Sunday is Earth Day. It’s been around for almost 50 years. It was founded by U.S. senator and environmentalist Gaylord Nelson on April 22, 1970.
I grew up on farm surrounded by people who had a great connection to and appreciation for the earth’s precious resources! The world depends on farmers every day. Did you know that 90 per cent of our food is directly or indirectly produced on soil? The nutrient content of food crops is directly impacted by soil health and soil fertility.
On that point, I remember having a conversation with a co-worker a few years ago about farming and the earth. It got a little heated. There were insinuations made that farmers were stripping the land with no regard for the environment or the future.
I can’t speak for every type of farming or farmer around the world, but, as a farmer’s daughter, I can tell you that the farmers that I’ve come across over the years have a deep appreciation and respect for our connection to the environment and the steps we have to keep taking to make sure our planet stays healthy.
Our world population and its needs are constantly changing, so agricultural practices must also change. Technology has helped dairy farmers improve quality of care for their animals and the environment. Research has come a long way in animal genetics, cow comfort and health, cow nutrition, crop management and overall farm management. These improvements and innovations have led to a decreased carbon footprint for dairy and other agricultural industries.
Farmers not only do a great deal to protect the land, they strive to make it better — so every day is Earth Day on the farm.
I moved away from the family farm many years ago but I go back and visit as often as I can. For me, Earth Day is a reminder that we need to stay in a green state of mind all year long, regardless of our roots!
Meteorologist, but farmer’s daughter first…
Today’s weather fact
It’s that darn wind…
We’re heading in the right direction but it’s still not very warm. Did you know that the most frequent wind direction in St. John’s and Corner Brook during the month of April is west? That explains the onshore snow along the west coast!
In Halifax and Charlottetown, the most frequent wind direction during the month of April is north. That explains a lot. Hang in there, the prevailing wind direction for May is south!
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Cindy Day is the chief meteorologist for SaltWire Network.
