What questions should we be asking 3 Asking for financials before succession planning. When Tom’s* dad asked him to take over the family farm he was excited. Wisely, Tom asked to see the financials. The answer was a firm “no” which was a little rude and very confusing for Tom considering that the knowledge of […]

Protectionism vs Collaboration History points to a fragmented past in agriculture among commodities.  A time in which the sectors had a focus to compete for market share and thoughts of collaborative efforts were non- existent.  It’s tough to put together agricultural policy with so many bulls in the pen and it’s tougher yet to sell

Great conversations and ultimately the nurturing of behavioural change, starts with questions.  The old models of information transfer in which the authoritative voice dictates direction, are quickly being replaced by those of curious dialogue.  In the field of agriculture, there are a plethora of unanswered questions – and yet we tend to lean on those

Want to direct market? Sell what you are given. Ingrid Johnston is a woman of powerful words and creative actions. Reading her Nuffield Canada report was like walking into an inviting space wooed by her sense of connection and leaving feeling empowered and ready to rock your business from the roots to the roof. A

It was a beautiful summer evening and I was riding my bike on the seawall when I passed an art installation with a ‘wind phone.’  My first thought was that it might just be a little silly to have an unconnected phone by the sea – but for some reason I stopped to investigate.  The

Much of the conversations today are centred around trade and tariffs. There is a lingering uncertainty and fear.  Producers through to processors are trying to navigate the shark infested waters.  How then do we as an agricultural industry not only survive but thrive in such a stormy environment?  The immediate thought is to fix the

Dignity not only speaks to valuing and respecting people in their own space and place but also mirrors how we value ourselves.  It is that fine thread woven into our actions that says ‘I can carry myself because I know your worth and I know mine.” Dignity, as a value, is often missing from programs

The global system is not short on grocery even though there are empty tables. There is more than enough food to feed each person on earth the required calories although high costs, hunger and malnutrition persist. The length of the food chain differs today compared to few decades ago. It is a longer chain that

We may think of those persons over the age of 65 as comfortable Grandmas and Grandpas who welcome us home and offer great meals. The reality is that one third (34%) of seniors in Canada suffer malnutrition (Stats Canada). That means that one in three of the folks in your community who are in their