How to Protect Your Crops from Canada Geese in the GTA Greenbelt

As we continue to learn how detrimental to our health processed foods are, protecting local food production is becoming more important and more necessary. Ontario farmers work hard all summer long, but they are often faced with significant challenges when it comes to pest birds, such as Canada Geese. If you are a farmer and find your fields invaded by geese, this article is for you.

How Can I Protect My Crops from Canada Geese in the GTA Greenbelt?

The short answer is by partnering with an experienced goose control company and by implementing a multi-faceted, adaptive geese management plan for your farm that integrates a number of deterrence methods over months or even years. But, let's look at this in more detail:

The Importance of Ontario's Greenbelt

• “Greenbelt” is a general term used to describe natural, undeveloped, and/or agricultural lands that surround urban areas. These lands may include open spaces, parks, forests, farms, vineyards, and wetlands. Currently, the Greenbelt protects over two million acres of land and nearly 40% of this acreage is farmland. 
  
  
• Greenbelt areas act as natural buffers during wildfires and provide essential groundwater during droughts. They add to biodiversity, help balance ecosystems, and offer refuge in nature for many of us city dwellers. And, much of our local, organic food is grown here.
  
  

The Impact of Canada Geese on GTA Greenbelt Agriculture

Large flocks of Canada geese are a familiar and often welcome sight for many, signaling the arrival of spring and summer but their invasion of agricultural fields can be devastating to the crops, the farmers, and by extension our local food supply. Geese foraging in large numbers are capable of consuming 30 acres of wheat, cover crops, or alfalfa fields in just a day or two.

• Loss of Production
  A large flock of geese can decimate entire fields and render the harvest moot;
  
  
• Financial Loss
  Ontario farmers are already stretched to the limit - a single season of crop destruction and the cost of replanting can spell the end of century old family farms;
  
  
• Quality Degradation
  Even if the crop isn't outright destroyed, grazing geese still diminish crop yield and quality;
  
  
  

Why Canada Geese Are a Growing Problem for Greenbelt Farmers

• General Overpopulation of Canada Geese
  As geese are adapting to life alongside humans and learn to not just survive but thrive in urban environments and surrounding greenbelts, the geese population is exploding. More goslings than ever survive their first few years of life and reproduce;
  
  
• Goose Behaviour & Diet
  Canada geese show a distinct preference for tender, young crop shoots and grasses;
  Due to their high metabolic rate geese have a constant need for foraging;
  Geese have an intricate social structure and gather in large flocks which cause extensive damage quickly;
  Farm fields offer open areas and a clear line of sight, often with nearby access to water;
  
  
• Seasonal Vulnerabilities of Crops
  Spring: Emerging seedlings (corn, soybeans, and wheat) are available early and highly palatable;
  Summer: Geese graze on leafy greens, specialized crops, and newly harvested fields;
  Fall/Winter: Resident geese graze on winter wheat, cover crops, and gleanings;
  
  
• Impact Beyond Consumption
  Even smaller flocks damage plants and soil by trampling and compaction:;
  Droppings can contaminate crops, affecting marketability and food safety;
  Agricultural fields inadvertently provide ideal goose habitats.
  
  

The Impact of Geese on Crops

• Direct Damage
  Grazing, trampling, uprooting seedlings - crop destruction in the current year;
  
  
• Indirect Damage
  Soil compaction, fecal contamination, and the introduction of pathogens can threaten future growing seasons;
  
  
• Economic Costs 
  Yield loss and replanting costs plus insurance complications put further strain on farmers;
  
  

Legal Limitations: What Farmers Can and Can’t Do

• Canada geese are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA);
  
  
• It is illegal to harm geese, their eggs, or nests without a permit;
  
  
• ALL Canada goose control methods require a permit from the Canadian Wildlife Service before work begins;
  
  
• Failure to obtain the necessary permits will result in charges and fines.
  
  

Proven Strategies for Goose Control on Farmland

Falconry (Birds of Prey)

• Falconry is the most natural and effective agricultural goose deterrent;
  
  
• Geese recognize raptors as predators and instinctively avoid areas where eagles are active;
  
  
• Falconry for goose control is particularly effective during planting, early growth, and pre-harvest stages.
  
  

Trained Working Dogs 

• Dogs mimic natural predators by chasing and herding geese without harming them;
  
  
• Dogs work well in large fields and open areas where human presence is limited;
  
  
• Their unpredictable movement and persistent presence discourage geese from returning;
  
  
• Dog patrols are most effective when used daily or at regular intervals.
  
  

Pond Management and Water Access Control

• Install pond wiring or fencing to limit water access, which geese rely on for safety;
  
  
• Use natural vegetation buffers to obstruct entry and discourage nesting nearby;
  
  

Laser Deterrents for Dusk/Dawn Activity

• Green lasers are effective at low-light times (early morning/evening);
  
  
• Geese perceive lasers as a physical threat and move away—works best when not overused and rotated with other methods;
  
  

When to Start Goose Control for Your Greenbelt Farms

• Early Spring
  Start your falconry program early to prevent nesting and feeding;
  
  
• Summer
  Continue with falconry and dogs, and consider adding other control methods to discourage aggressive feeding;
  
  
• Fall
  Deter pre-migration flocks from settling in fields by continuing your geese control efforts;
  
  
• Year-Round
  Canada Goose control is an ongoing venture. Your long-term geese management plan should be flexible and able to quickly adapt to your needs.
  
  

Benefits of Hiring Licensed Goose Control Professionals

Experience with Permits

Experienced, licensed, and insured goose control professionals can assist with obtaining the proper and necessary permits and avoid legal fallout.

Long-Term Goose Control Strategies

They will also help you devise a long-term goose management plan that is tailored to your property and needs. 

Expertise and Resources

You'll want to look for a company with a commercial falconry license, expert falconers on staff, and the right kind of birds for goose control (eagles). The birds of prey need to be large in order to pose a threat to geese. If dogs are used, they need to be well trained and have experienced handlers.

Protect Your Crops with Hawkeye’s Goose Control and Removal Services

You value your investment of time and money - and so do we. We want to see you have a successful and bountiful harvest. Don't expose your crop and hard work to the threat of a hungry flock of geese.

If you're' dealing with Canada geese on your farmland, don't wait until it's too late to get rid of the geese - contact the licensed goose control experts at Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control today for an assessment and let's protect your harvest for many seasons to come.

Our goose control and removal services are available all across the GTA, including Toronto, Aurora, Scarborough, Newmarket, Brampton, Mississauga, Pickering, Georgetown, and many more locations.