Elmer Laird, President and Farm Manager of Back To The Farm Research Foundation, grew up on a farm at Swift Current, SK. He is an Air Force Veteran of World War II and has farmed ever since the war.

In 1947, he bought the farm at Davidson and started chemical farming in 1949. He married Gladys McKay in 1969, and started organic farming that same year. Gladys never went to the field but she was very helpful doing research, particularly on organic farming. Over the ensuing 30 years, she also cooked numerous lunches and dinners, and baked cookies for the large number of visitors who came to talk about organic farming. Gladys passed away on November 15, 1999.

In 1973, under the Societies Act and sponsored by the National Farmers Union, they established The Back To The Farm Research Foundation, of which Mr. Laird is President. In 2001, Elmer retired as a farmer and donated the use of his land (640 acres) to the Foundation for taxes. The Board of Directors also made him the Farm Manager – at no salary.

And the work continues.

In 2005, the Foundation had ten research plots for the purpose of demonstrating that it is possible to farm without pesticides, choosing crops that are compatible and able to overcome any potential weed problems. The Foundation also offers, without charge, consultations and advice on all aspects of organic agriculture.

On October 10, 2005, with the help of Jack Chardonnens and his wife, Bridget, they proudly erected the Foundation’s sign – something they wish they had done five years ago.