Reading Time: 3 minutes I was recently asked by a reader to “get back to the farm” in my column. Now there is a journey worth taking, for the farm is both my roots and my wings. The question I asked myself was: What is new in Canada on the farm? The answer was an hour away as I […] Read more
Is curiosity something that has taken root on your farm?
There are hidden opportunities on every farm that can bring both financial and personal rewards
Opinion: We need to open the farm gate wide
Consumers want to see in, and farmers need to know what is happening beyond their operation
Reading Time: 3 minutes The first half of 2020 was amazing for agriculture as Canadians were focused on food quality and security. Consumers were interested in being part of the solution and, at the very least, wanted more information about where their food came from. Local became in vogue and instead of standing in line at the checkout, many […] Read more
The food supply chain bent but did not break
But the pandemic also highlighted many weaknesses in a complex system with many parts
Reading Time: 3 minutes The food supply chain did not fail Canadian consumers in the first half of 2020 despite huge challenges. Yes, there were times when some product was sold out or limited, but emaciated shelves were short lived. Overall, consumers had adequate access to food and beverages from the Canadian food supply chain. The Canadian Agri-Food Policy […] Read more
Temper tantrums aren’t just someone having a bad day
It may seem like someone has a short fuse but there’s usually a long list of reasons behind a blowup
Reading Time: 3 minutes A conflict in itself is often not the root of the problem. I waited in a return line as the person in front of me argued about her bill. The staff person was unable to respond in a way that was satisfactory and the customer started shouting. Management was called and the young staff member […] Read more
Ethical fashion is an emerging trend that will affect agriculture
We need value chains that reward excellence in the production of fibre and leather
Reading Time: 3 minutes The ever iconic Vogue magazine has cornered the fashion industry since 1892. The razor-sharp and trendy photos of women (and men) in dynamic, vibrant trend-setting clothing, always stirs the artist in oneself. From makeup to muck boots, this publication has earned its place in history. In May, Vogue published the most intriguing article titled ‘Regenerative […] 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
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
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
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
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
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
