Search
Better Farming OntarioBetter PorkBetter Farming Prairies

Better Farming Ontario Featured Articles

Better Farming Ontario magazine is published 11 times per year. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Livestock producers face predator pressure

Monday, December 18, 2017

Farmers requesting financial support for reasonable care plans

By Kaitlynn Anderson
Staff Reporter

Wildlife predation is such a pressing issue for the province's producers that the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) may ask the government for more assistance.

At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in November, the Leeds Federation of Agriculture put forth a resolution to the OFA related to reasonable care plans used to help avoid wildlife kills. Specifically, the resolution centred on lobbying the provincial government for grants to help farmers implement these plans.

The members passed the resolution, which means that the board of directors will discuss the topic further, according to Neil Currie, general manager of the OFA.

Reasonable care plans require producers to "identify all implemented and planned investments, services retained and farm management practices employed to mitigate predation on their farm premises," according to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).

The plan, which must be completed by a producer once he or she submits five compensation applications to the government in one calendar year, is then reviewed by OMAFRA.

While these plans are a part of the compensation process, they can be costly for producers to implement.

"In most cases, for sheep and beef farmers, these plans include fencing," said Currie. "At the AGM, one sheep farmer indicated he would have gone out of business without financial assistance to help put up the amount of fencing required."

So, the OFA would like to help farmers obtain such funding.

"Assuming the board passes the resolution and takes action on it, we will develop a plan to approach (the subject)," said Currie.

If approved, the organization will examine current guidelines and criteria, collect evidence, determine possible expenses and lobby the provincial government for support, he said.

Anderson Beef

    Photo credit: Kaitlynn Anderson photo

Kim Sytsma, a cow-calf producer and president of the Leeds Federation of Agriculture, hopes that farmers will be able to receive funding for prevention tools in addition to compensation for wildlife kills.

"While the predation compensation program provides fair market value for animals on approved predation applications, it does not provide funding to assist farmers in preventing future incidents that result in financial loss," said Sytsma.

"Mitigation tools and services, such as predator fencing, noise makers, guard animals and the use of hunters or trappers to remove problem predators are costs that must be borne by producers themselves. A grant program to support these types of initiatives could help prevent or reduce future predation issues on farms and would subsequently reduce the draw on the compensation program."

Sytsma, who grazes her cattle on large tracks of marginal land, has had experience with predators.

While her land is ideal for grazing cattle, it is also a prime location for wildlife to thrive in, she said.

Even though she checks on her cattle at least three times every day, she still finds many of her livestock being killed by predators.

One summer, a predator killed several calves over a few days, so Sytsma hired a trapper. Ten days later, the trapper captured the problem predator.

Unfortunately, Sytsma lost even more calves during that period.

When she submitted her claims, they were denied.

By adopting a more proactive approach, the government could ensure stories like Sytsma's become less common.

In the meantime, a lack of an efficient program may drive producers out of the industry, she said.

"Two of my neighbours sold their (livestock) because of predators and the failure of a program to compensate (for the) kills." BF

Current Issue

October 2024

Better Farming Magazine

Farms.com Breaking News

Getting your swine barns ready for the cold weather

Saturday, October 5, 2024

As the cold weather approaches, swine producers can perform barn maintenance checks now to help ensure a healthy environment for the fall and winter seasons. Mark Oberreuter, a System Design Engineer for AP (Automated Products, an AGCO company), recommended the following checklist... Read this article online

Meristem unveils new liquid BIO-CAPSULE technology

Friday, October 4, 2024

Byline: Denise Faguy Meristem Crop Performance has unveiled its new patent-pending LIQUID BIO-CAPSULE TECHNOLOGY, promising significant advantages for crops and farmers alike. This innovative delivery system aims to enhance the effectiveness of microbial products while ensuring they... Read this article online

FeedFlo makes it easier

Thursday, October 3, 2024

FeedFlo is a Winnipeg, Manitoba-headquartered company that offers what it says is the world’s only on-pipe feed sensor. The same-named on-pipe feed sensor, , tells operators exactly how much feed is being delivered to the animals so one can be sure that every pig in the barn is well... Read this article online

Who’s ready for advanced ag leadership?

Thursday, October 3, 2024

The () is now accepting applications for , which begins in September 2025. During the executive leadership program, up to 30 individuals will embark on a personal journey to realize their potential while exploring agriculture, food, and rural economic development from the local to... Read this article online

Ontario Farms Fill Your Thanksgiving Table

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Fresh Local Produce Stars in Ontario’s Fall Festivities Ontario’s farms are bustling with activity, providing an abundance of fresh produce just in time for Thanksgiving. This season, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local flavour and tradition that define Ontario’s... Read this article online

BF logo

It's farming. And it's better.

 

a Farms.com Company

Subscriptions

Subscriber inquiries, change of address, or USA and international orders, please email: subscriptions@betterfarming.com or call 888-248-4893 x 281.


Article Ideas & Media Releases

Have a story idea or media release? If you want coverage of an ag issue, trend, or company news, please email us.

Follow us on Social Media

 

Sign up to a Farms.com Newsletter

 

DisclaimerPrivacy Policy2024 ©AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Back To Top