The recent advancements in agricultural practices and technology are astounding but not useful unless implemented in the field. There tends to be a disconnect between scientific advancements and farming practices, particularly in Saskatchewan where farmers tend to be resistant to the adoption of novel Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs). Dr Mervin St Luce, a research scientist for Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, recommend the use of BMPs, which are typically soil saving measures including; direct seeding, variable rate nutrient management and cover cropping. The efficacy, ecological importance, and economic benefits of BMPs are irrefutable but still some Saskatchewan farmers resist the adoption of soil conserving methods.
Jim Tokarchuk, the Executive Director for the Soil Conservation Council of Canada, has identified the barriers to the implementation of BMPs as being largely cultural. Farming practices fill the gap between science and culture, but the latter is rarely discussed or given validity. Cultural preferences, tradition and a tendency towards the status quo are often driving factors in decision making, even on large scale farming operations.
Hutterites, who are traditionally skeptical of new technologies, are often early adopters of BMPs and produce consistently higher yields and than the average conventional farmer in Saskatchewan.
To speak with any farmer during harvest, it is best to wait for a rainy day. While the fields of central Saskatchewan were drying, I spoke with Kenneth Kleinsasser, field manager of the Clear Spring Hutterite colony about farming, BMPs and how Hutterites are able to consistently produce high yielding crops.
The Clear Spring Colony prides itself on the intent of farming “generation to generation” says Mr Kleinsasser. They are farming the land for their children, and the care and inputs used on the fields reflect the intended legacy of the land. This long-term vision contrasts the reality of many farmers who’s children have no interest in taking over the family farm. Without a younger generation to takeover, farmers are forced to sell their land upon retirement. Investing in costly inputs and technology is certainly less appealing when the land will be out of the family shortly. This is particularly relevant to when deciding to invest in an intensive BMP like variable rate nutrient management, a costly endeavour with dividends not profitable for a few years.
Farming is an ‘honourable profession’ says Mr Kleinsasser, who describes farming as a lifestyle and profession that he is honoured to undertake. The paradigm adopted by a family or community impacts decisions in all facets of life, including work-life balance. On a Hutterite colony, farming is typically an all encompassing way of life that places high value on continued agricultural success. With such high importance placed on producing food in a sustainable manner, continued education is essential. Attending conferences, working with agronomists and reading relevant publications ensures that the Clear Spring Hutterite colony is well versed in the latest BMPs. Without a lifestyle conducive to pursuing continued education or the financial means to work with an agrologist, attaining fact-based information can be challenging for most farmers.
The discrepancies in researched BMPs and their practical application are evident each spring with many fields left bare to fallow, an outdated and soil damaging practice. Fallowing, like tillage, was at one time considered to be beneficial but has since been proven to harm the soil structure, nutrient content and ability to retain moisture. Without access to novel, science-based information, many farmers continue to farm the way that they have been taught, sticking to a familiar way of farming.
The implementation of BMPs is often more rooted in cultural beliefs and tradition than many would think. Realizing biases and a tendency to stick to familiar practices is a step towards and challenging pre-conceived notions and enacting a positive change.
"We need to build soil health and resiliency for future generations” says Dr St Luce. Soil health can be improved with adherence to BMPs while keeping a sustainable goal of multigenerational fruitfulness.