Moments in Birtle History: Demonstration Farm

In 1917, the Manitoba government purchased a half section of land in the RM of Birtle for the establishment of a Demonstration Farm. The Demonstration Farm was located on Verna and David Fulton’s home half section; N ½ 19-16-26. The manager’s house was sold to Bonnie and David Andrews and moved to their yard site.

William Pierce with bees
William Pierce with bees

The Demonstration Farm was used to teach various agricultural techniques and effective farming practices while promoting crop varieties suited to this region of the province.

It was placed under the management of Mr. W. Pierce, who was well suited for the job as he had worked at the Experimental Farm in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, prior to coming to Birtle.

The half section had 140 acres of cultivated land that was reputed to be the weediest in the municipality. Mr. Pierce took on the challenge and successfully demonstrated that a proper crop rotation could control most weeds.

During its 22 years of operation, hundreds of men and women would turn out to attend the numerous conferences, workshops and Field Days held at the Demonstration Farm. It was reported that some Field Days brought as many as 500–1,200 people out to the Demonstration Farm.

The government closed the farm in 1939 during the Second World War, and Mr. Pierce and his family relocated to Portage La Prairie.

To see a larger image, click on the photo.

demofarm 1925
1925
1927 rotation system
1927 rotation system
demofarm August 1927
August 1927
Demonstration Farm
Demonstration Farm
 September 22, 1925
September 22, 1925
 August 26, 1927
August 26, 1927
Field Day
Field Day
Seeding
Seeding
Grain plots
Grain plots
Stooking
Stooking
Binder and tractor
Binder and tractor
Demonstration Farm
Demonstration Farm

Newspaper and other articles about the Demonstration Farm:

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