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Forage Program - Manitoba
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) - Manitoba
Photo: Ducks Unlimited Canada
Program Summary
Ducks Unlimited Canada Manitoba's Forage Program provides support for landowners to develop forage crops. This cost-shared program provides a per acre payment towards the costs of seeding perennial forages on previously cultivated land. The program enhances the quality of grazing but also positively impacts biodiversity by creating better habitats for local wildlife.
Program characteristics
Province
Manitoba
Natural Features
Wildlife Habitat, Native Grasses
Agriculture Type
Cropland
Program Scope
Provincial
Conservation Approach
Restoration, Beneficial Practices
Incentive Type
Payment for Practices / Conservation / Credits, Cost-sharing / Discounts, Technical Advice
Delivery Agent Type
NGO
Commitment Type
Land Conservation / Protection, Management Agreement, Restoration / Re-seeding / Conversion
Commitment Term
Short Term (1 to 10 years)
Program web site
Conservation Goals
The goal of DUC's Forage Program is convert 125,000 acres (50,585 hectares) of cropland to grass and pasture across the Prairies by 2025. Forage crops increase wildlife habitat, enhance water quality, increase carbon storage, help protect against soil erosion, and aid in retaining the land’s nutrient values.
Eligible Lands
Eligible lands for this program include cultivated lands in DUC's Target Areas. See https://www.ducks.ca/resources/landowners/forage-program/
For DUC's Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba Target Area maps.
Additional Details
5-year program of DUC aims to convert 125,000 acres of cropland to grass and pasture across the Prairies by 2025.
Must be seeding of previously cultivated land.
Ten-year agreement has options for early exit.
DUC agrologists can provide seeding advice and create custom forage blends specific to field conditions.
Discounts on seed are available.
Commitment
Landowners must seed previously cultivated land into forage crops (hay or pasture).
Landowners sign a 10-year agreement with DUC to keep land in forage to maintain its ecological benefits.
Once established, the producer manages the forage stand how they see fit, with no restrictions on grazing or haying.
10-year agreements are pro-rated, allowing for early exit.
Contracts are not tied to land title.
Incentive
DUC Manitoba provides an incentive of $125/ac to convert cultivated land to hay or pasture. In addition, cash prizes are awarded to the top five establishments, and producers are eligible for top-ups for attending a forage agronomy seminar.
Contact Information
Manitoba landowners wanting more information can fill in the 'contact us' form at https://ag.ducks.ca/program/grow-more-forage/ or contact Alex Griffiths at 204-848-0514
Important to Know
DUC's Forage Program is supported by McDonald's Canada and Cargill who have contributed $1.25 million (which DUC has matched with $3.75). The goal of the program is to 125,000 acres (50,585 hectares) of cropland to grass and pasture by 2025.
Through this program, producers can access technical support from DUC to help establish the forage on your land.
Eligible on rented lands with landowner permission.
30-acre minimum to qualify. No maximum.
Rotation option after five years.
DUC recommends producers take advantage of Forage Establishment Insurance through Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC). DUC will cover premiums for signed agreements.
Producers are eligible for top-ups for attending a forage agronomy seminar.
Prizes for the season’s top establishments.
Prairie-wide information on this program is available at https://www.ducks.ca/resources/landowners/forage-program.
For a full list of DUC's programs in Manitoba, see https://www.ducks.ca/places/manitoba , or download their program guide at https://www.ducks.ca/assets/2024/12/2024_12_DUC_AllProgramsGuidebook_V2501_WEBFILE.pdf