Congratulations farmers of Ontario! Critics of the Agricultural sector often point out mistakes or problems within the industry and few acknowledge the importance of the individual farm operator. In fact, many farmers themselves fail to realize their unique role as scientific researchers and innovative entrepreneurs. Every farm operator who considers what crop to grow, what improvements to make, and what opportunity to explore is a contributor to the scientific development of agriculture. The decision making process requires well-informed operators and motivated managers to achieve success. Formal research is often initiated by the Universities or the private sector but it is the individual farm operators who must be congratulated for their special scientific achievements.

To best appreciate the farm operator of today I suggest a short excursion around the local neighbourhood. The first neighbour we meet is using four horses to cultivate his land in preparation for spring seeding. The ten-acre plot has been well fertilized with manure to nourish the new variety of seed corn which has been selected for its early maturity. The local seed dealers have willingly provided information to ensure the best choice for this particular farmer. He had expressed concern that last year’s variety was not as mature at harvest as he had expected and through the trial and error method, realized that this year he required a seed with a shorter growing season. A scientist? Yes.

The next farmer down the road has just completed her new storage facility for large round bales. She researched the possible savings she could accumulate by wasting less hay to climatic exposure by asking peers and consulting compiled data from other farmers. She too had investigated for the superior varieties and combinations of forages to meet the demands of her dairy operation. Nutrient management was carefully considered and implemented as an element of the crop and pasture rotation plan. A scientist? Yes.

As we round the corner, we approach a young no-till operator quickly completing spring seeding. His education in Agricultural Science has enabled him to experiment with alternative cropping equipment. He was encouraged to purchase a large no-till planter and four-wheel-drive tractor. His custom work business now gives him the ability to experiment further and share his new methods with local producers. He is slowly changing the face and efficiency of some local farms. A scientist? Yes.

On the next concession we find an established cow-calf operator setting up his solar powered water pump. This device was designed to suit his individual needs a number of years ago. It provides clean fresh water for his cows on pasture all summer long without having them contaminate the water habitat of other species. He has altered his watering system for optimal performance and in the process has been a promoter of solar energy. Being environmentally responsible, he has made an agreement with a local poultry and hog farmer to allow extra manure to be spread on his pastures. This will decrease input costs and aid a neighbour with a small land-base. A scientist? Yes.

It is obvious to see that within a short distance scientists are all doing their part to improve agriculture. They isolate problems, propose methods of improvement, choose a plan of action, act upon it, observe the results, make necessary alterations and draw conclusions. These conclusions are never concrete but serve as foundations upon which new experiments can be based. This perpetual evolution of agricultural techniques is what creates a healthy, thriving industry. Individual operators are all scientists who investigate and share new ideas. Scientific research is a vital aspect of farming today and is essential in the success of farming tomorrow. Scientific research is a valuable asset to every farm. To best appreciate the work and achievements of science in agriculture one needs only to take a drive around the block to witness ongoing scientific research. Congratulations farmers of Ontario!