Ducks Unlimited Canada rewards Manitoba farmers for outstanding agronomy
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has recognized five farms in southwest Manitoba for exemplary techniques in establishing perennial forages.
The winning fields were judged to have the highest plant density, height, diversity and lack of weeds in new acres seeded in 2024 through DUC’s Forage Program. Landowners shared $10,000 in bonus incentives.
“To help make farms more profitable and sustainable, DUC provides programs and incentives for farmers who choose to restore and conserve habitat,” explains Alex Griffiths, lead agrologist for the Forage Program in Manitoba. “We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of these top producers who increased biodiversity on their land by converting cropland to grass.”
The Top 5
In 2024, landowners in DUC’s Forage Program seeded 5,200 acres in southwest Manitoba and received over $750,000 in incentive payments. Among the 47 farms which participated, these five were deemed to have the best establishments:
* Bridgeman Land & Livestock, Rapid City, MB.
* Bill and Nina Cowan, Hartney, MB.
* Ekford Ranch, Rossburn, MB.
* Blaine and Hilary Van Damme family, Baldur, MB.
*Greg and Pam Wesley, Carroll, MB.
“We truly live in pothole country,” says Blaine Van Damme, who operates a mixed grain and cattle farm with his family. “For us, there’s a ridge that’s always disappointing with grain farming so that’s what we wanted to get rid of. We did seed at a heavy rate which, I think, really does give you a better stand. I watched the DUC video on seeding tips and used all the varieties recommended so there’s lots of different species. And it turned out really well! We appreciate all the help we got from DUC.”
“We were struggling with some sour, salty areas and looking at options to get it back where we wanted and decided to go with grass,” explains Del Cowan, who accepted the Top 5 award with his father Bill. “We did not do a cover crop, but historically, we would have. Based on input from DUC, we didn’t. It turned out pretty good.”
A record of forage success
Farmers use perennial forages to feed livestock but environmental benefits include reducing soil compaction, building organic matter and increasing water-holding capacity. Perennial forages also capture and store more carbon than annual crops, which helps mitigate climate change. Research shows DUC’s Forage Program is helping bring back declining populations of grassland birds and waterfowl.
The Forage Program is a partnership with Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives and funded in part by Manitoba’s Conservation Trust. Participating farmers receive $125 per acre to plant forages with top-up incentives awarded for best agronomic practices. Custom seed mixes and on-farm advice are also offered. The average producer payment in 2024 was $12,500.
“We sowed a NorthStar seed blend at the end of May,” explains Dallas Kominko from Ekford Ranch. “I work for an ag retailer and sell three to four thousand acres of grass seed a year and I preach the importance of putting the seed in the soil without a nurse crop. We went with a real high rate – 17 pounds per acre. We got a good catch. Cut it in mid-August and we had a heck of a regrowth.”
DUC’s Forage Program is offered in all prairie provinces. Introduced in Manitoba in 2015, the program has helped 433 farmers establish 39,000 acres of forage. DUC also funds research into hay establishment practices evaluating variables including seeding rate, use of cover crops and phosphate application.
“DUC is led by science,” explains Griffiths, “and our success with forages is science-backed and field tested.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Ducks Unlimited Canada has recognized some of their top farming partners who have established perennial forage stands including (l. to r.) Natasha, Alex, Mitch and Brianne Herkert, Blaine and Hilary Van Damme of Baldur.
