FoodTrust - Connections

Chemicals, some farms just can’t seem to get away from using them. But, it is nice to know that some farmers are doing everything they can to do just that.

Traditionally, farmers would spray entire fields with broad spectrum pesticides in the hope if deterring future pest problems. This resulted in a lot of chemical being applied needlessly.

Lori uses Integrated Pest Management methods to control pests in an efficient, environmentally sound way. She uses crop scouting services to identify the location of pest problems so she can target only those areas that have problems. The crop scouts also identify the pest so that Lori can use the most appropriate pesticide.

A crop scout looks through potato plants to find evidence of insects and disease. Sometimes they use a net to sweep the field looking for insects.

The Robinson family has also been involved in several trials of different equipment to eliminate certain chemicals altogether. Machines like flamers and freezers have been tested to attack insect pests and kill-down plants in the fall without the use of chemicals.

According the farm’s web site: “Robinson’s is continuously experimenting with new and improved farming methods in an effort to bring the best quality product to the consumer.”

Lori and her family are constantly trying to find more environmentally friendly methods to reduce pest and disease problems. They want to be sure they send the best quality and safest products you can buy.

Scott

Last time I talked about some of the management practices Lori uses to improve soil and reduce risk to the environment. This time I’ll tell you about some real earth changing projects.

Lori’s family has worked to decrease the severity of their sloped land (yes, P.E.I. is not flat). They created terraces on many fields with berms and grassed waterways between fields to slow down and direct the flow of water. Terraces divide large fields into several smaller fields with less slope.

The family also created a large pond in conjunction with Ducks Unlimited. This pond and surrounding area is teaming with wildlife and in the spring and fall is temporary home to hundreds of ducks and geese.

To add to the diversity of activities on their farm the family has an active Forest Management plan. Over the years they have thinned young tree stands and harvested mature trees. Harvested areas have been replanted with new trees to maintain the ecological balance.

That’s part of the physical side of environmental management. Next I’ll talk about the chemical side and what Lori is doing to decrease or eliminate certain chemicals from her farm.

Scott

Lori knows her farm very well. She knows which fields produce the best yield, which ones need to be watched carefully for pests and disease, and which ones create the greatest concern for soil conservation.

Some of the strategies Lori incorporates in her farm’s operations include conservation tillage, farming across the slope, strip cropping, and adding mulch to erosion prone land in the fall. Lori’s family has also planted over 15 kilometers of hedgerows between fields to reduce wind erosion and have extended buffer zones near waterways.

Next time I’ll tell you about some of the bigger projects on the farm.

Scott