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Photo: George Stalker
In the Vulcan County, the AESA program began as a part-time effort. The initial successes of the program, combined with increased interest by local producers, have led to an expansion of the program to full-time. Over the next three years, the Vulcan County expects to expand the program even more.
“The two core areas that we are focusing our AESA program on are improving pasture and cropping management practices,” explains Shilo Andrews, Conservation Technician. “Integrated into both of those areas is nutrient management, with manure management related to good pasture management, and fertilizer management related to good cropping practices.”
Producers are encouraged to get involved through information provided in regular newsletters, and a weekly local newspaper column that focuses on timely conservation and sustainable agriculture issues. “I prefer to provide the information to producers and then work with them one-on-one,” says Andrews. “By having the producers come to me and working with them one-on-one, it’s their decision to make the changes and that is the way it should be.” If Andrews sees some serious issues, she will approach the landowners, but generally prefers to have them come directly to her.
Some of the current demonstrations around the County include wildlife demonstrations, a salinity reclamation demonstration and several different types of shelterbelt demonstrations. “We recently put up six hawk nesting platforms around the County, and are hopeful we will have some success with those,” says Andrews. “I’m planning to hold a Native Pasture Assessment Field Day this summer, which provides the opportunity for producers to learn how to identify plants and to be better able to assess the health of their pastures.”
Andrews does hold some workshops, and finds that most of the producers that attend are already very interested in doing something. “I follow-up and work with those producers individually,” says Andrews. “I also provide technical assistance to the Alberta Environmental Farm Plan Company Program, which puts me in contact with a broader group of producers in the County. It’s a good tool to get my name out there and let them know what I’m here for.”
The Vulcan County AESA program will continue to focus on the two core areas of good pasture and good cropping practices. “We plan to expand the program over the next three years, with an increased focus on pasture management, and a higher priority on soil testing,” explains Andrews. “I’m trying to encourage producers to have a better understanding of what’s in their soils, so they can manage nutrients better.” They may be able to reduce inputs where appropriate, or increase inputs to achieve higher yields, or better utilize their manure resources.
Andrews is beginning to see successes with their program efforts. “I think the best way to achieve success in our area is knowing the local producers and the feel of the County,” she says. “I think working with producers one-on-one, and providing lots of support and follow-up to make sure they are getting the information and assistance they need works the best in this area.” Andrews is looking forward to the further expansion and increasing commitment of local producers to practice change in the Vulcan Country over the next three years of the AESA program.
For more information, contact:
Shilo Andrews at (403) 485-2241 or email: aesatech@vulcancounty.ab.ca |
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