Preserving and Conserving Agricultural Lands: A P.E.I. Perspective

Welcome to the farm of Ken and Donna MacLeod. This farm has been in the family for four generations. The farm is 440 acres 135 acres of mixed woodlands 270 acres of potential potato land 20 acres of poorly drained land 5 acres of farm buildings 10 acres of cottage development The MacLeod’s have decided to stop farming and rent the land as their “RRSP”. The farm has been well managed for many years but rules and regulations are changing!

Farm Rental Potential The farm covers some 440 acres of which 270 acres are currently in agricultural production. The potato land can be rented at $300/ac/yr. Grain land can be rented for $150/ac/yr Hay land can be rented for $75/ac/yr Pasture can be rented for $75/ac/yr

Farm Woodlot The woodlot covers 135 acres 90 acres mixed and hardwood forest Most is mature 45 acres white spruce Most is mature to over mature A stream runs through the mixed wood stand. The forest buffers an adjacent 10 ac cottage development from pesticide drift, manure smells, noise, and airborne soil. The hardwood area is part of a Scenic Heritage Road. The McLeods have not signed a protection agreement but they have left the trees standing for now.

Farm Woodlot The woodlot covers 135 acres 90 acres mixed and hardwood forest Most is mature 45 acres white spruce Most is mature to over mature A stream runs through the mixed wood stand. The forest buffers an adjacent 10 ac cottage development from pesticide drift, manure smells, noise, and airborne soil. The hardwood area is part of a Scenic Heritage Road. The McLeods have not signed a protection agreement but they have left the trees standing for now. Here is also potential to develop cottages along this scenic road.

Poorly Drained Farm Land The poorly drained lands cover some 20 acres Used for pasture and hay. Some of it could be drained and converted to row crops. (productivity is low-medium) This wet land provides habitat for several species of amphibians. It is a breeding place for mosquitoes The cost of drainage is $1200/acre.

Poorly Drained Farm Land The poorly drained lands cover some 20 acres Used for pasture and hay. Some of it could be drained and converted to row crops. (productivity is low-medium) This wet land provides habitat for several species of amphibians. It is a breeding place for mosquitoes The cost of drainage is $1200/acre.

Pertinent Farm Legislation Land Protections Act Individuals can only own 1,000 acres Companies can only own 3,000 acres Agricultural Crop Rotation Act Cannot row crop lands with 9% or greater slopes without taking conservation measures Cannot plant a regulated crop (potatoes) on the same piece of land more than once every three years Environmental Protection Act Buffers protect waterways from soil runoff and pesticides Must establish min.15M field buffer along any stream Buffer raises to 20 m for lands with greater than 5% slope Must leave a 20M forest buffer along streams and rivers.

High Sloped Lands Of the farm’s 270 acres of agricultural lands, some are categorized as having slopes of 9% or greater. some are 12% or greater This means that the McLeods must implement soil conservation strategies to meet their retirement needs.

High Sloped Lands Of the farm’s 270 acres of agricultural lands, some are categorized as having slopes of 9% or greater. some are 12% or greater This means that the McLeods must implement soil conservation strategies to meet their retirement needs.

Options Remove land from row crops Terracing Creating hedgerows and buffer zones Using cover crops Growing alternate crops Converting farm or forest land to other uses.

Your assignment! In order to help the MacLeods’ maximize their economic return from the rental of their lands and comply with the new legislation, prepare a Farm Plan which: Identifies the areas which are affected Identifies the McLeods land use options for each area Identifies the type(s) of land use management techniques they should use. Identifies where these options & techniques should be used.