Returning to the Chisasibi Farmland: Preparing the Field for Seeding

RETURNING TO THE CHISASIBI FARMLAND

Preparing the Field for Seeding

Returning to the farmland to continue soil preparation, equipment training, and seeding work.

Name	Randolph Martin
For	CERRI / Cree Nation of Chisasibi (CNC) Agriculture Project
Location	Chisasibi Farmland
Date	July 2026

Introduction: Returning to the Field

This was my third blog visit to the Chisasibi farmland as part of my work with the CERRI agriculture project. During an earlier visit, our team spread seafood compost across the sandy ground to add organic material and improve the soil. When we returned, darker areas could be seen where the compost had been worked into the field. This showed that the project was moving from soil improvement toward the next stage of planting preparation. The purpose of this visit was to see the prepared soil, learn about the equipment used for seedling, organize materials, and document how the team continued preparing the farmland for future crops. Connecting the stages of the project The farmland work follows a clear progression: improve the sandy soil, prepare the field, place seed, check growth, and document the results for the community.

Figure 1: Team members inspecting the Land Pride seed drill while it was stopped and attached to the tractor.

Learning About the Land Pride Seed Drill

Figure 2: Side view of the Land Pride seed drill positioned on the compost-improved field.

One of the main pieces of equipment at the farmland was a Land Pride seed drill. A seed drill places seed into the soil in organized rows and at a more consistent depth than scattering it by hand. The row openers and press wheels underneath the machine help create the planting path, place the seed, and press the soil afterward. This can help larger sections of a field receive more coverage. Before using the equipment, the team must inspect the hopper, hitch, wheels, hydraulic lines, safety guards, and moving parts. The tractor and drill must be connected correctly, and workers must stay clear while the machine is moving. Seeing the equipment up close helped me understand that farm machinery must be prepared and adjusted carefully before fieldwork begins.

Teamwork, Communication, and Safety

Teamwork continued to be an important part of the farmland project. Some people focused on the tractor and seed drill, while others organized materials and prepared the smaller spreading equipment. The work depended on listening, sharing information, and following the directions of experienced workers. Clear communication is especially important when equipment is being connected, inspected, adjusted, or moved. Safety also requires patience. Equipment should be stationary before inspection or loading, and workers must look for hydraulic parts, sharp row openers, wheels, and other moving components. This visit showed me that responsible agricultural work is not about rushing. It is about planning each task and making sure everyone understands their role.

Figure 3: Team members discussing the hand-pushed spreader and organizing materials beside the ATV.

Using a Hand-Pushed Spreader

Figure 4: A team member using the hand-pushed spreader along the prepared field.

A hand-pushed broadcast spreader was also used during the visit. This tool distributes granular planting material as the person walks, making it useful for smaller areas or places that require more control. The operator must walk at a steady pace and follow an organized path, so the material is not placed too heavily in one section or missed in another. Straight, planned passes make it easier to see which areas are complete. The field surface was uneven and marked by tractor tracks, so using the spreader required concentration and balance. Even a simple farm tool must be used properly to produce an even result. The hand spreader and the tractor-mounted seed drill showed how different tools can support the same goal at different scales.

What I Learned from This Visit

This visit helped me understand how the stages of farmland development connect. The seafood compost improved the sandy soil, and the seeding equipment stood for the next stage of preparing the field for future crops. I learned that equipment must be checked carefully, materials must be distributed evenly, and the condition of the field must be seen throughout the work. Preparation can make a major difference before any plants begin to grow. I also learned more about workplace documentation. Photographs can record the condition of the land, the equipment being used, the roles of the team, and the progress made over time. The experience strengthened my observation, communication, teamwork, responsibility, and documentation skills. A visual record of progress Each photograph helps show how the farmland changes from one visit to the next and why every stage matters.

Figure 5: Proving the hand spreader on the field after the soil-improvement work.

Why This Matters for CERRI, CNC, and the Community

The farmland project supports research and learning about northern agriculture in Chisasibi. Local conditions are different from southern farming regions: the soil is sandy, the growing season is shorter, and the climate can be challenging.

Documenting compost use, seeding equipment, and field preparation helps CERRI build practical knowledge about methods that may work in the local environment.

This work also connects food security and food sovereignty. Growing more food locally can increase access to fresh options, create opportunities for youth and community members to learn agricultural skills, and strengthen relationships between people, the land, and community wellness.

For CNC and CERRI, the project is not only about one field or one season. Each visit adds added information. The earlier work documented soil improvement with seafood compost; this visit documented seeding preparation and equipment learning. Future visits can record germination, plant growth, maintenance, and harvesting.

Miyupimaatisiiun - living well.

Community agriculture can support living well by bringing together healthy food, practical education, teamwork, land-based learning, and planning for future generations.

Conclusion

My third farmland blog documents another important stage of the CERRI agriculture project. During this visit, I saw the compost-improved field, learned about the Land Pride seed drill, watched the team prepare equipment, and documented the use of a hand-pushed spreader.

I am proud to contribute by taking photographs and explaining the work clearly. This blog can help community members see how the farmland is developing and understand why preparation, safety, teamwork, and careful documentation matter. The next part of the story will be seeing what grows from the work being completed today.

— Learning from the land and preparing for future growth —