Perth County grower named 2012 BASF Innovative Farmer of the Year

LONDON, ON, Feb. 27, 2013 /CNW/ - Strong leadership in soil conservation and dedication to the future of farming has earned Mark Brock, a Staffa area grower, the 2012 Innovative Farmer of the Year Award. Each year, BASF Canada and the Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario recognize an Ontario grower who promotes innovation and leadership in the agriculture sector to be named the Innovative Farmer of the Year.

BASF Canada presented Brock with the award at the Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario Conference in London on February 26.

"BASF is proud to recognize innovative growers like Mark for the contributions they bring to our industry," says Trevor Latta, Business Representative with BASF Canada. "It's growers like Mark who are leading us into the future by showing a commitment to sustainability best practices and innovative farming techniques."

An adopter of conservation till and no-till farming, Brock has been working for more than 15 years to find better methods for soil management at Shepherd Creek Farms Ltd. Brock's extensive research and trials into precision cropping methods show his commitment to the future of farming. His involvement led to him hosting the first in a series of four IFAO Precision Cropping Workshops in August 2012.

Over the past five years, he has used a vertical-tillage system to manage residue and prevent soil erosion. He has also been experimenting with alternate cover crops (such as oats, buckwheat, Austrian winter pea, and red clover) and manure to manage nitrogen levels in the soil. Brock believes these innovative techniques have added value to his operation.

"I think sometimes the list of what didn't work is much longer than the list of what did," says Brock. "That being said, some of our greatest successes have occurred with the adaption of technology on our farm."

For more information visit www.ifao.com.

About the BASF Crop Protection division
With sales of €4.0 billion in 2010, BASF's Crop Protection division is a leader in crop protection and a strong partner to the farming industry providing well-established and innovative fungicides, insecticides and herbicides. Farmers use these products and services to improve crop yields and crop quality. Other uses include public health, structural/urban pest control, turf and ornamental plants, vegetation management, and forestry. BASF aims to turn knowledge rapidly into market success. The vision of BASF's Crop Protection division is to be the world's leading innovator, optimizing agricultural production, improving nutrition, and thus enhancing the quality of life for a growing world population. Further information can be found on the web at www.agro.basf.com or follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/basfagro.

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© 2013 BASF Canada Inc.

SOURCE: BASF Canada Inc.

Sean Chiki
BASF Canada Inc.
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Natalie Little-Rowe
ON Communication Inc.
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