I was recently invited to speak to the World Trade Organization’s SPS Delegation about the challenges and opportunities facing producers when it comes to international trade. So, you’re probably asking what’s SPS? Sometimes that’s the problem with government bodies. The jargon and acronyms can make us tune out and think it’s not important, but stick […]
I find it interesting that the term “large farm” is seen as a dirty phrase in many agriculture circles. The “big guys” are taking over, buying up land, and putting the small “family” farms out of business. Wait a minute…we run a large prosperous family farm that employs 15 people and gives back to our […]
Like many, I was surprised to learn that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited our province on January 16th and, reportedly, didn’t let our Premier know. I was also dismayed to learn he had no interest in visiting a farm or talking about agriculture. I know he’s busy, and these itineraries are jam-packed, down to the […]
Love them or hate them, grower groups exist in Canada to represent all kinds of primary producers. In fact, there are so many of them, I lose track – from provincial groups and national groups to sector and crop-specific groups. At HGV, we pay significant amounts in check-off dollars to many of these organizations. Don’t […]
If you’ve been following me for a while, then you know I’m passionate about the importance of farmers telling our own story. If we don’t, someone else will tell it for us and I’m not ok with that. To that end, I take every opportunity to chat with people and answer their questions about agriculture, […]
If you’ve heard me speak, then you know I’m passionate about rural life. I happen to think I have the greatest office there ever was – looking over the fields at our farm in Moosomin, Saskatchewan. As idyllic as it sounds, there are also challenges that come with rural living. Often, there are services, funding […]
If there is one thing Canadians learned in 2022, it was how important agriculture is to each and every one of us. First the pandemic, then the war in Ukraine and now a looming recession with the cost of everything, including our food, skyrocketing. I’ve decided my word for the year is “volatility.” Seeing bare […]
I know consumers care about where their food comes from and how it’s grown. When buying food for your family, you want to know that it’s been ethically and responsibly grown and that it’s good for you. Consumers these days are asking more questions about where their food comes from and farmers will be happy […]
During September, I spent almost every day in either a combine or sprayer. Like many farmers during harvest, I basically ran the business from my phone – assigning work orders, purchasing inputs, marketing grain, and making capital decisions. On a good day, and I stress a good day, I’ll only drop 3 calls or wait […]
This is Part Two of our series about the importance of having a mentor. You can read Part One here. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a hockey fan. I love to play it, watch it and now, I coach it. So, I love that my mentor and friend, Danny Klinefelter, quotes Wayne Gretzky when […]
Expand your mind, expand your network A few folks have asked why Evan and I decided to start Farmer Coach. The answer is two words – Danny Klinefelter. If we can impart even one iota of the wisdom Danny has shared with us, then we will consider Farmer Coach a success. I joke that Danny […]
As we work towards our climate and production goals, the importance of agricultural policy can’t be overstated. And, if it isn’t done right, the consequences could be disastrous to Canadian farmers. I can deal with a bad year, a bad crop, and even Mother Nature, but I can’t insure against bad policy. Our global reputation […]