 Printer Friendly version  Plain text version |
Mecosta potato farmer wins environmental award
Alan Sackett recently earned a national award for good environmental practices among potato farmers. Sackett, owner of Sackett Potatoes, in Mecosta, was given the award based on sound environmental practices on his farm.
The award, from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, recognizes potato growers throughout the United States who follow practices to reduce pesticide risk without threatening their potato yield. Seven farms were awarded nationwide.
The Sackett Potato Farm is comprised of 1,500 acres and is operated by Alan Sackett and his sons. "Alan Sackett and his sons, Jeff and Brian, are exemplary members of Michigan's agricultural community," said Dan Wyant, Michigan Department of Agriculture director. "The average public is not aware of the lengths to which Sackett Potatoes and many, many other Michigan farmers will go to protect our environment and natural resources."
The Sackett farm was specifically honored for the following practices:
- Utilizing integrated pest management, alternatives to chemical pesticides when appropriate, and applying chemical pesticides at or below minimum suggested application rates
- Using good crop rotation practices to avoid establishment of harmful insects and disease
- Relying on highly skilled commercial pesticide applicators to spray needed pesticides
- Considering soil types and beneficial insects before determining which agricultural chemicals to use
- Rotating agricultural pesticides to avoid developing resistant strains of insects and diseases
- Employing good soil erosion and water-use practices.
| Printer Friendly version Plain text version |