Alison Sunstrum was pushing for interconnectivity of farm data long before the internet was even commonplace. It’s that kind of foresight that has pushed Sunstrum to grow not only her own businesses, but also to act as mentor — and sometimes funder and partner — to several other upstarts and innovators in agriculture. In this… Read More
The post-COVID situation for the food industry may be a concern for the average consumer. The impacts might be most felt by the grocery and restaurant sectors and one has to wonder what the business might look like when we emerge from the pandemic. “It depends which country you’re in,” says Dr. David Hughes, emeritus… Read More
In leadership, aggressive behaviour can actually be less harmful to business than passivity. In other words, being unwilling to discuss a problem is actually more detrimental that having an argument about it. But just knowing that doesn’t make dealing with conflict any easier says Kelly Dobson, chief leadership officer at LeaderShift. In this Mind Your… Read More
Shaun Haney recently had a conversation with someone who he would consider a mentor, that was challenging but also a two-way experience. The hour-long discussion on how to make agriculture better left him feeling recharged and ready to take on the day. On this RealAg LIVE! we’ve got a special “freestyle Friday” where Shaun has… Read More
Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC) has announced that its FarmCash Advance Payments Program, previously only available in Alberta, will now be available to producers in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, beginning March 15, 2021. FarmCash has provided Alberta producers of over 50 ag commodities — including major crops, livestock, and honey — with another option to… Read More
If you clicked on this article, you’re probably wondering what “live your best life” I’m spewing out now. Today’s focus is sunlight. The polar vortex that has dominated the Prairies is making its way south of the border in a hurry (which, if you are reading this and from the parts of the U.S. that… Read More
The federal agriculture minister tried to address some of the questions coming from farms and other businesses that employ temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in a news conference on February 12. Employers of TFWs have been seeking clarifications regarding the federal government’s international travel restrictions and COVID-19 isolation protocols, as workers arrive for the upcoming growing… Read More
Each year, Canadian farms and orchards grow an abundance of fruit and vegetables for both local and export markets. From peaches and pears, to broccoli and asparagus, to processing tomatoes and cucumbers, Canada’s horticultural industry plays a vital role in producing local, fresh food for millions. Many of these farms employ seasonal workers, temporary foreign… Read More
What’s it like to be well under 30 and very suddenly diagnosed with a brain tumour, have your license pulled, and have to move back home? Kelsey Banks, Ontario agronomist, knows because that’s been her last 13 months. Oh, and there’s a global pandemic happening, too. In this RealAg LIVE!, host Kara Oosterhuis asks Banks… Read More
At first glance, it appeared that seasonal and temporary foreign workers coming to Canada would flow relatively unimpeded, save for the pre-flight COVID-19 test. However, last week’s federal announcement of more stringent quarantine measures and additional costs is possibly a new stumbling block, in the path to getting thousands of people here to work on… Read More
From business risk management fatigue, to the carbon tax, to adapting to changing labour demands, there’s plenty to cover regarding Canadian policy right now. It may be February, but horticulture farms and businesses are trying hard to navigate ever-changing COVID-19 travel rules in an effort to bring employees to Canada. Plus, not one but two… Read More
AGCO, the parent company of Fendt, Massey Ferguson, Gleaner, and Challenger, is conducting agronomic research trials and holding field demonstrations in 2021 with the objective of helping farmers successfully sequester soil carbon in their farming operations. The carbon credit market is evolving rapidly and is a potential revenue channel for farmers, especially in the U.S…. Read More
It seems that the fitness trends from 2020 have spilled over into 2021 and have become a lot more mainstream. Co-hosts Gary Chambers and Shaun Haney discuss the top trends of 2021 in the fitness world, including everything from virtual training and racing, to food boxes, to working out outdoors. Online and virtual training, for… Read More
Decision making is one of the most critical parts of any business operation. Often, the big or higher risk decisions are made by those in the most senior positions — the ones that have been around the longest. In a farm operation that is planning for or in the process of succession, determining who makes… Read More
If you’re on social media, listening to the radio, or watching TV today, you’re likely familiar with #BellLetsTalk day. For every text, call, tweet, or TikTok video using the hashtag “#BellLetsTalk,” or Facebook frame or Snapchat filter used, Bell Media will donate 5 cents toward mental health initiatives in Canada. Every year when this day… Read More