Introducing Shawn and Cory Birch of Birch Farms Ltd. in North Bedeque, PEI! The Birch brothers are third-generation farmers, following in the footsteps of their father, Melvin, who started farming in the late 1960s. Before this, the Birch family was first initiated into agriculture by their grandfather, Ivan, who began farming in 1936. Birch Farms Ltd. grows various crops, including potatoes, corn, barley, oats, sorghum sudangrass, tillage radish, ryegrass, and hay.
The decision to farm was natural for Cory and Shawn – it’s what they’ve known and loved since their early years. Both brothers’ childhood memories are filled with moments spent alongside their father during harvest time, helping unload trucks and driving tractors. This upbringing cultivated a deep passion for agriculture and a profound sense of responsibility in producing food to feed local communities and beyond.
“As the seasons change, you’re never doing the same job. Most days, you get to try something different.”
Cory Birch, Birch Farms Ltd.
Of course, the Birches agree that farming comes with challenges and urge that it isn’t for the faint of heart. The unpredictability of the weather and the need to meet customer expectations are constantly on their minds. Checking the weather station multiple times a day has become a routine for Shawn, highlighting the make or break role that the weather can play in farming.
Cory and Shawn understand that learning from fellow farmers is a continuous process – no matter how experienced you are, there’s always something new to discover. It was for this reason that the Birches joined the East Prince Agri-Environment Association (EPAA) back in 2014.
“It’s nice to participate in new technologies and practices while being a part of such a progressive group.”
Cory Birch, Birch Farms Ltd.
Birch Farms Ltd. believes in enhancing farming practices to promote sustainability, both for the land’s benefit and to increase the efficiency and profitability of the farm. For example, the Birches have adopted reduced tillage practices, planted cover crops, and used soil-building crops in rotation. They also focus on precision agricultural technologies, employing strategies like auto-steering to minimize fuel use and SWAT mapping to optimize planting.
In addition, the farm has embraced various measures to combat soil erosion, including adding soil conservation structures like berms, grass waterways, and diversion terraces.
“As a farmer, protecting and maintaining our soil health is only good business. Everything we are able to produce is directly related to the condition of our soil. We owe it to future generations to leave the land in an even more fertile state than when we acquired it. PEI farmers are very environmentally conscious, and the East Prince Agri-Environment Association does a great job presenting to the public how our increasing sustainable practices have a major positive effect on our environment.”
Shawn Birch, Birch Farms Ltd.
Shawn and Cory Birch embody more than just farmers – they’re stewards of the land, driven by passion and guided by purpose. Through commitment and innovation, they strive to make a lasting impact in their community for generations to come.