Innovative Farmer of the Year Winner: Tom Barrie

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Comment by Joe Dales on March 3, 2014 at 8:30am

Bowmanville grower receives 2013 Innovative Farmer of the Year award 

 

MISSISSAUGA, ON, FEBRUARY 26, 2014 – Creativity and advancements in crop rotation systems in their no-till farming operation have earned Tom Barrie, a Bowmanville grower, and his team, the 2013 Innovative Farmer of the Year Award. Each year, BASF Canada and the Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario recognize an Ontario grower who promotes innovation and leadership in the agriculture sector to be named the Innovative Farmer of the Year.

BASF Canada presented Barrie with the award at the Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario Conference at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn in London on February 25.

“BASF is proud to recognize Tom and the Barrie family as growers who implement an innovative and sustainable no-till farming operation,” said Trevor Latta, Business Representative for BASF Canada. “The operation’s use of soil protection practices is an excellent example of growers regenerating the landscape and farming for the future.”

Barrie, who farms with his brothers Steve and Glenn from Gordon Barrie & Sons, rotates corn, soybeans and canola followed by winter wheat which is under-seeded with red clover.

Now in their 21st year of no-till farming, their commitment to improving the efficiency on their farm has led to a crop rotation system that has improved soil structure, lowered fuel costs and equipment needs, and reduced trips over the field. Creating this system has made it easy for Barrie and his brothers to formulate cropping plans.

“Adapting technology and cropping methods on our farm has led to great success with crop quality and yield,” said Barrie. “We’re always striving to find better methods to prevent soil erosion and maintain the land. I think the future of agriculture will bring crops that can free up trapped nutrients and tolerate colder and wetter soils for early planting.”

For more information visit www.ifao.com.