Sean Swoboda and his team at TF Cattle Company recently experienced a remarkable transformation in their farming practices thanks to the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) program.
Farmers who have an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) learn how to reduce agriculture’s impact on the environment. Many Environmental Farm Plan participants enjoy increased efficiency, profitability, and new customers as a result of increased environmental sustainability. (Ministry of Agriculture and Food)
Working alongside his EFP Advisor King Campbell, Sean embarked on the completion of his Environmental Farm Plan workbook, which identified key environmental and climate risks affecting the farm as well as opened the farm up to Beneficial Management Practices Program (BMP) funding. With support from the BMP program, they were able to purchase a no-till seed drill, a significant investment that has led to both economic and environmental benefits.
The transition to no-till seeding has not only saved Sean and his team numerous hours that would have been spent tilling the land, but it has also resulted in substantial fuel reductions. “IAF made it possible to buy a no-till seed drill. Saving time and money transitioning to no-till seeding vs. many hours tilling land also has a huge environmental impact, with major fuel reductions. The drill works very well, and the time saved planting was even more than anticipated,” Sean expressed with enthusiasm.
The no-till seeder allows the team to plant their crops with minimal soil disturbance, which preserves soil structure and promotes healthier soil ecosystems. As a result, the farm is now not only more efficient but also significantly more sustainable. The positive impact on the environment, combined with the savings in labor and fuel costs, has positioned TF Cattle Company for long-term success.
Sean’s investment in no-till technology is a step toward a more sustainable future for agriculture in the region.
Funding for these programs have been provided by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a $3.5 billion, 5-year agreement between the federal, provincial and territorial governments. Additional funding has been provided by CleanBC. The program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF).
