CAIRNS NAMED 2017 FARMER OF THE YEAR
Farmer believes in conservation, preservation and education
WEST CHESTER » If asked, Donald W. Cairns will tell you that there are three foundations he counts on to strive for excellence in farming, his chosen profession: conservation, preservation, and education.
He uses “best practices” in tilling his land to ensure that not only are his crops of superior quality, but also that the land they come from is not harmed in the process. He has protected his farm from development through preservation easements, and has been a missionary of sorts in convincing others to do likewise.
And he has been intimately involved in the area’s 4-H program, which he hopes will provide future farmers with a strong base of knowledge to grow from. He detailed each at a recent meeting of the Chester County commissioners, where he was honored as the 2017 Farmer of the Year.
The honor was bestowed on Cairns and his Cairns Family Farm in Parkesburg by the commissioners and members of the county’s Agricultural Development Council.
According to a press release by the council, when one thinks of the “Farm to Table” movement, goodies like artisanal cheese or heirloom tomatoes might be what first come to mind.
“However, chances are good that if you’ve eaten pretzels, bread, or baked goods from a local bakery, you’ve eaten something grown on Cairns’ family farm,”
the release stated. ”Much of the wheat that he grows is milled into flour at nearby mills and is found in baked goods made and sold right here in the county. The rest of his crops, including corn and soy, are used for animal feed for area livestock that
are also sold locally as milk, eggs, chicken and bacon.”
In addition to his critical role in the local food chain, Cairns was nominated for the Farmer of the Year award by the county Conservation District for his ongoing commitment to conservation practices including no-till farming and soil improvement on the approximately 1,650 acres of land he farms in the county,
both owned and leased.
“During the past two decades, he has seen improved crop yields and undeniable improvements in soil conservation as a result,” the council stated. “His exemplary farming practices have also resulted in favorable reviews from neighboring farmers and the landowners whose property he leases.
Cairns optimistic is
about the future of farming in Chester County.
While he did not grow up on a farm, he developed a keen interest in farming at a young age. He believes the farm dream is attainable to others like him who are passionate to learn and up to the challenge of hard work.
When asked what he believes to be necessary for the farming industry to
continue to thrive in the future in the county, Cairns replies, “Land stewardship, land preservation and encouraging the next generation of farmers are the three areas we emphasize the most.”
Fittingly, he has helped more than 25 local farm families preserve their farms, and currently serves as vice chairman of the county Agricultural Land
Preservation Board. He has served on the county 4-H Center board for 28 years, and was instrumental in developing the Romano 4-H Center, which is an incubator for aspiring farmers. He has also spent 10 years coaching the 4-H Livestock Judging Team. He also serves on the USDA Farm Service Agency County Committee as well as other volunteer roles.