Carmangay farmer recognized for soil conservation efforts

By Al Beeber - Lethbridge Herald on February 18, 2025.

Submitted photo - Kevin Auch, seen here alongside his wife Laurel, has been recognized by the Farming Smarter organization for his soil conservation efforts.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDabeeber@lethbridgeherald.com

A Carmangay farmer is being honoured by the Farming Smarter organization for his soil conservation efforts.

Kevin Auch will receive the Orville Yanke Award last week at the Farming Smarter conference and trade show at the Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge.

Farming Smarter says the award is “a full-circle moment for this soil conservationist who frequently shares his perspective for the greater good of the farming community.”

Auch knew the award’s namesake personally and visited his farm.

“I saw his equipment and what he did back when I started farming,” said Auch in a release. “Orville was one of these guys I looked up to and considered a mentor at our Southern Alberta Conservation Association board meetings. Some of these innovators, including Doug Wright and Richard Fritzler, had great influence on my desire to improve our soil’s productivity.”

Improving soil productivity is a priority for Auch.

“It comes right back to the farm gate, what we’re selling and how we market our products,” said Auch. “I want to see farmers succeed while remaining sustainable. It’s been an honor to be a part of that. As an industry, remaining profitable into the future without sacrificing soil quality is important to me. I’ve seen the soils on this farm improve dramatically in my lifetime.”

Since 1963, the Auch farming operation has grown to more than 5,000 acres of owned and rented land south of Carmangay. The current crop rotation evolved as the family discovered what prevents soil erosion.

The current five-year rotation consists of yellow peas, canola, durum wheat, flax (or flax/chickpea intercrop), then spring wheat. Auch will also at times include barley and/or winter wheat in the rotation depending upon weather and market conditions.

“There are agronomic reasons to be in a longer rotation because you allow your herbicides and other pesticides to have greater efficacy when you change those groups,” said Auch. “With some of the resistances we see to our tools on the farm to combat weeds and other pests, it’s becoming increasingly important.”

Auch has served on research committees and member organizations such as the Western Grain Research Foundation, Cereals Canada, Alberta Pulse Growers and the Alberta Wheat Commission since starting out with SACA.

“The practices that Orville pioneered, we’ve worked to build upon on our farm. The future of agriculture depends on preserving some of the things we’ve learned but also adapting to future challenges,” said the award winner.