Reading Time: 3 minutes Agriculture may be considered a male-dominated industry, but more women are not only recognizing the many opportunities in this sector, they are also taking on leadership roles. Gone are the days when farming meant back-breaking physical labour. As well, the trend towards larger farm operations has meant a need for different skills and capabilities, including […] Read more
Talent, not gender, is what matters in today’s agriculture
Whether running farms or taking a leadership role in ag businesses, women are breaking down the gender barrier
Grazing management is your best – and cheapest – pasture input
Grazing management can produce significant pasture health and productivity increases without breaking the bank
Reading Time: 3 minutes I’ve been studying and practising grazing management for more than two decades and have always been intrigued by how it allows you to increase pasture productivity with few other inputs. At times, I’ve resorted to adding nitrogen fertilizer, spreading pig manure, harrowing, and clipping thistles. For some pastures, it seemed like the only thing to […] Read more
The secret of success can be found in a simple breakfast spread
The man behind Nutella shows how simple ideas can be very powerful
Reading Time: 3 minutes I was first introduced to Nutella while travelling in Europe as a young woman — the thought of chocolate for breakfast was just too good to be true! Today, the sweet treat remains a frequent visitor to our home, disappearing in the early hours shortly after waking. The man behind the mysterious blend of hazelnuts […] Read more
A tale of success, and how greed can overpower common sense
Dutch entrepreneur learns a hard lesson about family dynamics and the need to put things in writing
Reading Time: 3 minutes Edda sat at my kitchen table, the tears streaming down her face. A young innovator from the Netherlands, she seemed to have it all — a successful business, access to land, her own cattle herd, and a fabulous boyfriend. What could be the problem? Like many young and passionate innovators I’ve met and mentored in […] Read more
In praise of those who make our lives and communities great
We are all makers of history and symbols of hope, and the contribution of women is invaluable and inspiring
Reading Time: 3 minutes I am writing this on the eve of International Women’s Day and as we near the celebration of the birth of my seventh granddaughter and remember the birth of her great-great-grandmother, Martha. I’m reflecting on women I know, and those whom I do not, who contribute to our societies and our future. I am overcome […] Read more
Are we using traceability to its full potential?
Other countries extend traceability right to the packaging of meat so customers can find out what individual animal and farm it came from
Reading Time: 3 minutes As I’ve been travelling this past year, I’ve been astonished by the level of traceability in processing plants abroad. I was welcomed into two plants, on two different continents, with open arms and fantastic hospitality with the only request being I leave my camera outside. Geographically these two businesses couldn’t be further apart but their […] Read more
Clinging to old ways doesn’t work in a rapidly changing world
The beef industry needs to supply what consumers want, support innovation, and encourage new entrants
Reading Time: 3 minutes I’ve long said that the money in the beef industry comes from providing value as the customer defines it. That statement has several sides, of course. It means we value add, which is true. But it also came into play as consumers demanded beef labelled hormone and antibiotic free, local, grass fed, fresh or organic. […] Read more
The three basic rules of selling cattle
The key to long-term success is to pay attention to the basic marketing tools you need to stay in the game
Reading Time: 4 minutes The spike in cattle prices has led to some earnest soul-searching on farms and ranches. The concern is not so much in whether to buy or sell, but the longevity of high prices. How do we stay in the game for the long run? That is the question that has been asked of me in […] Read more
Abrupt change in rules for temporary foreign workers is wrong
Thousands of hardworking and dedicated people have been cut adrift because of changes to the Temporary Foreign Workers Program
Reading Time: 3 minutes In Alberta, the shortage of workers is so critical that experts estimate the province will be 96,000 persons short by 2023. With unemployment at 4.7 per cent (and well under four per cent per cent in some regions), the situation is warrants attention. At that rate Alberta dips into a demographic that should not be […] Read more
Oil price plunge will affect Alberta agriculture and the beef sector
The loonie has followed oil prices down and this will impact everything from feeder prices to packing plant utilization
Reading Time: 3 minutes The price of crude oil has fallen a long way since hitting $110 in July 2013 — and the debate on how long this drop will last, and what it will do to the economy, will continue for some time to come. The plunge in oil prices will create winners and losers — the question […] Read more