Ontario soil health advocate recognized for soil health efforts

Jan 05, 2017

The SCCC’s Conservation award given to OMAFRA specialist

An active Ontario agriculture industry member received national recognition for his career devoted to improving Canada’s soil and water health.

The Soil Conservation Council of Canada (SCCC) presented Adam Hayes, soil management specialist-field crops for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), with the L. B. Thomson Conservation Award, according to an SCCC Jan. 4 release.

The award “is presented annually to recognize individuals, organizations, and others who have made outstanding contributions to improving soil and water conservation at the regional level in Canada," Alan Kruszel, chair of the SCCC, said in the release.

Hayes has displayed these contributions throughout his agricultural career.

After Hayes graduated from the University of Guelph with a bachelor of science in agriculture, he began working for the provincial ministry in 1985.

Still working for OMAFRA today, Hayes has devoted his career to research and education in soil health. He has worked alongside soil researchers, sharing his wealth of knowledge with farmers by implementing sustainable strategies on farm, arranging crop trials and giving in-field presentations.

Adam Hayes (left) accepts the L. M. Thomson Conservation Award from Alan Kruszel, chair of the SCCC, at the SouthWest Agricultural Conference. (Source: SCCC)

Hayes’ extensive experience shows why he was a clear candidate for the award, according to Kruszel.

"Adam is particularly deserving of this award as he has committed more than 30 years of his career to understanding soil health and conservation practices in Ontario,” said Kruszel.

Kruszel made the announcement at the SouthWest Agricultural Conference in Ridgetown.

Farms.com has reached out to Hayes to learn more about his projects and accomplishments with OMAFRA.

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