Looking at seeding forages on marginal land

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

As a landowner looking to seed marginal cropland to forage, it is worthwhile checking to see if your land qualifies for the federal government’s Land Conversion program.

“Producers must realize that this is really an environmental program, and only very marginal soils will qualify,” said Trevor Lennox, Forage Development Specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food in Swift Current.

In Saskatchewan, the Crop Insurance rating system is used to qualify land for this program, with land rated “L” or lower qualifying.

In order to take advantage of the program, producers must apply prior to Jan. 31, 2007. This will definitely be the last year for this program, and the land must be seeded in the spring of 2007 – no fall seedings will be covered in 2007.

Marginal soils are usually lacking in organic matter and have severe limitations for annual cropping. It is for these reasons that some people are choosing to seed native mixtures for forage. Native grasses have adapted to the harsh environmental conditions experienced on the Canadian Prairies and require very few inputs, as they have evolved under conditions of low fertility. Lennox said they are also becoming more affordable.

“In recent years, the seed cost for native species has come down significantly, with a simple mixture of four or five species being put together for approximately $50 per acre. When one considers that the native grasses will be there for several decades, it really is a viable option for producers to consider. When looking to plant native species, it is important to secure seed sources early, as supply of some species are limited,” said Lennox.

When putting together native mixtures, it is important to choose species that complement each other. Native species will behave similarly to tame species in that you will have some initial years of high productivity, followed by lower productivity as the stand comes into balance with nature.

Sending in an application does not guarantee acceptance. Producers must wait to hear back from Greencover Canada as to whether an application has been approved or not. The program pays producers $45 per acre to seed tame species and $100 per acre to seed native species. Upon completion of seeding, landowners will submit their seed bills and payment should follow shortly, with $20 per acre paid for tame grass and $75 per acre for native grass. Upon successful establishment of the forage stand, producers will receive the remaining $25 per acre.

If you feel this program would benefit your operation, further details and program applications are available on the website www.agr.gc.ca/greencover-verdir/applic_e.phtml, or phone 1-866-844-5620.

For more information, contact:

Trevor Lennox, Forage Development Specialist,
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Swift Current
Phone: (306) 778-8294