Essex County farmer Charles Desmarais is the 2014 Conservation Award winner.
The award is presented by the Essex Soil and Crop Improvement Association and the Essex Region Conservation Authority recognizing best conservatory farming practices.
"I enjoy what I do, I enjoy doing the conservation items that we do on the farm and it's nice to be recognized for it, so I'm very happy," says Desmarais, feeling farmers are giving greater focus to conservation than ever before. "I believe that's changed, there's more awareness to that all the time. It's not a given and we need to look after [the environment]. Certianly the awareness has increased."
Desmarais says grass buffer strips and consistent soil sampling are some keys used on his farm to protect water quality and the environment.
