Farm Family Portfolio - Devin Hartzler

The Alberta Wheat Commission recently had the pleasure of interviewing Devin Hartzler to learn more about his family farm. Based out of Carstairs, Alberta, Devin is a 4th generation farmer producing wheat, barley, canola and yellow peas.

How did you get into farming?

I grew up on a multi generational family farm. Some of my earliest memories were “working” with my dad as a young kid.

What do you love about farming?

Working with family. The variety of challenging work we do. Flexibility we must take off to do things with my kids when not in the busy season

What other activities are you involved in (outside the farm or association work)?

I love to travel. I coach High School volleyball. Spending time with friends and family. Aspiring photographer and woodworker.

What types of on farm sustainability practices do you employ?

Some examples of sustainability practices used on our farm are soil sampling the ground every year to help determine nutrient needs for the land, minimal tillage and sectional control in seeding to avoid double applying seed and fertilizer.

What excites you about the future of farming?

Farming is constantly evolving, from the machinery we work with, to the seed varieties we deal in, to the ever-changing technologies. It has changed so much since I came back to farm with my dad. New farming practices and technologies that will come in the next 20 years could really continue to revolutionize what we do. I find that exciting and challenging

What concerns you about the future of farming?

I’m nervous about government regulations being made without proper research being done to know how it will impact the profitability of the farm, as well as the supply of food. I’m also concerned about the continually increasing cost of inputs.