2022 Forage Guide | Page 30

Pollinators at work

Pollinators are critical to our ecosystem and growers like you can make a big difference by making sure there are plenty of flowers for them to feed on . Pollinator mixes are available in both annual and perennial versions .
Benefits
• High-quality nutrition : The protein-dense pollen of legumes can aid in the development of bee larvae .
• Nitrogen fixing : Legumes provide their own nitrogen by fixing it from the air while also providing some to non-nitrogen-fixing neighbours .
• Soil health : Mixes provide food to micro-organisms that improve soil health .
• Cover crops : Many of these plants are used as cover crops and as green manure crops , protecting the land from soil erosion and adding organic matter to the soil .
• Extended bloom period : These plants ( except timothy ) bloom for lengthy periods , and the perennials will continue to bloom throughout the season with good management practices .
• Beneficial insects : Establishing perennial pollinator habitats also helps other beneficial insects which can enhance natural pest control in the crop .
Pollinator mixes are available in 22.7 kg and 10 kg bags . Ask your Nutrien Ag Solutions retail about our annual and perennial pollinator mixes .

Forage incentive program

Ducks Unlimited Canada has an incentive program for qualifying producers to assist in conversion to perennial forages . Producers interested in participating in the program could receive financial benefits to establish perennial forage stands on their land . These perennial forages bring high production value for hay or grazing operations , while contributing to conservation of environmental goods and services that benefit their communities .
“ Nutrien Ag Solutions ' Proven Seed forage line is a diverse collection of premier products that exceed industry standards for quality and can accommodate any soil characteristics , production requirements or expectations for a wide range of growing factors across the Prairies . Proven Seed ’ s superior product will meet any producer ’ s needs , whether in drought or wet conditions , while providing top-notched customer service . This is why Ducks Unlimited Canada has partnered with Nutrien Ag Solutions for over a decade to help deliver our forage program .”
Craig Bishop , DUC Senior Lead , Agriculture For more information and to discuss qualifying terms , visit ag . ducks . ca or call : Alberta • Craig Bishop • 403.607.5805 • c _ bishop @ ducks . ca Saskatchewan • Provincial office • 1.866.252.3825 • DU _ Regina @ ducks . ca Manitoba • Alex Griffiths • 204.848.0514 • a _ griffiths @ ducks . ca
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