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GROWERSPOTLIGHT SPUDSMART.COM SUMMER 201556 Hilltop Produce Ltd. Young Farmers Accentuate the Positive PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND potato growers Andrew and Heidi Lawless clearly know a thing or two about farming. They along with Myron and Jill Krahn of Carman Man. were named Canadas Outstanding Young Farmers for 2014 an award handed out annually to recognize farmers and farm couples who exemplify excellence in their profession. Spud Smart caught up with Andrew Lawless on the morning of June 11 when he was planting his last 30 acres of potatoes. We are about a week behind our normal schedule he said. Its been a late spring but all is going well. Andrew and Heidi own and operate Hilltop Produce Ltd. in partnership with Andrews parents Neville and Bertha Lawless. Hes a third-generation farmer whos been farming alongside his dad since he was five years old. Its what Ive always wanted to do and Im very fortunate to be able to do it Andrew said. I love farming and my dad still works with me every day. If it werent for my parents I probably wouldnt be farming today. I have a great deal of respect for my parents Andrew added. Thats one thing he has learned through the years if you respect your elders doors will open for you. The rich red soils of the Island allow Lawless and three other growers who formed a joint venture called RL Farms to farm more than 1000 acres of potatoes each year. All of the potatoes produced Russet Burbank Ranger Russet Shepody and Prospect are for the processing market and are grown in a three-year rotation with wheat or barley under-seeded with hay. Andrew explained that through the joint venture he and his partners are able to capitalize on efficiencies by sharing all direct costs. This includes land base storage labour equipment and maintenance. Each person has a percentage that they put in and thats essentially what they get out Andrew said. Its not an arrangement that would work for everyone but it works for us. Hes a firm believer its important to keep positive no matter what challenges you encounter. With farming and its many variables and uncertainties it is easy to get stressed-out. Dont get worked up over the little things said Andrew who is out the door at 5 a.m. and doesnt get back home until late in the evening during busy times. Like many other farmers Andrew sees the continuous tightening of margins. Whatever we can do to decrease our costs and remain sustainable is a huge bonus he said adding he isnt afraid of change and challenges himself to think outside of the box. We are always willing to try and adopt new practices Andrew said noting that they try to plant the best seed at the best planting time and even conduct trials to test performance. Andrew is always looking for for opportunities to di- versify which helps protect him against reduced margins and the volatility associated with farming. For example Andrew along with two other farmers identified the need for a new potato washing facility in the area and together they created RWL Holdings. It operates a facility that is equipped with new optical-sensing sorting equipment and provides a high-speed high-volume service that will help to provide processors with a more consistent product. Andrew explained that even though this was a significant capital investment up-front it should provide stability and added income long-term. If we ever had a natural disaster or a year of heavy blight this would be in place to maximize our return and that of other Island growers instead of being forced to dispose of the crop he said. BY JULIE DEERING Prince Edward Island potato farmers Andrew and Heidi Lawless pictured here with their kids left to right Max Maeve and Vance were named Canadas Outstanding Young Farmers for 2014. PHOTO ANDREW LAWLESS. TIPS FOR SUCCESS Prince Edward Island potato farmer Andrew Lawless shared a few words of wisdom for other young farmers who are looking to succeed 1. Be willing to think outside of the box. 2. Be positive. 3. Dont let the little things bother you. 4. Be willing to take the time to build and maintain relationships. 5. Never be afraid to seek out and take advice. 6. Make sure you enjoy what you do life is too short not to.