HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1995-03-22, Page 41Paul Steckle, M.P.
Huron-Bruce
Constituency Office
30 Victoria Street North
Goderich, Ontario
N7A 2R6
1-800-465-1726
(519) 524-6938
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Dear Fl-iends:
As we reflect on the impact of our recent budget, one thing is
certain...change, fiscal changes and structural changes. On the fiscal
side, it is Just as important to farmers and others in our sector, as it is
to all Canadians that we win the battle against the deftciL
Structural changes in trade agreements, economic support
stabilization, marketing, and research all impact on the future of
Agriculture. In consultation with all sectors of Agriculture in Huron-
Bruce, 1 am left with the feeling that given the protection of our agreed
tariff rates and the further reduction of subsidies world wide, our
farmers will be well positioned to compete in the 21st century.
Thai is what securing our future is all about
Paul Steckle, M.1'.
I I uron-Bruce
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THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1995. PAGE A21.
++++ + + + + + + + + + AGRICULTURE '95 + + • + + + + + +
MVCA's CURB prog. a provincial success story
Deteriorating streams
Livestock access to waterways leads to high levels of
pollution, causing disease in the stock as well as affecting
the aquatic life of the stream.
Recovery begins
Fencing water courses allows the
recovery to a more healthy state.
system to begin its
The farmers see that both they,
and the environment, benefit from
the program.
By keeping the water clean,
which they and their neighbours
rely on for their animals and them-
selves, the health of all is
improved.
"They may initially do it to bene-
fit their own property, but realize it
makes sense to keep the land and
water healthy," she says.
The four projects which are fund-
ed through CURB are: manure stor-
age at a grant rate of 50 per cent to
a ceiling of $12,000; milkhouse
waste disposal systems, 50 per cent
to $5,000; fencing livestock from
streams and rivers, 75 per cent to
$10,000 and private septic systems,
50 per cent to $2,000.
Fencing waterways
A long-standing tradition in
Ontario has been to allow cattle or
other livestock to enter streams to
water, therefore many are surprised
to learn that practice is a major
source of pollution.
Conservation Authority studies
show that along with bacteria con-
tamination, increased phosphorous
and nitrogen concentration can
cause higher algae growth.
Unhealthy conditions are caused
by only 100 fecal bacteria in 100
mls. of water whereas one cow can
contribute 500,000 bacteria in one
day.
Livestock excrement in water
carries diseases, such as leptospiro-
sis, salmonellosis and bovine virus
diarrhea, which would be detrimen-
tal to the herd, encouraging farmers
to stop the contamination.
Aside from a direct impact on the
animals, the use of the waterway as
a watering hole can affect any
aquatic life and destabilize the
bank, leading to erosion.
Fencing to keep livestock out
will improve water quality and fish
habitat.
When planning a fencing system,
there are certain considerations.
Pastures may need to be relocated,
alternate water sources supplied,
unique features of stream must be
fenced, effects of debris of ice
damage and setbacks for future
trees or shrubs must be taken into
consideration.
Crossings of waterways must
take into account the purpose,
whether just for livestock or for
machinery as well.
A number of possibilities are
available when determining an
Continued on A22
By Janice Becker
The Maitland Valley Conserva-
tion Authority can proudly boast
one of the most successful CURB
programs in all of Ontario.
Clean Up Rural Beaches began in
1991 as a grant program to encour-
age farmers and other rural organi-
zations to take measures to protect
the vital waterways which run
through the countryside.
Nearing the end of its five-year
mandate, CURB has assisted in
approximately 600 projects,
totalling $7 million in capital
investments, $2.7 million in gov-
ernment grants and another $7 mil-
lion generated for local businesses.
Of the four projects eligible for
grants, Rural Water Quality Tech-
nician Anne Loeffler says, the fenc-
ing of waterways to keep livestock
out has gained popularity in recent
months.
This program is very easy to sell,
she says. Participation has spread
by word of mouth. Farmers talk to
each other at farm shows or other
gatherings. At first, there were
pockets of involvement, now the
program is fairly evenly spread
across the region.