Two awards recognizing outstanding achievement in soil conservation were presented at the SSCA's Annual Meeting and Banquet on February 14th in Saskatoon.
The Saskatchewan Soil Conservation Association annually recognizes achievements in the development of innovative approaches to soil conservation, and in that light, presents an Award of Merit to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution.
This year, Dr. Guy Lafond, a research agrologist with Agriculture and Agrifood Canada since 1985, was recognized for his dedication to promoting conservation tillage systems in the prairie region.
As an avid promoter of direct seeding, even before it was fashionable to be so, Dr. Lafond has been a leader in changing prairie farming into a soil conserving, reduced tillage system. His research and technology transfer efforts attest to his personal commitment to finding practical ways to help producers conserve soil, increase production efficiency, and improve net returns.
He was instrumental in establishing the AFIF spoke sites throughout the province to promote the established principle of conservation tillage including sound crop rotations and new crop technologies.
With 53 scientific publications to his credit and more than 200 proceedings papers and releases, Dr. Lafond is a recognized researcher and one of the first to insist that low disturbance seeding systems form the basis for long-term agronomy studies in Western Canada.
The Royal Bank, in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Soil Conservation Association, annually recognizes a farm family that has made an outstanding contribution toward promoting production systems that reduce soil degradation yet maintain economic viability.
Edward and Marguerite Beauchesne are this year's recipients of the Royal Bank - SSCA 2001 Farm Family Award.
For over 30 years, the Beauchesne's have farmed northeast of Prince Albert, near Albertville. They recognized their need for reduced tillage in the late 70's. Years of summerfallow had allowed wind erosion to pile 3-foot dirt banks in the tree lines. Some years the spring run-off left gullies three feet deep. It was time for a change.
In 1989, the Beauchesnes ran side by side trials with the Save Our Soils program, comparing direct seeding and conventional production practices. They were sold on the results and the whole farm was converted to direct seeding by 1991.
Ed and Marguerite have actively promoted direct seeding in their community and throughout the province. They have hosted many crop tours, and in 1995, they gave presentation on their direct seeding system at the SSCA Annual Conference. Ed has participated in direct seeding meetings as a panelist. He served as a director on the SSCA Board from 1994 to 1997, which led him to serve on the Conservation Learning Centre steering committee until 1998.
Mr. and Mrs. Beauchesne have served as direct seeding role models for the Prince Albert community and soil conservation leaders in Saskatchewan.
Congratulations are extended to Guy and Ed and Marguerite.