Renewed partnership pays Alberta farmers $100 an acre to convert marginal cropland

By Your Southwest Media Group

Ducks Unlimited Canada and Pheasants Forever Canada have renewed a two-year agreement that pays southern Alberta producers to convert unproductive cropland into perennial cover.

The deal extends the Marginal Areas Program, run by Ducks Unlimited Canada. Producers enrolled in the program receive a base incentive of $50 per acre from Ducks Unlimited Canada, with a $50 per acre top-up from Pheasants Forever Canada. That brings the total to $100 per acre to establish perennial cover on marginal cropland.

Pheasant pair.

To date, 81 producers have converted 3,718 acres to perennial cover under the program. Another 339 acres of wetlands and 1,294 acres of native uplands have been retained through Marginal Areas Program agreements. Those habitats will remain intact for a 10-year term.

The program uses precision agriculture technology to help producers identify marginal areas on their land. Participants also receive forage establishment advice to support long-term productivity of seeded areas.

"Partnerships like this are key to delivering meaningful conservation outcomes on working landscapes," said Craig Bishop, senior lead, agriculture, with Ducks Unlimited Canada. "By aligning environmental goals with on-farm economics, we're creating solutions that benefit both producers and wildlife."

Perennial cover provides habitat for upland game birds including grey partridge, ring-necked pheasant and sharp-tailed grouse. It also supports waterfowl, pollinators and other wildlife. Additional benefits include improved soil health, water quality and carbon sequestration.

"These marginal areas are critical habitat for upland game bird survival," said Perry McCormick, president of Pheasants Forever Canada. "Working together allows us to expand our impact and reach producers who can do a lot to help keep these smaller pockets of habitat available for wildlife and the ecosystem services they provide."

Producers can learn more about the Marginal Areas Program by calling Ducks Unlimited Canada at 1-866-479-3825 or visiting ag.ducks.ca/program/marginal-areas-ab.