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The Beef Farmers of Ontario, Mapleseed and the Ontario Forage Council, sponsors of the Mapleseed Pasture Award, are pleased to announce that Tom Aikins of Ravenna in the Blue Mountains area of Grey County is the recipient of the 2022 Mapleseed Pasture  Award.

The award was presented recently at the Beef Farmers of Ontario Annual General Meeting in Toronto.

For his environmental improvements and exceptional pasture management, Tom received a cash award of $250 and a bag of forage seed courtesy of Mapleseed. 

This year’s Beef Pasture Award recipient is a relatively new farmer. Neither of Tom’s parents farmed but as a young teenager, he developed a keen interest in agriculture. The co-op programs during high school, his enthusiasm, respect, and willingness to apply himself has brought him a long way.  At age 19, he rented his first farm. 

“I am reliant on rented land while developing my beef herd and building equity. I have focused on rebuilding the soil to improve production,” said Mr. Aikins.

He is quick to recognize neighbouring farmers who have taught him a lot, and also provided part-time employment on their farms.  

Aikins has a beef herd consisting of 45 cows, 5 replacement heifers and also custom feeds 30 calves.

Rotational grazing is a key part of his management plan, and he feeds round bales on pasture fields during winter to improve organic matter and fertility, while reducing labour costs.

Tom lists his top five pasture management practices to best utilize his resources are:

• Rotationally grazing small paddocks
• Electric cross fencing to manage paddock size
• Runways to move cattle  through to further pastures
• Winter feeding pasture, and
• Hauling manure onto pastures to increase fertility.

Scott Fisher, Mapleseed Sales Manager (Western Ontario) comments, “It’s wonderful to watch a new farm enterprise evolve and develop. With a concern for stewardship, combined with an appetite for knowledge, it is great to see that passion rewarded.” 

Ray Robertson, manager of the Ontario Forage Council says, “The recipient is a great example of a young farmer who has followed his dream and has demonstrated his ability to effectively manage his beef and pasture operation.”

The deadline for applications for the 2023 Mapleseed Pasture Award is November 30, 2023.

photo: from March 2022 article in Farmers Forum.

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source: media release, Ontario Forage Council