Producer publishes book to highlight ag industry’s commitment to soil health
By Kaitlynn Anderson
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Growing up on a family farm in Waterloo County, Harold Rudy did not expect to become an author.
However, Rudy will soon publish a book that could get the industry talking.
In The Soil Fixers, Rudy, who recently retired from his position as executive officer of research and business development with the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), documents the efforts of Ontario producers to improve soil health over the past thirty years. He also discusses the evolution and importance of OSCIA programs, such as the annual Forage Masters’ Competition.
“The book raises the importance of proper soil management,” Rudy told Farms.com today. “The future of our civilization depends on it.”
Dr. David R. Montgomery, a professor in the University of Washington’s College of Environment and author of Growing A Revolution: Bringing Our Soil Back to Life, endorsed the book.
During the OSCIA’s annual summer meeting on Sunday evening, Rudy unofficially launched The Soil Fixers.
Kelly Daynard photo
At the launch, staff and board members also thanked Rudy for his 31 years of service with the association and highlighted his accomplishments.
The Soil Conservation Council of Canada inducted him into the Canadian Conservation Hall of Fame in 2017. He also received the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association’s Honourary Life Award in 2016.
The OSCIA is planning an official book launch in the early fall. After this event, the public can purchase softcover, hardcover and electronic copies through various sites, including FriesenPress, the publishing company, Rudy said.
Rudy will donate royalties from the book to the OSCIA.
“Any surplus funding will be directed to student scholarships and on-farm research,” Rudy said.
For more updates, people can visit the book’s website.
stevanovicigor/iStock/Getty Images Plus photo