From the Fields to the Great Lakes

Transcription

1 From the Fields to the Great Lakes A team approach to increase conservation practice implementation and MAEAP verifications on farms in the Western Lake Erie Watershed Basin

2 MAEAP Mission Statement To develop and implement a proactive environmental assurance program that targets all size Michigan farms and all commodities, ensuring that farmers are engaging in cost effective pollution prevention practices and working to comply with state and federal environmental regulations.

3 Michigan Agriculture Facts Agriculture is the second largest industry in Michigan Michigan is home to more than 56,000 farms Michigan has 10 million acres of Farmland, 60% crops /40% Livestock Cropland covers 7.8 million acres, 3.2 million of those acers are in conservation tillage MAEAP verified Farms have stopped 1.5 million pounds of phosphorus and 875,000 Tons of sediment from entering waterways

4 Lake Erie the smallest of the Great Lakes is exposed to the greatest effects from urbanization and agriculture. Considered the walleye capital of the world, home of the Bass Masters Classic, world class perch fishing and the Warbler Festival, the lake supports a multi - billion dollar tourism industry.

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6 Field to Great Lakes Events Baysails Appledore Tall ship Sails partner with MAEAP providing introductory Great Lakes education MAEAP & Conservation Practices Conference at Stone Lab providing an in-depth look at the Science behind the harmful Algae Blooms Sandpiper Cruise on the Maumee providing a chance to continue the conservation conversation. Great Lakes Farm MAEAP Verification Promoting Conservation

7 Fields to the Great Lakes Events Making connections to protect and restore drinking water at the source Inspiration Innovation Action

8 MAEAP Water Quality Tall Ship Sail Workshops In 2011 began involving farmers and partners of ag in helping to hoist the mighty sails of the 85 wooden schooner Apple Dore and sail while learning more about current and emerging issues of water quality.

9 Show Me Since 2013 MAEAP Western Lake Erie Conservation Practices conferences have taken Farmers and Partners of Agriculture out to Stone Lab in the Lake Erie Islands, the conference day includes a Science Cruise photo courtesy of David Kay Photography

10 Learning the science behind the Harmful Algae Blooms and the need for increased Conservation Practices that protect water resources instills a greater understanding of the issues and a greater commitment to Conservation on the farm.

11 A visit at the water quality Lab and the Aquatic visitors center.

12 After seeing what is happening with Harmful Algae Blooms in Lake Erie I have committed to change my phosphorus management will see spring phosphorus applications with light incorporation Gary Service, Clinton, MI

13 Farmer s Advisory Committee "Farmers Engaging Farmers to Protect Water Quality Purpose To communicate benefits of conservation practices to the larger community To assist in educating landowners about BMP s To promote more conservation practice implementation To bring more farms to MAEAP verification

14 Farmer to Farmer Conservation Conversations are key

15 Farmer to Farmer we can encourage the implementation of more conservation practices in the field 4R Nutrient Stewardship Right Fertilizer Source Right Rate Right Time Right Place And then add Cover Crops, crop rotation, legumes and filter strips MAEAP Verification

16 We can make a positive impact We can It really is up to each of us Inject or band phosphorus Lightly incorporate 2-3 if possible Follow set back recommendations Utilize Variable rate applications Avoid broadcasting more P than needed for an upcoming crop Soil Test every 3 years Plant cover Crops Keep Records

17 Over 120 producers and growing

18 Everyone is responsible for helping improve water quality

19 You can make a difference!

20 Going forward to increase conservation on the Land that protects our Great Lakes

21 Promoting MAEAP Verificaiton Engaging Agricultural Community in implementing water resource protection Empowering, Equipping and Transforming the TEAM. Expanding Collaboration Amy Gilhouse (517)