Lady Fane farm nominated for national award

David Francis Farm in Lady Fane has been nominated by the P.E.I. Cattle Producers for the Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA).

The award is presented annually by the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association.

David and Vicki Francis have been farming for 36 years, along with their five children. Recently, their son, Brett, joined the potato and beef operation. Their farm has roots going back to 1844. The Francis’ use modern technology also meeting and in some instances exceeding environmental regulations.

The farm has implemented a specialized rotational crop system, growing barley, oats, corn and hay, to maintain productive soils. They’ve implemented a rotational grazing system and applied composted manure to a portion of land each year, improving organic matter which in turn improves the water-holding capacity and nutrient levels in soils. To help mitigate wind and water erosion of topsoil, it has also protected post-harvest bare potato fields with cover crops or bale busting hay. David Francis Farm is also a participant in P.E.I.’s Environmental Farm Plan and Alternative Land Use Services program and advocates of sustainable agriculture practices. Their efforts have been rewarded on a number of occasions with awards and distinctions.

“We are very pleased to nominate the David Francis Farm,” said, Brain Morrison, chairman of the P.E.I. Cattle Producers. “David and Brett Francis have the enviable reputation as leaders in environmental stewardship in Prince Edward Island. We can all take a page from their book. On behalf of all producers in Prince Edward Island, we wish them the best of luck!”

All provincial nominees will be at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference. The 2017 TESA will be awarded during the awards banquet on Aug. 17 in Calgary, Alberta.