To the Editor:
David Suzuki could not help but be impressed if he were to visit a modern grain farm in Western Canada. We are not perfect by any means. The environmental movement must keep up the pressure on us but our footprint is getting lighter all the while.
The last sixty years of innovation and research have given farmers access to a phenomenal level of technological and agronomic expertise. Most farmers have adopted these innovations with enthusiasm and boldness. Every year they throw into the mix their own know how, their labor and as much of that very expensive technology as they can finance. Agriculture has always required an abundance of faith, courage and energy.
Let's take a closer look.
The use of chemical sprays and fertilizers began in earnest right after the end of World War 2. Before that, summer fallow and intense cultivation was the rule. The size of equipment was limited most often to the pulling power available from horses, mules or oxen. Summer fallow achieved three objectives which could not be achieved in large scale operations in any other way.
Nuisance weeds were grown out of the soil and killed during the fallow year.
Moisture reserves, often critical in dry land farming, were built up during the fallow.
During the summer fallow year the soil increased its supply of available nitrogen fertilizer by speeding up the decomposition of organic matter.
Fertilizer levels were further enhanced on medium sized operations by including legumes in the rotation and spreading animal waste on fields. The incorporation of both required even more cultivation.
Today chemical sprays are the primary source of weed control and chemical fertilizers maintain optimum nutrient levels. Without these the bulk of our industry would be pushed back to the dust bowl techniques of the 1920s and 30s.
Today most prairie farms have reduced tillage to an absolute minimum. Zero till increases organic matter levels in the soil. It makes maximum use of available moisture. It leaves the soil much less exposed to the ravages of erosion by wind and water. Historically the most damaging practice on prairie farms was summer fallow and excess tillage. At one time we had no choice. Now we do.
Having said that, it is essential that farmers and the environmental movement continue to strive to ensure that the sprays and chemicals used: are as selective as possible in attacking the problem at hand; are applied at rates that are not excessive in order to minimize damage to the environment and the ground water; and, are constantly improved through private and publicly funded research.
Modern single press drills and field sprayers are a marvel to behold compared to the technology that was available just 15 years ago. GPS combined with sectional controls and computerized variable rate controls come much closer to putting on exactly what the crop needs where it's needed. There is no overlap and the application rate varies automatically as you proceed down the field.
The design of modern engines is constantly being improved to get more power with lower emissions. Just 200 years ago a farmer could tell where his neighbor was working from a mile away. He just had to look for the plume of black smoke. Modern diesel engines with the proper fuel additives throw virtually no smoke at all. More power with lower emissions combined with less tillage all add up to much less carbon in the atmosphere.
We've come a long way Dr. Suzuki. Come have a look. There is still plenty of room for improvement but let's all remind ourselves from time to time that real progress can only be made with the enthusiastic participation of the people who are on the front lines with their feet on the ground. What is good for the environment is usually good for the bottom line - both short and long term.
Doug Cowling, Yorkton, SK.
