What should farmers be asking of governments? This is an especially relevant question for producers in Manitoba who are getting to know the new government led by Premier Wab Kinew. Farmers and their representatives need to get this question right. Sometimes, agriculture’s asks can be counterproductive both for the development of a positive relationship with
Comment: Government in an uncertain world
There are a couple of asks agriculture needs to make of government
Farmers, your political engagement matters
This election, don’t lose the chance to bring farming to the forefront
I have a message for every farmer in Manitoba, no matter what crop they grow or type of animals under their care: Now is the time to engage with all local candidates. Governance matters. On Oct. 3, Manitobans will elect 57 members of the legislative assembly. Every one of them will influence, for good or
Comment: Agriculture: our rich uncle
Agriculture is an economic powerhouse, but only if policy makers let it be
Farmers face a growing number of challenges. The threat of drought and crop failure seem to be with us every year. Add in protectionist policies that make it harder for Canadian farmers to trade, uncertain markets caused by political instability (such as the war in Ukraine) and the potential for disease outbreaks that threaten productivity.
Comment: The thickening U.S. border
Proposition 12 and rule changes on meat labels threaten U.S.-Canada trade
The international agricultural landscape is witnessing a troubling trend toward protectionism. In past eras, protectionism was enabled through tariffs that blocked trade. World Trade Organization negotiations and bilateral trade agreements have largely eliminated that from the protectionists’ toolbox but, as evidenced by recent events in the U.S., there are other ways to impede trade. California’s
Comment: Go for the carrot, not the stick
Regulations not the best move for real ecological progress
There are two ways to get a horse to carry a heavy load. You can hit it with a big stick, or you can provide a reward for work well done. Think of agriculture as the horse and government sustainability goals as the load that farmers are being asked to carry. Too often, governments reach
Comment: The election hasn’t been called but the campaign has begun
Farmers should be meeting with candidates now to ensure their views are heard
Sometime before Oct. 24, Manitobans will go to the polls to elect the next provincial government. While we don’t know the election date, the campaign has already begun, or at least, it should have begun for farmers if we want to see agriculture’s needs reflected in the parties’ policies. The political parties are getting prepared
Comment: 2023 — The year of risk management
Pork producers will want to look for ways to dampen volatility and risk this year
When we talk about the passing of 2022, the most common response I hear is “good riddance.” It was a year of uncertainty. We saw disruptions to supply chains and reverberations from COVID-19. The war in Ukraine impacted markets and African swine fever jolted traditional supply and demand. Will 2023 be any better? Many of
Comment: New trade priorities for agriculture needed
Canada needs the ability to meet trade challenges and ensure existing deals are working
COVID-19 has caused the word ‘pivot’ to be overused and abused, but I am going to use it again anyway. It is time for a significant trade policy pivot from the Canadian government to actively counter rising economic nationalism, address disruptions caused by the pandemic and fix existing trade agreements that are not living up
Comment: We are food producers
Inside agriculture they might be commodities, but at the grocery store, what you produce is food
Farmers are often referred to as “producers” – wheat producers, canola producers, cattle producers, hog producers, etc. While these references are logically rooted in the commodities grown on individual farms, they don’t provide a bridge to consumers filling their grocery carts. If we change the way we look at what farmers do, away from these
Comment: Farmers and the ‘prove it’ generation
Be real about modern agriculture because there’s much to be proud of
What is a farmer’s relationship with environmental and animal welfare certification programs? Would it be right to say that it’s complicated? On one hand, farmers feel targeted by those in the activist community who reject the realities of modern agriculture. No genetically modified anything. No fertilizer. No pesticides. Small holdings with a few chickens, a
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
