Koonstra splits his time between education, and maintaining operations on his own farm | Photo by B. Shakyaver
When it comes to the next generation of farmers, they will be inheriting the land that we leave behind for them – something that Vanastra farmer Rick Kootstra is keenly aware of.
Kootstra, the farm manager for the Huron Soil and Crop Association, is not just a farmer; he’s a pioneer in sustainable agriculture, leading the charge in promoting no-till and strip till practices, cover crops, and cleaner water initiatives. He is instrumental in the operations at Huronview Demonstration Farm – a project in partnership with the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority and many others.
At Huronview, they work to educate farmers in Huron County and beyond on sustainable farm methods, conducting tile projects and experimenting with various tilling and planting methods, as well as rotating cover crops to improve soil quality on the land and water quality in rivers and streams.
Negotiating this relationship between conservation, and farming can be challenging – however, Kootstra says it’s essential.
Koonstra gives a tour to a group of agriculture students from F.E. Madill High School | Photo by B. Shakyaver
Kootstra is insistent that the practices they are implementing at Huronview are not experimental; they are mainstream. These practices can be applied anywhere in North America, making them practical and sustainable for long-term agriculture – his own farm operates with the same principles.
Photo by B. Shakyaver
Erosion control and water management, no-till and strip tilling play vital roles in achieving this goal.
Kootstra says that he hopes that these practices will become standard for generations to come, and considers good land management an investment in the future of agriculture.
To hear more from Rick, listen to the full interview below:
Written by: B. Shakyaver