Focus on the Stanley Cup of International Trade and forget about being the MVP

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…

Old MacDonald doesn’t exist – he went bankrupt

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…

Dear Justin, the welcome mat is always down

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.…

How do we send a unified voice to Ottawa?

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…

Farming Facts vs Fiction: Part Two

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…

Deep Roots Foundation will support rural Saskatchewan communities

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…

What’s my word of the year for 2022 (and 2023)?

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.…

RBC Disruptors Podcast: The Growing Challenge

Kristjan was a guest on the RBC Disruptors podcast, hosted by John Stackhouse. Here are links to the three-part series.   Part One - https://player.fm/series/disruptors/the-growing-challenge-how-canada-can-lead-the-next-green-revolution-in-agriculture   …

Can farming survive government policy? A conversation with Stuart McNish, host of Conversations that Matter

I recently sat down with Stuart McNish for his show, Conversations That Matter. We talked about the myriad of ways in which agriculture benefits the environment and how farmers are constantly striving to improve best practices. You can watch…

Farming Facts vs Fiction: It’s our job to help consumers better understand the ag industry

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…
computer tablet in hand with grains of wheat in the other hand

Lack of rural internet and cellular connectivity jeopardizing growth of agriculture industry

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…

The most valuable lessons I learned from Danny Klinefelter

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,…