UTRCA Staff Host OPACA Members at Thorndale Demonstration Farm

In August, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) stewardship staff participated in the Ontario Professional Agri-Contractors Association (OPACA) car tour along with custom operators, farming equipment representatives, and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs staff. The tour included stops at the ADS Canada manufacturing plant, A&L Canada Laboratories soil testing facility, and the Thorndale Demonstration Farm.  

At the demonstration farm, stewardship staff alongside drainage contractor, Ken McCutcheon, highlighted the farm’s suite of Best Management Practices (BMPs) including contoured controlled drainage, water and sediment control basins, pollinator garden, block tree planting, and field windbreaks. Valuable conversations were had surrounding the design and implementation of these BMPs, as well as plans for additional features on the property. There was also great interest in the monitoring program currently underway by UTRCA staff to assess the impacts of controlled drainage on storm water retention and runoff nutrient reduction. Thank you to OPACA for including UTRCA in the tour! 

Contact: Beth Wrona, Agricultural Stewardship Technician