Author: Owen Roberts

It’s packers vs farmers in this meat war

US President Joe Biden is introducing legislation that will make it easier for American livestock producers to sue unscrupulous meat processors. The legislation is aimed at encouraging more competition in a sector that has grown increasingly powerful with consolidations. Next up on the President’s agriculture agenda: clearer country of origin labelling, which could have a huge impact on Canadian beef producers. Photo: cnbc.com

Read More

Farm equipment group links technology, sustainability and bandwidth

Farmers are embracing ‘smart’ farm equipment technologies that can save them money and benefit the environment “ if they have adequate internet access.
Now, several major farm equipment and non-agricultural groups are stepping up to lobby for better rural bandwidth, not only for use in food production but for residents’ health and education, as well. Image: Land O’Lakes Inc.

Read More

Is science finally winning over food buyers?

A recent Grassroots Public Affairs survey of Canadians found that consumers’ edginess towards federally approved products farmers use to protect their crops has slightly lessened. Perhaps scientists’ messages regarding product safety are finally being heard. Photo: bestfoodfacts.org

Read More

New minister has huge opportunity to promote change

Lisa Thompson, MPP for the riding of Huron Bruce, has been appointed agriculture minister for Ontario. She’s been a strong agricultural education advocate and she’s well respected by the farming community…and now, she’s in a position to make a real difference for agriculture. Photo: omafra.ca

Read More

Peter Rabbit gets a jump on World Food Day

The World Food Organization (FAO) has enlisted the help of Peter Rabbit to be the hero of World Food Day this fall. He’ll be encouraging kids to become “food heroes” by eating more fruits and vegetables, and wasting less food. Photo: FAO

Read More

Urban Cowboy

Raising awareness and promoting dialogue about current food and agriculture issues.

OWEN ROBERTS

Headshot of Owen Roberts

Owen Roberts is an agricultural journalist and communications instructor based in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. He is a trustee on the Global Foundation for Agricultural Journalism and an associate editor (communications) for the Journal of Agromedicine. Previously, Owen was president of the International Forum for Agricultural Journalists, an agricultural communications faculty member at the University of Illinois, and research communications director at the University of Guelph. His programs and research papers have been recognized through awards from the Journal of Applied Communications, the National Agri-Marketing Association, the Association for Communications Excellence and the Canadian Farm Writers' Federation.

Archives