Reading Time: 3 minutes First- and second-fiscal-quarter earnings for those selling groceries exceeded expectations as consumers stocked up during the pandemic. From small specialty stores to supermarkets, all have reported excellent profits. The idea of centralized retail grocery is relatively recent and yet most societies, regardless of global address, can now relate to shopping at a supermarket. In North […] Read more
Schoepp: Pandemic an opportunity to rethink food distribution
A highly centralized food system isn't the only option; there's a place for local, too
Savvy ways to wisely direct dollars in horse ownership
Uncertain economic times mean taking a hard look at where to make your investments
Reading Time: 3 minutes Whenever economic times become uncertain, peripheral lifestyle choices such as horse ownership often become affected. Regardless of the circumstances that initiate evaluation or re-evaluation of financial resources pertinent to horse-keeping practices, it is prudent to understand where allocation of financial resources contribute the greatest benefit to the horse’s well-being. There is no one single best […] Read more
When the load gets too heavy, be kind to yourself
Asking yourself what went well today can bring great relief during times of great stress
Reading Time: 3 minutes Let us begin… Appreciating the gifts of abundance, honouring the process of stress and our own capabilities each day can create a strong societal ecology in our homes, businesses and communities. Strong enough to weather change. The Great Change of 2008 In the year 2008 the dynamic of the world changed. It was the first […] Read more
We can put food at the centre of our national economy
We have a new appreciation for food systems, and a chance to capitalize on our strengths
Reading Time: 3 minutes Nature is the great equalizer. In just three months she took the world from assured continuance along the path of globalization and commercialism to world recognition of one simple fact — we all need to eat. For many years, there have been calls to recognize the importance of agriculture. I have been in that camp, […] Read more
Cattle sector knows about learning and adapting
Infectious disease is a constant risk on ranches and feedlots, and we know how to reduce the threat
Reading Time: 3 minutes The COVID-19 outbreak gives us time to reflect on how we do things with our livestock. Cattle producers are in the unique situation in the sense we all know about infectious disease — and mitigating risk. From now on, it won’t be as hard to explain to people how we don’t want visitors, especially around […] Read more
Artificial intelligence is everywhere, and it’s just getting started
The invisible tracking of our buying habits should challenge us so we are not defined by a database
Reading Time: 3 minutes I have been thinking about artificial intelligence (AI) and the impact it has on consumerism. AI is used to track your buying habits and predetermine your buying needs. It is also the robotics that clean fields or make cars, do complex surgery or make a digital diagnosis. It is the smart fridge that knows what […] Read more
Caring for horses through the COVID-19 pandemic
A few things will change, but most of what you will need has been designated an essential service
Reading Time: 2 minutes The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the horse community as a balance is sought between optimizing human welfare and horse welfare. Many horse owners are well educated regarding the principles of biosecurity in terms of precautions and preventive measures taken to limit the spread of disease. Two powerful and effective biosecurity practices common to both the […] Read more
What makes you great at what you do?
Farming is not just another job — and it’s not just production skills that make farms successful
Reading Time: 3 minutes The value of food and of farming has become part of the mainstream conversation these days. If you are a farmer, what you do is important. And like any other year, we must remember what it is that makes us great at what we do. To help with that, here’s a little list gleaned from […] Read more
Creating food security requires innovative approaches
It’s not a matter of providing food but finding long-lasting solutions that fit the needs of communities
Reading Time: 3 minutes The fear environment that we live in at this time now goes beyond disease and disaster. For many it is simply a question of finding enough food to eat or drink. As persons of privilege in a First World country, how can we engage in solutions that are transformative and transferable? This past winter I […] Read more
Technique matters when administering oral products
There are several things to be aware of when using balling guns and oral techniques
Reading Time: 3 minutes The use of balling guns or administration of other oral products is increasing in the cattle business, including for NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). In the old days, a few antibiotics such as long-acting sulfa drugs were given as oral tablets or there were big aspirin pills. These are both actually still available today but seldom […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
