Stories from the Field
Grand River watershed producers share their experiences
Thousands of farmers in southern Ontario's Grand River watershed work to improve and protect water quality on their land, and for all those who live downstream.
Their work is inspiring. And more, it is changing the landscape for the better. Meet Steve Sickle — and many other landowners — whose contributions are highlighted through their stories.
A quick conversation with Steve Sickle immediately leaves you understanding a few things. He loves farming and he loves his family. In fact, he loves a lot about what he does. Steve is not one to sit still.
Steve works 1,400 acres, a combination of owned and rented land, in southern Ontario's Brant County.
Cash cropping corn, wheat and beans, as well as growing hay and managing rotational grazing for his 50 beef cattle, keeps him busy.
Always looking to improve, Steve is certain the secret to better crops is making the soil as resilient as possible.
The rolling slopes of his home farm just east of the Grand River have been no-tilled for more than 30 years, a method first adopted by his father.
More recently, Steve has added cover crops to the rotation to keep living roots in the soil for as long as possible.
Despite the perceived challenges of planting green, Steve observes "It's a myth that a living cover crop is harder to plant into. It's actually easier, as long as you can close the seed trench."
Ultimately, a productive farm rests on good soil health. Steve aspires to a day when he can stop the fertilizer truck from showing up, and instead use only cover crops.
Steve also believes that farmers don't do enough digging. He uses a shovel to take a closer look when checking up on his crops.
He feels that digging to examine soil structure and root growth - to really see what's happening under the soil - is key to understanding what's best for his land.
Supporting changes that make a difference
Steve has worked with local programs - like the GRCA's Rural Water Quality Program - to make other changes on the farm.
To address a persistent gully erosion problem, he installed a water and sediment control basin and is credited with encouraging a number of his neighbours to do the same.
Years ago, Steve fenced his cattle from the ponds and wetlands on his property. He also installed an innovative, winterized solar-powered watering system which is central to his year-round rotational pasture.
Steve is a strong advocate for agriculture and sharing new ideas. Despite his hectic schedule, Steve is willing to make time to host tours and workshops. He displays an infectious enthusiasm for sharing knowledge with others.
First: water and sediment control basin. Middle: solar-powered watering system. Last: farm tour and workshop.
Steve is continuously open to new ideas about improving his operation. Investing in the future is important to him, which is why he involves his kids, Kara and Ethan, whenever he can.
Like his father before him, and his grandfather before that, he wants to do things today that will make the farm better for tomorrow.
"Quite simply, I want to leave this farm better than I found it."
Changes made at the farm level have a direct and positive impact on the health of the watershed. This is the Sickle family legacy.
More Stories From the Field
Throughout the Grand River watershed, landowners from north to south are implementing projects that protect water quality, improve soil health and enhance the natural environment.
Use this interactive map to meet more landowners and read their stories from the field.
Grants Available
We can help with projects that improve and protect water quality. Ask us how.
1-866-900-4722 www.grandriver.ca/ruralwater ruralwater@grandriver.ca
