Written by: Tracy Myers, Eastern Valley Regional Communication Coordinator

Perseverance, innovation, and dedication are three words that aptly describe OSCIA President-elect Warren Schneckenburger. His devotion to Soil and Crop on county, regional and provincial levels, is something that has been inherent over the previous two generations.

Warren’s grandfather, Martin, and grandmother, Evelyn, both immigrated from Germany in the late 1950s. After Martin and Evelyn were married, they purchased the homestead farm in South Dundas. Over the next 30 years, Martin’s achievements included winning the Dundas SCIA Farmer of the Year award, serving as President and director of the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), receiving the Award of Merit from OSCIA for outstanding contributions to the agricultural community and the Lifetime Achievement award as “an agricultural pioneer” and innovator. Martin was very active in his community and Soil and Crop activities until his retirement in 1991.

The next generation of advocates involved Warren’s parents Arden and Rhonda. They were also immensely involved in Soil and Crop activities as well as community based projects. Arden has been farming since the 1980’s and has been involved in numerous provincial and national crop and beef organizations on boards, executives, and committees. He is active in the local community and has been a member in good standing of the Ontario Institute of Agrologists since 1982. Arden has been a director and president of Dundas SCIA (winning the 2018 Award of Merit) as well representing Dundas County on the Eastern Valley regional board. Arden’s focus on farm innovation has led to the growth and diversification of their farm operation, Cedar Lodge Farms.

Warren Schneckenburger, OSCIA President-elect

OSCIA President-elect Warren Schneckenburger is the third generation to expand upon the family values of environmental awareness. Warren now operates Cedar Lodge Farms in Morrisburg with his parents Arden and Rhonda and wife Christine, along with their three young daughters. Over the past ten years he has implemented many strategies for soil conservation, including following in his father’s footsteps through the transition from conventional tillage to no-till. He also implemented strip-tillage in order to conserve the soil’s integrity. A graduate of the Agricultural Economics program from MacDonald College (McGill University), Warren has focused on the values of soil conservation for his farm’s sustainability.

Cedar Lodge Farms produces corn, soybeans and wheat and also includes a beef feedlot. Warren has been involved with Soil and Crop for as long as he can remember. Transitioning from being a member, to holding the roles of county, regional and provincial directors, Warren recognizes the importance of good land stewardship and focuses on being a role model and example to others. Warren has noted that many of the changes made on the farm are reflective of the OSCIA mission statement “…to facilitate responsible economic management of soil, water, air and crops…” Warren has also achieved the prestigious award of Innovative Farmer of the Year (IFAO, 2019), one which he is extremely proud of. Warren continues to implement many innovative practices on the farm and hopes that others will follow his lead.

We look forward to Warren’s leadership as OSCIA President in 2022 and are confident in his ability to do an outstanding job!