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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1984-03-21, Page 354 - The Farm Edition, Week of March 21, 1984 Duron County farmers tackle soil erosion through grassroots conservation Huron county's soil erosion problems are being tackled from. the roots up. About 20 farmers here are involved in Ontario's fust grassroots Soil and Water Conservation District to find ways to reduce erosion on their farms and at the same time, sustain high' yields. The District is, supported by four groups: the 300 -member Huron Soil and Crop Improvement Association, the Ontario Min- istry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) and the Ausable-Bayfield and Maitland Valley Conservation Authorities. Their efforts are co-ordinated by an executive committee and carried out by Conservation Agronomist Carol Thompson at the Clinton OMAF office. She is working with each farmer setting up on-farm plots to try minimum tillage practices, -terracing and ridge cultivation. "I'm encouraging farmers to try these methods themselves so they gain first hand experience and see results on their own farms." - "This give them confidence to use these methods again and talk positively about them with their neighbours." The District's grassroots approach is ideal, says Jim Arnold, assistant manager of soil management and conservation for OMAF's plant industry branch. "It allows farmers to tailor their conserva- tioikoethods to their area's unique soil conditions and erosion problems. Sharing special equipment is also possible when a small group of local farmers is involved - and that really cuts costs." Promoting new tillage practices also involves re-educating farmers, which is mpst easily done at a local level, he says. "Tillage and cropping practices are farmer dependent. They must fit into his system of operation, his soil type and his management style." "Promoting these at the local level helps farmers realize that a change in tillage and cropping practices is a must before structur- al controls can be completely effective." A 1982 OMAF study outlined to area farmers the need for a grassroots conserva- tion group, says Don Lobb, District chairinan who has been using conservation tillage practices on his farm for the past The District's grassroot approach is ideal, says Jim Arnold, assistant manager of soil management and conservation for OMAF's plant industry branch. a Go Soft& Save Money NORTHBROOK Water Softener for ONLY PMS INSTALLATIQN Find out just how economical soft water is. LIMITED OFFER -- CALL NOW! '1 fl LL1 AMAN!HE �! CALL COLLECT GODERICH 524-9571 three years. The study showed that erosion cost% Huron county $6.8 million annually in lost production - the second highest total erosion in the province. "The grassroots organization was also formed because area farmers were becomink increasingly concerned about yield losses due to erosion and were looking for leader- ship and technical expertise," he says. The District has held ,several , workshops and information meetings, including an on-farm conservation tour to interest farm- ers in conservation measures and show them how these can be used to save their soil, and at the same time sustain high yields. Tom Prout, general manager of the Ausable-Bayfield - Conservation Authority says the organization of the District is unique and he hopes other counties will follow Huron county's lead. "The District is similar to a co-operative. All agencies work together to set direction and policy and function as an information centre for farmers." He says the conservation authorities are working with farmers in the District to find ways to stop soil erosion from affecting water courses. 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