Reading Time: 3 minutes As the world of agriculture and agri-food evolves, so too does its workforce. Capturing just who is engaged in this massive economic engine has been difficult as previous statistics have focused on who works ‘on the farm’ rather than who is employed ‘in the food system.’ Perhaps never before in history has there been such […] Read more
Schoepp: The food sector is much bigger than you might imagine
We’ve seriously underestimated how big the sector is, and its ability to be an even bigger economic engine
Schoepp: Hunger doesn’t just happen to people in far-away places
You can see telltale signs in our grocery stores and the streets of cities and towns
Reading Time: 3 minutes While recently spending several months travelling in and out of a major city, I often ran out of time to eat in the evenings and whenever I shopped, it was late at night. Buying groceries was something I could do on the way back to the farm, without the worry of crowds or traffic. On […] Read more
Schoepp: Pitting one farming practice against another benefits no one
Dismissing regenerative agriculture — or synthetic fertilizer — out of hand is not the way forward
Reading Time: 3 minutes The use of synthetic nitrogen is being debated around the world by farmers and scientists. Stirring the discussion further last month was an opinion piece titled “Nutrient Claims are Crap” written by Jaqueline Rowarth in a New Zealand publication called Rural News. In it, the agrologist took a run at regenerative agriculture, describing it as […] Read more
A look back at the year that was — from bad to verse
There’s not that much to celebrate — and so this ‘poetry’ you’ll just have to tolerate
Reading Time: 3 minutes Once again, a year’s passed and for better or worse We start a new one in doggerel — that’s badly rhymed verse We review the last year (which you could say was a hexed one) And give you some tips on what to do in the next one Now I’ve heard all the stories while […] Read more
Schoepp: Does sourcing ingredients from around the world really make sense?
It’s time that consumers were offered the chance to buy truly Canadian food products
Reading Time: 3 minutes Have you ever felt betrayed when you bought a food product? I am fascinated by brand claims and food sources. One day I simply emptied the nearest cupboard to see where the food came from and what was in the manufactured products that now were scattered on the counter. The pure Atlantic Sea Salt I […] Read more
Comment: A seed regulatory system that inspires trust shouldn’t be undermined
The system can be improved but not by muddying the waters with differing sets of standards
Reading Time: 3 minutes Instead of replicated trials, farmers will have to rely on re-tweets to figure out the best varieties for their farms if Seeds Canada has its way in changing the regulatory framework for variety registration in Canada. In an article on the seed regulation review in the Nov. 1 edition of this paper (‘Seed regulatory review […] Read more
Opinion: Taking some small steps can make your farm much safer
Lowering the risk of an accident doesn’t have to be a complicated and time-consuming process
Reading Time: 3 minutes Now is the time to start thinking about small steps you can take to prevent major regrets. Ben was 16 years old and proud to be given a job that was usually assigned to someone older and more experienced. The job was to bring the tractor and small hay baler back home from a nearby […] Read more
Schoepp: The pandemic brought stress but also something empowering
A lot of the burden fell on farm and ranch women, but struggle also brought a new strength
Reading Time: 3 minutes Women have multiple roles on Alberta’s farms and ranches, and navigating the pandemic has taken courage, determination, innovation and forgiving grace. I asked some of them to share their experiences. At first, the fact that the country home was remote seemed a blessing as it reduced the potential exposure to the virus. But as time […] Read more
Schoepp: Novice farmers offer a host of lessons on what is possible
Across the country, young people are following in the footsteps of the pioneers, building farms one acre at a time
Reading Time: 3 minutes The invitation came by text to attend a party at the neighbouring farm. It was simply to showcase food production and to launch the farm to the community. COVID rules were followed, but that did not dampen the spirit. Folks loved the animals and the vegetable gardens, and enjoyed the vendors who sold natural products. […] Read more
Schoepp: Growing food in space could spark big changes on Earth
Scientists are looking at how to grow food on Mars and their research could change the food sector here
Reading Time: 3 minutes “When we go to Mars, we will have to grow our own food.” Canadian physician, engineer and former astronaut Robert Thirsk made that comment when asked a question on the preservation of seed at the Canadian Beef Industry Virtual Conference in late August. Since a space vessel cannot carry enough food to fly to, and then conduct […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
