| Reducing cattle farm run-off with riparian buffers and eavestroughs |
| Improving water quality with exclusion fencing for cattle |
| Using native trees and shrubs to limit stormwater run-off |
| Strategies for reducing nutrient loading into the environment |
| Improve water quality with exclusion fencing |
Farm Management
The Kawartha watershed is made up of nearly 50% farmland. Agriculture and healthy lakes are two pillars of our vibrant local economy. Farms can have a significant impact on lake health and how you manage your farm can make a big difference. Nutrient management, source water protection and environmental farm planning can all play a critical role in supporting the health and safety of our watershed.
Programs and services
Our Water Fund program provides funding of up to 50% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $4,000, for initiatives that enhance water quality and protect our local waterways.
Talbot River Healthy Environment Initiative
The Talbot River Healthy Environment Initiative provides technical and financial support for agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) in the Upper Talbot River subwatershed. Eligible projects include tree and shrub planting, livestock exclusion fencing, alternate watering systems, and more.
Watch these videos of recently completed projects supported by this initiative:
Talbot River Healthy Environment Initiative
What actions can I take?
There are a number of agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) you may implement to improve soil and water quality on your farm, and Kawartha Conservation is here to help. Explore the different types of BMPs you can implement on your property, and their accompanying resources, below.
Funding is available for farm BMP projects that improve water quality across our watershed. Learn more and schedule a site visit to support your application for funding.
Follow these tips to control cropland erosion on your farm:
- Install grassed waterways
- Build water and sediment control basins (WASCoB
- Establish healthy riparian buffer zones next to waterways
- Use windbreaks and shelter belts to minimize wind erosion
- Plant cover crops
- Install tile drainage control boxes
Manage manure, nutrients and runoff
You can manage manure, nutrients and runoff by:
- Building manure storage that makes it easier to get the manure in the right place at the right time
- Installing water diversion structures that direct clean water away from barnyards and manure storage
- Installing fences and alternate water sources to keep livestock away from watercourses
Trees can help reduce runoff and keep nutrients in the soil. Here are a few tree planting tips:
- Connect or enlarge an existing forest on your land
- Plant a windbreak to protect crops, improve irrigation efficiency and manage snow drift
- Utilize marginal land that can't be harvested to plant trees for wildlife habitat
Soil and lake management best practices
Soil management and lake management have the same goal - keep soil and nutrients on the land and out of the water. Using best management practices as laid out by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs can have many benefits, including:
- Increasing crop yields and improving soil health
- Fewer sediments and contaminants entering waterways
- Access to clean drinking water for livestock keeps them healthy and reduces veterinarian costs
Check out these external programs and resources for more information on farm management.
Programs
- Source Water Protection
- Environmental Farm Plan
- East Central Farm Stewardship Collaborative
- 50 Million Tree Program
- Biosecurity Workshop
- Ducks Unlimited
- ALUS
Resources
Contact Us
Kawartha Conservation
277 Kenrei Road
Lindsay, ON K9V 4R1
Tel: 705.328.2271
Fax: 705.328.2286
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