New Video Series Will Showcase Effective Use of BMPs for Newfoundland and Labrador Farmers

Newfoundland Farmers will be able to watch expert-led demonstrations on Nitrogen Management best practices from farms across the province anytime, anywhere

On Farm Climate Action Fund

New Video Series Will Showcase Effective beneficial management practices for Newfoundland and Labrador Farmers

Farming has always involved various management skills that depend on many factors. If you are a crop farmer, you are thinking about irrigation, water, pest and weed control, harvesting, storage, and distribution. If you have a livestock farm, you are concerned with feeding, care of your animals, breeding, milking, and shearing. There is also the financial side, such as maintaining a budget, cost of production, equipment, labour, and complying with local regulations and safety protocols. The point is, running a farm is a multi-task management operation.

Adjusting to Climate Change

One of the most significant challenges to Canada’s agricultural industry has been the environment and learning how to adjust to climate change. In Newfoundland and Labrador, our traditional winters started at the beginning of November and would last until April and sometimes later, depending on Mother Nature. In today’s climate, fall has extended until late December, with spring happening a month earlier. 

Extended Farming Season in NL

What are some pros and cons when the farming season is extended? Some adverse effects of warmer temperatures involve higher pest and disease activity, pressure on water resources because of increased irrigation needs, and continuous farming without rest periods, leading to soil degradation issues. On the pro side, farmers can have an increased variety of crops because of the extended growing season, including those requiring longer maturation. The ability to plant and harvest two crops boost productivity and longer seasons increase yields because crops have more time to grow. 

Beneficial Management Practices (BMP)

Over the last 40 years, the Canadian agricultural industry has experienced a great deal of change. As a result, farmers need beneficial management practices to help them achieve sustainability and be stewards of the environment. This is why the sector strongly supports beneficial management practices, which are described as a science-supported, environmentally and economically sustainable method to optimize farming operations. These practices aim to protect natural resources, boost productivity, and minimize adverse environmental impacts. This fall, a video about nitrogen management will be filmed to showcase to Newfoundland and Labrador farmers why this BMP strategy is vital for sustainability. It will be the first of three BMP-related videos filmed on Newfoundland farms. The others to follow will involve cover crops and rotational grazing management. 

Video Learning

The agriculture industry has used videos as educational tools, and it is considered a staple mainly because they are hands-on. Most established farmers in Newfoundland and Labrador understand that nitrogen management is essential.  What better way to demonstrate new and innovative BMPs than having a visual example? 

Farmers can access expert knowledge from anywhere about crop, livestock, and dairy farmers across Newfoundland and Labrador's western, central, and eastern regions. The videos can be replayed and paused, enabling you to watch at your own pace, and revisit sections if needed. 

Farmers For Farmers is the new slogan of the NLFA.  The Agricultural Climate Solutions NL programs, NL Living Lab and OFCAF-NL, funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, are both programs to support the sustainability of agriculture in NL.

 If you want to learn more about BMPs, take advantage of our in-person workshops and virtual opportunities throughout the year. Check us out on our new website, and on social media. (Insert new OFFCAF website and social media links).