Latest news with #LouiseHeyming
Hamilton Spectator
10-07-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
GRCA program offers grants to tackle phosphorous runoff
New grant funding aims to prevent phosphorus runoff, which will support environmental protection projects and also assist farmers in their stewardship efforts. The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is now taking applications for its Grand River Priority Watersheds Phosphorus Reduction Program, which is targeted at farmers in the Nith River and Fairchild Creek subwatersheds to manage phosphorus losses from their fields. Phosphorus is one of the most important nutrients for plant growth, but excessive amounts can pollute waterways and trigger excessive algae growth. Phosphorus originates from both natural and human sources, including wastewater treatment plants, urban stormwater and agricultural runoff. 'With 70 per cent of our watershed in agricultural production, GRCA works with farmers to help them keep sediment nutrients in their fields and out of waterways,' noted the GRCA's Louise Heyming. The program will provide cost-sharing for several projects, including erosion control structures, retiring marginal land, planting stream buffers (trees) or fencing livestock out of watercourses. The funding is provided by the Canada Water Agency's Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative and focuses on preventing toxic and nuisance algae blooms in Lake Erie. 'While reducing phosphorus is the primary focus, this program has multiple benefits,' said Heyming. 'Projects to manage runoff and help maximize nutrient use efficiency will also help improve soil health, biodiversity and flood mitigation. What's good for farm productivity and sustainability is also good for landscape resilience and watershed health.' This will help farmers with stewardship and soil testing, as well as offset the costs of fertilizer. 'Fertilizer is costly, so helping them invest in and try out new practices that allow them to either test their soils more frequently, to see what's actually needed, and what nutrients are actually needed in the soil to balance with crop uptake,' she said. One farm participating in this program is Heritage Hill Farms, a dairy farm in New Dundee. Mary Ann Dore from the farm told The Observer that the funding will not only support new projects but also enhance the work they already do. 'Our agronomist is the one who brought the funding to our attention. We've been soil sampling for years, but with this funding, we could hire a company to do way more sophisticated scans of the fields,' said Dore. 'Now we have very detailed maps of our soil quality and can make better decisions on not only fertilizer application but seed rates when planting.' Dore noted that they were very interested in these scans of the field. 'It has been very helpful in making decisions going forward. Also, having funding for our agronomist to take that information and give us advice was also great because data is only helpful if you know how to use it.' Heritage Hill Farms has always kept an eye out for grants like this and has also implemented many that help with erosion. They have one of their fields that has a steep slope that now has berms and catch basins to help with erosion. 'Which has been amazing to see in action during a big spring rain/snow melt, as it manages the water and doesn't create large ruts in the fields like it did before.' They have also planted many trees on the edge of the field, while also working with Ducks Unlimited to dig two ponds in wet corners of the fields to create wetland spaces, added Dore. 'Farmers pride themselves as stewards of the land, but time and funding is always in short supply. Having not only the funding but also the advisors to help with the project is a key aspect of the project's success.' 'It would be very daunting for me to go out and decide to plant 300 trees. But a little funding, along with a tree specialist and a crew of tree planters to come and do the job, makes it a much easier decision to go ahead with the project,' said Dore. 'All of the staff that I've worked with over the years at GRCA and Ducks Unlimited have been great at setting us up for success, and I appreciate not only the funding but the support.' GRCA, with this round of grants being targeted towards the Nith River and Fairchild Creek, also has a municipal program that addresses sediment and nutrient loss from fields. If you are interested in the grants or the municipal program, go to . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
CTV News
27-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
New grant helps farmers fight phosphorus runoff
The Grand River Conservation Authority is offering funds to help farmers fight phosphorus runoff in the Grand River watershed. Phosphorus is a nutrient that maintains healthy ecosystems and helps plants grow, but excessive amounts can lead to harmful algal blooms which can hurt aquatic life and even produce toxins. The conservation authority is offering a grant to fund projects such as soil testing and crop nutrient planning, cover crops, erosion control structures, stream fencing and tree planting. The grant is a part of the Grand River Priority Watersheds Phosphorus Reduction Program, which supports farmers who use practices that keep phosphorus out of the water. The GRCA said the Nith River and Fairchild Creek subwatersheds have been identified as priority areas. 'Projects to manage runoff and help maximize nutrient use efficiency will also help improve soil health, biodiversity and flood mitigation,' said GRCA Supervisor of Conservation Outreach Louise Heyming in the release. 'What's good for farm productivity and sustainability is also good for landscape resilience and watershed health.'
