There’s no doubt that we’re increasingly receiving more of our information from on-line sources. And COVID19 seems to have accelerated the trend, with traditional conferences and industry events replaced by virtual gatherings. But what will happen after the pandemic? Will the benefits of our face-to-face interactions be outweighed by on-line safety and savings? Photo: The Grower.
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The death due to COVID-19 of two Mexican farm workers here in Canada was tragic, and the temporary halt to the agricultural workers program underscored just how precarious our farm labour situation is. Every year, approximately 60,000 Mexican and Caribbean workers fill essential, skilled positions that require training and experience. Canadian producers and farm organizations are now looking ahead at several options they hope will help to ease the chronic labour shortage.
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Provincial legislation is moving forward that would help prevent trespassing on farms. But some animal activists are pushing back, saying it’s illegal obstruction. Farmers know that one of the best ways to keep disease away from their herds is by minimizing the number of people and vehicles that come onto the farm. And they also know that livestock production is most efficient when their animals are healthy and well cared for. So should anyone have the right to go onto a farm? Photo: Alan Levine
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Ontario’s rural residents are renowned for their resiliency, a trait that’s been tested repeatedly throughout COVID-19 pandemic. They’ve managed to keep food on store shelves and find time and resources to support one another. Now, they have a chance to tell their pandemic-related stories through an initiative led by the Rural Ontario Institute, called the Rural Rebound. It’s sure to be inspiring reading. Photo: Mathew Roth.
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We know from research that farming is one of the most dangerous occupations. But a raised awareness of potential risks can help farms operate more safely and sustainably. After all, the most valuable asset of any business is its workers. Photo: Myck.ca
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Owen Roberts is a faculty member in the Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications program at the University of Illinois. As an agricultural journalist, he is the past president of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists and a lifetime achievement award recipient from the Canadian Farm Writers' Federation. His programs and research papers have been recognized nationally and internationally through awards from the Journal of Applied Communications, the National Agri-Marketing Association, the Association for Communications Excellence, and others.