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Agriculture, Our Cottage and Us:How We Can Make A Difference

Photo Credit: Saskatchewan Watershed Authority

Photo Credit: Saskatchewan Watershed Authority

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The Economic Importance of Agriculture In Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Agri-Food exports made up 35% of total Saskatchewan exports in 2002.

Crops

Livestock

ProcessedProducts

Source: SK Ag, Food and Rural Revitalization

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Partners Helping Producers

Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Ducks Unlimited Canada Saskatchewan Network of Watershed

Stewards Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

PFRA

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Nutrients

Phosphate and Nitrogen Plant and animal nutrients Create algal blooms Blue-green algae blooms can be toxic to

humans and livestock

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Sediments

Occurs naturally; our activities speed it up. Suffocates fish, their eggs and their habitat. Reduces storage capacity in lakes and

reservoirs. Sediments carry always carry nutrients and

may carry toxins and other pollutants Clogs dams and ruins machinery.

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Pathogens

Infectious diseases that are transmitted through animal and human feces.

Pathogens can make humans very ill. Also destroy invertebrates that are a part

of fish diets.

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Pesticides

Move through water, air and soil to reach our water

Non-specific herbicides kill native vegetation as well as weeds

Non-specific insecticides kill invertebrates that fish feed on

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How Producers Are Helping

Zero-till or conservation tillage: reduces or eliminates tilling crop land

Grazing Management: keeps shorelines green, reduces erosion and protects water quality

Volunteer water monitoring: keeps track of substances entering the water

Photo Credit: Saskatchewan Watershed Authority

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A Buffer Zone- The Best Idea

Buffer Zones can remove between 70-96% of pollutants entering your water

Keep your septic systems in check

Avoid using pesticides and fertilizers

Photo Credit: Saskatchewan Watershed Authority

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It All Boils Down To…

Photo Credit: Saskatchewan Watershed Authority

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With Thanks

Canadian Nature Federation & Government of Canada Voluntary Sector Initiative, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Fish Habitat Stewardship-in-Action Program- Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

PFRA