Manitoba initiative looks at how regenerative agriculture affects bird populations, species at risk as well as biodiversity
Bird experts across the province have partnered with the Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association to conduct its second annual bird survey.
Tim Poole, species at risk biologist with the provincial government, and Marissa Bedard and Meredith Stoesz from Important Bird Areas, recently wrapped up field visits to nine regenerative agriculture farms operated by members of the MFGA.
On these farms, producers focus on healthy soil practices including no-till/minimum tillage techniques, cover crops, crop rotation, using compost and manure, and managed grazing.
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Last year, the first bird survey provided information on how these practices affect different bird species. Bird populations across four farms in western Manitoba were counted.
With nine farms involved this year, the next steps for the survey will see researchers collate information into a report on species and specific on-farm practices – particularly those involving soil health – and landscape scope, including grasslands and wetlands.
“There’s a real distinct reason we’re doing this … and a real particular interest in getting those benchmarks via biodiversity of the bird populations and abundance, and then collating that to how our people are farming when it comes to soil health,” said MFGA executive director Duncan Morrison. “It’s getting that information that doesn’t exist on a wide number of regen-ag practising farms.”
MFGA uses the survey to understand and highlight the link between soil-focused agriculture practices and intact natural habitats for birds, with a special emphasis on species at risk such as bobolink and Sprague’s pipit.
The federal government has emphasized the importance of biodiversity in its 2030 National Biodiversity Strategy, created through Environment and Climate Change Canada in 2023.
“The federal government has told us that biodiversity is important to our nation, and we’re responding to the signals we receive from Environment Canada, who say biodiversity may be a climate change mitigation tool,” Morrison said.
“It seems likely they’re pursuing that in their approach, and we’re listening. We’re trying to make sure that our farmers are properly represented in the provision of biodiversity.”
Though no official report has been released, experts said this year’s survey results show positive numbers. Jacques Saquet, an MFGA board member and bison farmer, had a positive experience taking part in the survey.
“What a tremendous morning to carry out a bird survey,” he said in a July 19 bulletin sent by MFGA. “We had lots of mosquitoes, no wood ticks because of heavy dew on the tall grasses, and the best bonus of the outing — five adult female wapiti with three young.”
A variety of birds were found on each farm that has taken part in the survey, Morrison said, including species at risk. More information on the results will be announced soon.
