Chignecto Soil
The Chignecto Soil and Crop Improvement Association
Farming the fertile soil that surrounds the Tantramar Marshes and the Bay of Fundy has been an important part of the social and historical landscape of the Sackville area since the time of the Acadians but with modern advances in the agriculture industry, it is a constantly changing profession. To help area farmers stay in the game the Chignecto Soil and Crop Improvement Association is doing their part to ensure farming continues to be a driving force in the local economy.
One of approximately a half dozen chapters in the province, the Chignecto group formed in 1978. During their first quarter of a century the group has worked hard to coordinate and work with infrastructure to help it's members improve the quality of the soil and crops in the area. The organization, which has a board of 12 directors representing a cross section of area farmers, also belongs to the provincial Soil and Crop Improvement Association.
This year the local organization is celebrating their 25th year of helping area farmers improve their operations. Currently between 45 and 50 farmers from the entire Tantramar riding are members of the association representing such diverse agriculture interests as dairy, beef, berry producers, grain and forage crops.
Meeting throughout the winter months with a break in the spring to allow for the busy season, the Chignecto Soil and Crop Improvement Association helps its members improve their operations primarily through education and information sharing on the latest developments in the various sectors of the agriculture industry. The group hosts many guest speakers from both the federal and provincial levels of the Department of Agriculture as well as specialists in areas of the industry that are of interest to the association's membership.
As the association continues to grow and address issues in the industry, the board of directors has formed a sub organization to deal with the environmental aspects of farming and its impact on neighbouring properties. With funding secured through the New Brunswick Conservation Council, the association has hired an executive director for 18 months to oversee the environmental aspect of the association. Since its inception approximately a year ago, 25 members have joined and a number of environmental farming plans have been prepared for individual farmers.
With innovative thinking and a willingness to learn new techniques and try new crops, members of the Chignecto Soil and Crop Improvement Association are doing their part to ensure farming continues to be a driving force in the economic engine of the Tantramar area.