Southern Indiana Business Report
SAINT LOUIS — The National Corn Growers Association has announced a new partnership with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever with a goal of increasing pollinator and wildlife habitat in corn-producing states. Initially, the partnership — funded by NCGA’s Production Technology Access Action Team — will focus on corn producers in Indiana, Iowa, Illinois and Ohio, with room for expansion down the road.
“Pollinator health is a leading sustainability issue in 21st-century agriculture,” said Ohio grower and PTAAT Vice Chair Patty Mann. “As public interest in pollinator health continues to increase, stakeholders in this discussion — our members and producers nationwide — have a critical role to play for implementation. By partnering with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, NCGA can assist growers with profitability and sustainability measures on their farms for win-win scenarios.”
Pollinators are essential to the health of upland bird habitat and supporting the broader ecosystem across corn-growing areas, which in turn, also supports the long-term prosperity of corn growers. When pollinator habitat is made a priority, farmers often also see soil and water improvements in developed areas of their property.
“NCGA looks forward to building this partnership to support long-term pollinator health,” said Mann.
Pollinating insects are an essential component in global food production. Approximately one-third of all food and beverage products need pollination, yet many species of native pollinators and domesticated honeybees are in decline. Habitat that provides a diverse mixture of native flowering plants of different colors, shapes and sizes is what’s needed to support the life cycle of many pollinator species.
“Not only is pollinator habitat good for the bees, butterflies and beetles, but it’s also excellent brood-rearing habitat for pheasants, quail and grassland songbirds,” said Chris Kallis, the director of corporate partnerships at Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “Pollinator habitat attracts soft-bodied insects that pheasant chicks and other ground-nesting chicks rely on for survival during the first six to eight weeks of life. Through this new partnership with the NCGA, we can simultaneously support pollinators, pheasant broods and an increased bottom line for corn producers.”
For more information about the pollinator partnership or to receive a complimentary field visit from a Farm Bill biologist, contact Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever by email at [email protected] or by calling Brent Rudolph, director of sustainability, at 517-980–4570.