Ontario’s farmland plays an integral role in keeping our local communities fed, which is one of the reasons why farmland protection is always at the forefront of our minds.
Have you ever wondered what is grown on our permanently protected farms? During the summer months we are able to visit all of our protected farms and see what’s growing on!
Hay has been one of the most prevalent crops we’ve seen so far this year with a total of six permanently protected farms growing hay. We love the look of a hay field blowing in the wind before it has been harvested, and we know that the Bobolinks and Eastern Meadowlarks we have observed on our properties love it too. Pastures and hay fields are important habitat for grassland birds like those, and in addition to hay, many of our farms also have pastures located on them!
Two of our farms are raising beef cattle this year, and on one of them we were even introduced to dwarf cattle! We love how curious the cows are when we are on our site visits.
There has been no shortage of animals on the farms, aside from all of the exciting wild animal sightings we have had, we have also seen sheep, chickens, llamas, horses, donkeys, (and not to mention many farm dogs and cats). It is always a buzz getting to see what our farmers are up to!
We have also seen many honey bee hives on our protected farms! Both honey bees and other native bee species are essential for pollination, and they can increase product yields by up to 24 percent.1 We have definitely seen our fair share of happy farmers with bees flying around their farmland. Four of our protected farms are currently bee keeping and making their own honey!
In addition to the above, our protected farms are also producing wheat, rye, corn, soybeans, apples, potatoes, pumpkins, currants, raspberries, and more.
Farmland helps to feed both the economy and our stomachs, and we are happy to know that our permanently protected farms will be able to do so forever. A special thank you to all of the farmers who welcomed us on our visits, and showed us how much good does grow in Ontario!
To read more about the farms we protect forever click here.
- Terramera. 2021. How regenerative agriculture can bring back bees and increase food security. https://www.terramera.com/blog/how-regenerative-agriculture-can-bring-back-bees-and-increase-food-security