ll work through the application with you.”
