Bowmanville grower receives Innovative Farmer of the Year award

CREATIVITY AND ADVANCEMENTS IN CROP ROTATION SYSTEMS IN HIS NO-TILL FARMING OPERATION EARNED TOM BARRIE THE 2013 INNOVATIVE FARMER OF THE YEAR AWARD.

The Bowmanville, Ont., native and his team was presented the award at the Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario Conference in February by BASF Canada and the Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario as a grower who promotes innovation and leadership in the agriculture sector.

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.

“Adapting technology and cropping methods on our farm has led to great success with crop quality and yield,” says 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.”

Now in their 21st year of no-till farming, the brothers’ 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.

“BASF is proud to recognize Tom and the Barrie family as growers who implement an innovative and sustainable no-till farming operation,” says 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.”