Funny thing about our value system. I wonder how much warring and unrest there would be in the world if we put the same value on the soil as we do on such things as oil, automobiles and the places where we spend our leisure activities. Maybe it's a good thing the soil isn't valued as such. If it were, we would certainly be literally under the gun to defend our world class soil.
But do we take our soil resource too much for granted? Given the droughts of the late eighties, the degraded state of most prairie soils and the growth of soil conservation programs you would think the health of the soil would be a top priority for policy makers and producers. Recent events prove otherwise. Last years excessive spring moisture situation in the North and East areas of Saskatchewan coupled with an open fall prompted many farmers to work down their stubble. Many were trying to open up the soil for the purpose of making it dry out sooner in the spring. Some felt they couldn't seed through the residues left after a heavy crop. Others simply had extra time on their hands and it sure was fun to spend a nice fall day on the tractor out in the field. Unfortunately these activities contribute to soil degradation.
Take a look at recent election campaigns for more proof. In Ontario and Saskatchewan the election issues focused around economics. The deficit, government spending, jobs and other fiscal matters far outweighed all other issues combined. Not much was said about programs to address environmental concerns including the health of our soil.
We struggle every day to bring the messages of soil conservation to producers. Most people are happy to listen and many have changed their farming methods to work towards sustainability. Farming to conserve the soil will mean adopting new techniques born out through new and innovative agronomic research. It also requires in most cases a change in attitude in how we view our soils. However it was suggested to me more than once this spring the only thing that would bring change to some would be another drought similar to 1988/89. What a thing to hope for!
We are not alone in our situation. I recently talked with a fellow from Taiwan who inquired about our Saskatchewan made direct seeding machinery. From what he told me they are suffering very similar soil degradation and erosion problems as have we. They are very concerned and are very interested in learning techniques to address this problem. Given their economic situation and work ethic it will not take long for them to get on top of their situation.
I also met some concerned producers from Nebraska at a Great Plains symposium this spring. They were looking at ways to influence policy makers and design programs that ensure the great plains remain healthy into the next century and beyond.
We are making headway. Farming practices have been altered significantly in the past ten years. In ten more we will see even more remarkable changes. What we must not allow, however, is to become too complacent towards soil conservation. Government, producers and industry alike need to be reminded of the importance of sustainable land management practices. Financial stability and diversification are no doubt important goals for prairie agriculture. Without a healthy soil resource, however, these goals become virtually impossible to achieve. Research programs aimed at soil conservation need to be maintained and strengthened. We cannot expect industry to pick up the tab for "common good" research such as the type that can support soil conservation. We the producers of food and the people who make policy have to do it. Lets make the health of our soil a high a priority in all our program plans.