(from newspaper clipping)
George and Carolyn Cornelissen of Cornelissen Farms Inc., 8861 Zion Line, were recognized with the BASF Innovative Farmer of the Year Award in 2007. This award recognizes their record of innovative farm practices and their commitment to the agricultural community.
The Cornelissens own 1,600 acres of land and grow corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa and edible beans. They are also in the broiler industry, raising about 60,000 chickens. Their innovative practices began in 1987 when they tried a no-till system and different coulter combinations on their planters.
George is always thinking of ways to increase efficiency on the farm, not only to save money, but to be environmentally friendly as well. With this end in mind, he increased the size of the propellers on his vertical manure spreader to increase speed and added a canopy to throw the manure uniformly and further thus reducing fertilizer costs.
The Cornelissens also employ a global positioning system (GPS) in their spraying where, when the light bars line up, the full width of the sprayer is covered by two, overlapping half-inch nozzles. This system both destroys weeds and avoids "doubling up" on one product or damaging the crops with excessive herbicide. Their most recent innovation is the implementation of a geothermal heating system in their broiler barn. This simultaneously cuts energy costs and allows them to provide more heat to sensitive areas of the barn, such as hatcheries.
Over the years the Cornelissens have hosted tours of their farm and have shared their knowledge and improvements with any inquisitive farmer. George is a member of the Lambton & Middlesex Soil and Crop Association. He works on various projects with the University of Guelph. He has received the St. Clair Conservation Award. He has also won the Lambton County Forage Master Award and the Top Yield award for Lambton County No-Till and Conventional. Carolyn is a member of the Landfill Public Liaison Committee.
Chapter 24 of 25 - Cornelissen Family
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