Guest Contributor: Rachel Bush - Private Lands Conservation Programs Manager with Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has partnered with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever for the second year to help increase pollinator habitat on agricultural lands. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever is a non-profit conservation organization with a 40-year history of working with private landowners to help them meet their on-farm habitat goals. With over 250 field staff providing technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, and other private landowners in 35 states, they are the experts in creating high-quality habitat.
Creating high-quality pollinator habitat benefits more than just bees and butterflies. Many species of birds, including upland species like pheasants and quail, along with other wildlife species benefit from these areas, too. In addition, a well-planned pollinator habitat can increase biodiversity, sequester carbon, and reduce erosion which, in turn, leads to greater on-farm sustainability.
We are encouraging NCGA members to reach out to their local Pheasants Forever staff here to get started on creating high-quality pollinator habitat on your farm. Along with technical assistance on where and what to plant, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever staff will assist you in navigating cost-share and incentive-based programs to help you establish pollinator habitat.