The Rural Voice, 1979-07, Page 5A wind break of poplars which U of G
thick and form an adequate barrier against the wind.
Other effective wind control devices are fences and triangular
earth berms.
The best fence to use is conventional snow fencing with
vertical openings and thin wood slats - it's economical, easy to
put up and remove and readily available. The rule of the thumb
in using fences as windbreaks is to use fences with vertical
spacing rather than horizontal spacing as found in rail fences and
commercial fencing_ .
When Planting windbreaks along the farmstead plan, the
arrangement of farm buildings has an effect on the control of the
wind. For example, the ridge of buildings should be in line with
the prevailing winds. Since most farmers have to work with the
existing buildings on the farm, it's important to remember when
adding buildings to space them at least 50 feet apart - partly for
fire protection and also because a narrow gap between the
buildings increases wind velocity, the "venturi" effect again.
The optimum distance of location of a wind barrier from the
building or area to be protected is 18 metres, with a minimur
distance of 10.5 metres and a maximum distance of 30 metres.
Now while windbreaks and shelter belts significantly reduce
the loss of heat from agricultural buildings, they can also effect
the comfort and weight gain of livestock housed in the building
or paddock outside. For example, a test conducted at the
University of Guelph showed that extremes of cold, high winds
on beef cattle contained in open front housing and beef cattle
without housing showed a decrease in weight of 2/10 pound per
day while those provided with shelter from the wind showed a
1/10 pound decrease per day over the same period of time or a 50
per cent advantage due to shelter from the wind.
Frank Theakston advises farmers planning a windbreak to
consult with either an OMAF staff member or with someone from
expert calls a poor choice.
the Ministry of Natural Resources if planting permanent
windbreaks.
Farm woodlots also provide another form of windbreak on the
farm. The one warning Prof. Theakston sounds is not to cut a
narrow trail through a woodlot, since this again increases rather
than reduces the effects of wind velocity. The professor said as
the energy situation in our country worsens, he expects to see
more people cutting trees in their woodlots to use as fuel.
Prof. Theakston believes "good planning and good planting"
go hand-in-hand when it comes to windbreaks. He said when
windbreaks and woodlots are handled properly they can prevent
damage by wind through erosion and save energy as well as
protecting livestock. He said farmers not only provide a natural
resource by planting trees but also improve the aesthetics of the
farm, which makes the property more valuable. But, he advises,
"if you're going to do it, do it right."
Farmers considering planting windbreaks for erosion control
might investigate the details of a new program called the Ontario
Farm Productivity Incentive Program which will provide farmers
with financial assistance in erosion control practices. Grants for
erosion control and alternative watering systems cover 40 per
cent of the eligible expenditures to a maximum of $1,500.
To be eligible a farmer's principal residence must be in
Ontario, he must own or lease the land on which the
improvement is to be made and his gross agricultural income
from the farm must have been at least $8,000 in the past 12
months. The program v'hich began in April, will run until March
31, 1984 and a brochure outlining the program can be picked up
at county OMAF offices.
WOODLOT MANAGEMENT
Now farmers aren't only planting more windbreaks, there's
THE RURAL VOICE/JULY 1979 PG: 3