Kevin Murray, Murray Farms Ltd.
Meet Kevin Murray, a third-generation farmer and the proud owner of Murray Farms Ltd! Located in Bedeque, PEI, his family has been cultivating the land since the 1950s. As a child, Kevin was captivated by the world of farming and the concept of growing your own products.
At Murray Farms Ltd., Kevin and his family primarily grow potatoes, but also tend to various other crops such as barley, corn, tillage radish, sorghum sudangrass, and hay. Together, they form a formidable team that ensures that their farming practices are environmentally and economically sustainable.
For Kevin, farming is not just a job – it’s a lifelong passion. Since he was six years old, he knew farming was his calling. To this day, witnessing how his hard work can create such an exceptional final product (e.g. potatoes) continues to fuel his love of the land and the industry. He also values the opportunity to work with various farm equipment, embracing the practical and hands-on aspects of his profession.
By participating in research projects, he has the opportunity to collaborate with fellow farmers and access information from scientists that was previously inaccessible. This newfound wealth of knowledge empowers him to make more informed decisions, experiment with different crops, and adopt innovative farming practices.
“Since I joined the group [EPAA], I’ve definitely made some changes. It’s a good way for all of us to share information.”
Kevin Murray, Murray Farms Ltd.
Kevin’s commitment to sustainable farming extends beyond the present; it is an investment in the future, particularly for his children. The desire to provide a viable and environmentally responsible farm for the next generation motivates him to constantly enhance his farming practices.
“I do it for my kids. If there’s something here that can help them in the long run, I’ll do it.”
Kevin Murray, Murray Farms Ltd.
To achieve this, Murray Farms has adopted various measures to promote environmental sustainability. For example, the Murrays employ cover cropping to improve soil health and plant trees to support biodiversity. Moreover, precision agriculture technologies are actively used on the farm to minimize waste, maximize crop yields, and improve efficiency.
Kevin and his family have also taken steps to control soil erosion by incorporating erosion control structures like berms, grass waterways, and diversion terraces into their land management strategy. He continuously explores new possibilities to improve their environmental stewardship efforts, and it certainly shows!
This dedicated farmer and steward of the land understands the values of hard work, tradition, and progress. With his unwavering dedication to sustainable agriculture, Kevin strives to create long-term solutions that will benefit not only his family, but the very future of Island agriculture.