Farmers
Canada’s farmers are committed to protecting the environment for future generations.
Here is what some of Canada’s leading farmers have to say about their commitment to stewardship, the environment and their communities.
Bob Bartley
“We have to be more responsible about the choices we make and think about how our decisions impact our communities,” says Bob.
“We strive to be stewards of the land and want society to look up to us for what we’re doing for the environment. I feel good knowing that the plastic I recycle doesn’t end up in a landfill, but instead, is converted into something valuable, like farm drainage tile.”
Bob Bartley operates a grain and oilseed farm in Roland, Manitoba. Over the past 43 years, he has had the opportunity to witness the evolution of on-farm waste management. Everything from technological advances to education and recycling programs have played a role in reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture. Bob insists that while the industry has come a long way, farmers must continue to adapt and implement waste management practices that benefit the environment.
Gordon and Juanita Hawkins
“Our goal is to set a good example for our children and our community,” says Gordon.
“We have a great system in place where we triple rinse our containers as we empty them and store them in recycling bins we built ourselves. We have made it convenient to recycle the containers, it prevents them from blowing around the yard, field, ditches and sloughs, and cluttering our farm. We take great pride in our grain production and the environment, and we try to do what’s right – the first time.”
Gordon and Juanita Hawkins have been operating a grain farm for over 40 years in Saskatchewan. They share a belief that farmers hold considerable power in shaping the future. Fuelled by their own commitment to the environment, the Hawkins have invested a lot of time into understanding what makes a recycling system effective. Drawing on their own experience, they say that Cleanfarms programs are just one part of the equation, and that the success of the industry’s environmental performance depends on what each grower is willing to do to keep their farm clean.
Cathy and Bill Vitucci
“Think of the generations to come,” says Cathy.“Being responsible about the way we run our operation and dispose of agricultural waste, is what farming is all about.
Cleanfarms programs are a step in the right direction in doing what’s right for the environment and the health of our communities.”
Bill and Cathy Vitucci operate a corn, wheat and soybean farm and run a Pride Seeds dealership. Through their work as a dealer, they go above and beyond in their mission to reduce waste and promote good stewardship on the farm. Bill and Cathy also run a Cleanfarms collection site in Ontario, so that growers in their community have the opportunity to reduce their environmental footprint.
Julie Simpson
“Cleanfarms makes it easy for every grower to do the right thing, so there’s no excuse for not bringing a seed bag or an empty jug to your local retailer or a collection site,” says Julie.
“It’s worthwhile knowing that I’m doing the best I can to rid of products in the most environmentally friendly way.”
Julie Simpson is part of a cash crop farm and a vegetable transplant greenhouse in Ontario. Environmental sustainability is important to Julie, and is embedded in the way she runs recycling initiatives at the facility. She believes that recycling programs contribute to the overall health and well-being of a community, and that farmers are critical partners in the industry’s recycling efforts. Julie proactively seeks out information on recycling programs through her local municipality and agri-retailers, and readily shares her knowledge with others in the community. She participates in Cleanfarms programs available in the province, and encourages other growers to do the same.
