The 2014 Farm Bill authorizes the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to pay you to do something that benefits you and the rest of the world – enhance pollinator habitat on your land!
Pollinators are a crucial part of healthy agricultural and natural landscapes. More than 30% of our food crops are pollinated by insects. Pollinators are also needed by 90% of all flowering plants, which in turn support all wildlife.
You’ve probably heard that populations of honey bees, native bees, and monarch butterflies are all in rapid decline. You can help support them by planting pollinator habitat, which helps you in three ways. It improves crop yields, reduces soil erosion while protecting water quality in streams and ponds, and in some cases gives you free assistance and money to do these things.
Example of practices:
• Whole field pollinator planting or pollinator plots
• Cover crops
• Tree/shrub plantings
• Field borders
• Filter strips
If you are interested in finding out more information, send an email to Lori Lenhart, District Conservationist, or call her at 513-732-2181 x3. Plant pollinator habitat, every little bit helps!