Where To Go For Information

There are many good sources of information on environmental concerns in agriculture: resource centres of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, local groups or associations of the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, local Conservation Authorities and the University of Guelph.

Other groups also believe that farming can be environmentally responsible and yet remain profitable. Check with your suppliers, universities, agricultural colleges, farm organizations and consulting firms for information on conservation farming.

And finally, other producers can offer help.  Attend workshops, take advantage of farm tours and talk to your neighbours about the practices that they use.

Local farm and conservation organizations conduct tours throughout the growing season. Tours help producers see how others deal with similar problems.

Farm tours are a great way to find out what others are doing.

Hands-on learning is best. To choose the most appropriate management practice, producers must see how others have made it work. Most producers are happy to share experiences.

Environmental farm planning workshops give opportunities to learn during the winter months. Workshops look at production agriculture and environmental quality.

Best Management Practices: A First Look