Huron County works to establish new best practices for the agriculture industry

Huron County’s farming community took center stage in a joint presentation by the Huron County Soil and Crop Improvement Association and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority – which took place at county council last week.

The presentation delved into cutting-edge drainage and soil management practices, pivotal for a county where agriculture constitutes a significant portion of the GDP. Despite the technicalities discussed, the essence was about innovation and leadership in the provincial agricultural landscape.

President of Huron County Soil and Crop Improvement Association, Wim Feddes, emphasized the aim to showcase sustainable farming practices that preserve soil health, reduce runoff and erosion without compromising yields. The Huron View Demo Farm played a pivotal role in demonstrating these best practices to inspire other farmers in Huron County.

Rick Kootstra, Farm Manager at Huronview, highlighted ongoing efforts to determine best practices for tiling, cover-cropping, and water management. These practices, including no-till, strip-till, and cover crops, have not only improved yields but also contributed to environmental sustainability.

Mari Veliz, Healthy Watersheds Manager with the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority, elaborated on initiatives to evaluate the efficacy of different tiling methods and contour control gates in managing water and reducing erosion. Collaborative efforts with the University of Guelph and other stakeholders are aimed at understanding groundwater conditions and their impact on water runoff.

Exploring innovative ways to utilize runoff water in farming, including runoff from sources like parking lots and golf courses, has become a focal point for agricultural sustainability according to Kootstra. The idea of diverting water rich in nutrients such as nitrates and potassium, typically found in runoff from golf courses, to crops that can benefit from these nutrients, presents an exciting opportunity for efficient resource management.

This concept aligns with the vision of creating an exemplary demonstration farm that showcases advanced agricultural practices and maximizes the use of available resources for the benefit of crop growth and environmental stewardship.

The presentation also touched on community contributions, such as donating a portion of corn sales to the Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre, showcasing the commitment of the farming community to give back.

Central Huron Mayor, Jim Ginn addressed the council once the presentation was complete.

Overall, the joint presentation highlighted the intersection of agriculture and conservation efforts, with a focus on sustainable practices, community engagement, and continuous innovation in Huron County’s farming sector.

Written by: K. Milhomens