Part of the current Growing Forward 2 ag policy framework helps with costs of implementing Beneficial Management Practices to reduce negative environmental impacts to soil, water and air.

The Swift Current Creek Watershed Stewards are part of this through the Agri-Environmental Group Plan. Dallas Peters, BMP Technician for the organization, says they can help local farmers and ranchers implement their BMPs.

"The stewards are a non-profit non-governmental organization," Peters said. "We promote education and awareness to all users of the Swift Current Creek and the watershed area, so being able to educate to assists landowners in implementing these BMP's is a great way to educate and help access the funding through the AEGP." 

Peters adds farmers can receive funding for their BMPs from Growing Forward 2 through the Farm Stewardship Program and Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program, as well as another rebate program for BMPs to help protect high-risk saline and erodible soils.

She adds there is also another program assisting BMPs helping protect high-risk saline and erodible soils.

"This one covers 50 percent of your eligible costs up to $10,000," Peters said. "The land in question must meet qualifications in either the soils type, erodability and or salinity, so RAGP allows us to help with any applications and to determine if the land will qualify."  

Information on these programs can be found on the Watershed Stewards’ website (sccws.ca), or by calling their office at 306-770-4606.