The Department of Fish and Wildlife, in partnership with the California Waterfowl Association (CWA) is currently accepting applications for two nesting bird programs: Delayed Cereal Grain Harvest and Fallow Agriculture. If you have winter planted cereal grains, winter planted cover crops or farm fields that will be left fallow this growing season, these programs could be a great fit for your operations. Below are key details for each program.
- This program provides an incentive to farmers that are willing to delay the harvest of their grain fields until at least July 15th. This allows ground nesting birds to hatch and exit the field before harvest occurs. Farmers are some of the best waterfowl conservationists in the state, and we’re excited to provide them with an opportunity to help boost our local mallard and pheasant populations.
- Payment rate is $50/acre and there may be opportunities for additional payments for increased monitoring activities.
- This program provides an incentive for farmers that are willing to delay the termination of the vegetation in fallow agricultural fields until July 15th or later. Eligible fields must have vegetation on over 50% of the field with an average height of at least 8 inches by April 1st.
- Acceptable nesting cover includes planted cover crops or volunteer vegetation.
- The program is compatible with water transfers and prevented planting insurance.
- Payment rates are $30/acre for fields with suitable volunteer vegetation and $110/acre for fields with established planted cover crops.
The application period is open until April 10, 2024 and applications must be filled out on the CWA Website. For questions, please contact Jason Coslovich at (408) 644-3525 or coslovich@calwaterfowl.org
