Carmangay (Rural Roots Canada) — Soil stewardship has long been a cornerstone of Kevin Auch’s approach to farming, a legacy passed down. That dedication was recently recognized when the Carmangay producer received the prestigious Orville Yanke Award for soil conservation at the Farming Smarter Conference.
“I was very honored to be chosen for that,” said Auch. “I knew Orville years ago, and I sat on the board of the Southern Alberta Conservation Association with him. I knew his passion for agriculture, and some of the practices I’ve adopted in my farming life came from what I learned on that original SACA board. It was a real honor for me to be chosen for this.”
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Auch credits his late father for instilling the importance of soil preservation, a principle that has evolved into a focus on building healthier, more productive land.
“At one time, when the only tools we had were growing high-residue crops and tillage, we focused on preserving the soil,” Auch explained. “Now, we’re seeing that not only are we preserving it, we’re improving it. The organic matter is up, and the soil biome—the life in the soil—has increased. That’s improved nutrient and water holding capacity, and ultimately, the productivity of the soil.”
The Orville Yanke Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate long-term commitment to conservation practices that protect and enhance soil health in southern Alberta.
