Belleisle Hayfield Late Cultivar Research Project

Many waterfowl and other ground nesting migratory birds are lost each year due to the timing and frequency of hay cutting in agricultural fields. It is believed that delaying the timing and reducing the frequency of hay cutting can have a positive impact on the productivity of nesting birds. Unfortunately, Canada does not have Beneficial Management Practices that promote late haying and the benefits of late hay cultivars.

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has partnered with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Local Producers, Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, and Canadian Wildlife Service to study this topic further with the Belleisle Late Cultivar Research Project.

The study regards hayfields not only as habitat for wildlife, but also as crop for producers. This study explores how planting late maturing cool season cultivars impact biodiversity. The study will look for ways to reduce the number of ground nesting birds that die as a result of early hay cutting.

This study is in progress.