Conservation Field Day at UTRCA’s Thorndale Demonstration Farm (UTRCA weekly, November 12, 2021)
On Wednesday, November 3, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff hosted a Conservation Field Day for the public at the UTRCA’s Thorndale Demonstration Farm. This 58 acre farm demonstrates various best management practices (BMPs) and showcases how to improve soil health and local water quality.
Brad Glasman, UTRCA Manager of Conservation Services, explained that, “The Thorndale Demonstration Farm is intended to demonstrate agricultural BMPs and showcase how they can improve soil health, water quality, and productivity. The goal is to provide examples of a suite of BMPs that you can use on your own farm property.”
UTRCA staff and partners showcased a range of BMPs, including controlled drainage, structural erosion control, blind inlets, and woody fencerows, as well as soil health and water quality research that is currently underway.
Even though it was a snowy day, more than 55 people attended including area farmers and landowners, contractors, students, UTRCA Board members, and staff from other conservation authorities. Karen Vecchio, Elgin-Middlesex-London MP, and Kelly Elliott, Deputy Mayor, Municipality of Thames Centre, also visited.
Partners for the demonstration farm include: Environment and Climate Change Canada; Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; ADS; Bluewater Pipe; Armtec; Hickenbottom Inlets; Agri Drain Corporation; McCutcheon Farm Drainage; Van Gorp Drainage and Excavating; Land Improvement Contractors of Ontario; and Upper Thames River Conservation Authority.
