tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29643097333689451192024-03-05T13:11:13.698-08:00Savvy FarmgirlFarm girl musings on today's agriculture and agri-food industry, farm life and how we're going to feed a hungry planet.Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-12611818468606545942015-04-02T06:49:00.000-07:002015-04-02T06:49:05.757-07:00My Blog Has Moved<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So, I've finally made the move to Wordpress!! I'm in the process of changing my domains but having some difficulty.<br />
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Until I get things sorted, you can check out my temporary blog <a href="http://savvyfarmgirl.com/" target="_blank">at it's new home here</a>.<br />
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Sorry for any confusion in the interim.<br />
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~Jen</div>
Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-48407842836011986702015-02-25T16:28:00.000-08:002015-02-25T16:28:28.186-08:00Gross Things I Do to Reduce Food Waste<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-to-keep-food-fresh-longer/" target="_blank">CBS News</a> reported that storing sour cream and cottage cheese upside down will keep it fresh longer!</td></tr>
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Food waste has been on my mind a lot lately. Ever since I read some amazing essays which touched on the topic, I can't help but think about the incredible amount of food that gets thrown out today. While some waste happens throughout the food chain, the vast majority is in the home after it's been purchased by the consumer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ecoissues.ca/images/Sources_of_food_waste_in_Canada_by_percentage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ecoissues.ca/images/Sources_of_food_waste_in_Canada_by_percentage.jpg" height="520" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: http://my.ewb.ca/posts/13/100823/food-waste</td></tr>
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My mom taught my brothers and I to always eat everything on our plate. She is notorious for taking several days' leftovers, throwing them in a pot with some stock, carrots and noodles and calling it soup. Surprisingly, it's always good. This was the mentality she learned growing up because my grandparents grew up in Nazi-occupied Holland, surviving on little else than tulip bulbs at times. Thankfully, neither my parents nor I ever knew hunger, but my Grandparents did. They remind me of it every time I see them.<br />
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This appreciation for the food I have the privilege to purchase has led to a dutiful sense of responsibility around how I consume it. I try to waste nothing. I feel guilty if anything goes in the green bin (compost), and further to that, if I throw compostable-scraps in the garbage. It occurred to me today, as I trimmed mold from my mozzarella, I have become borderline-OCD about food waste. To the point, it's kind of gross. Anyone else go to some crazy extremes to make the most of the food you buy?<br />
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<i>Disclosure: I'm not a doctor and just because I have not gotten sick, I make no guarantees you will not. Try at your own risk and if you're unsure, maybe consult someone who is actually qualified to advise you on the subject of food safety. I'm just sharing what I do that hasn't made me sick or impacted my health (that I know of). </i><br />
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The Gross Things I Do to Reduce Food Waste</h2>
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<b>Cut the mold off cheese</b><br />
I have always been told mold is a surface growth. <a href="http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20392188_6,00.html" target="_blank">This website says it's OK</a>, so it must be true. I love cheese too much to throw it out ever because of mold, especially when I eat blue cheese all the time. I usually trim all the mold off I can, then use it up right away. So far, I've never gotten sick from this and I tell myself it's building my immunity.<br />
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<b>Ignore the expiry date on dairy products</b><br />
I consider the expiry date a guideline; it's best consumed before that date, but if it's not rotten it's fine to eat. It's rotten if it smells nasty or is too "goopy" (think milk). I always smell my milk before pouring it and if it still smells good and doesn't curdle in my coffee, then it's good to go! Sour cream will last forever if you put it upside down in your fridge. Okay, maybe not FOREVER, but literally, I've ate sour cream month(s) after the expiry date when I turn it upside down.<br />
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<b>I keep and eat leftovers</b><br />
Okay; this isn't so much gross as it is just plain cheap. Even if it's less than a serving or just some vegetable scraps, leftovers go into a container in the fridge and I use them at my next meal. These <a href="http://www.pamperedchef.ca/ordering/prod_details.tpc?prodId=9904&catId=123" target="_blank">Pampered Chef bowls </a>are perfect for stashing small amounts of leftovers. I also eat a lot of omelettes, and they are an ideal place to throw scrap veggies or even some leftover stir fry. It's not gourmet but it works and keeps things interesting.<br />
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<b>I have a freezer of brown bananas</b><br />
I don't absolutely love bananas, but I buy them for smoothies. Usually they go brown before I use them, so I toss them in the freezer. Frozen, brown bananas make perfect banana bread. My family loves banana bread with chocolate chips. Win.<br />
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<b>I drink day-old coffee</b><br />
I heard a speaker from the coffee industry last year mention how big the environmental footprint of coffee is and how our insatiable taste for it is <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2011/oct/04/green-coffee" target="_blank">impacting those countries producing it</a>. How much of your morning coffee pot goes down the drain? I have a bad habit of not drinking the last mouthful of coffee, but I try to pour as little down the drain as I can. So much so, that if I have more than a cup left in the pot I'll save it and either reheat it the next day or use it in a homemade mocha-cafe smoothie. I appreciate good coffee, but some days, just coffee will do.<br />
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Things I Will Never Do</h2>
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<b>Eat expired mayonnaise. </b><br />
If it's a week or 2 (or 4) I have been known to use it if it's being cooked (like in this AMAZING <a href="http://www.hellmanns.com/recipes/detail/32658/1/parmesan-crusted-chicken" target="_blank">Hellman's Chicken Parm recipe</a>). After that, it gets thrown out. It kills me because I never eat more than an 1/8th of a mayo jar. Sometimes I buy smaller jars but the cost is almost the same, so more often than not I have a larger jar in my fridge. I keep thinking I should use mayo more, but let's face it; a tablespoon of mayo everyday isn't exactly like eating an apple everyday. I'm open to suggestions to what to do with it, but bad mayo is probably my biggest food fear.<br />
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<b>Eat Old Meat</b><br />
I don't mean old meat from the freezer; I cook that up and try to cover in sauce because it usually tastes like ass. I mean old, cooked meat that has been sitting in my fridge for more than 4 days-ish. If there is even a hint of slime, off-smell (the old smell test is gospel with me if you haven't notices), or it's just been there for about a week, it's going in the green bin. Again, food poisoning from meat isn't worth the risk. <br />
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<b>Anything else with mold</b><br />
Casseroles, canned food like mushrooms or pineapples that were in the fridge too long, yogurt, the list goes on. If there is mold on it, it's gone. The same usually goes for rancid nuts. You can't hide that flavour.<br />
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Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-3250753029156389742015-02-07T06:21:00.000-08:002015-02-07T06:21:23.724-08:00Forget Gender Equality, Time to Change Old Boys Culture in Agriculture<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">It was with great interest I read Marin MacNamara’s January 20 op-ed, “Gender equality and agriculture.” MacNamara points out a reality that exists in many industries, yet doesn’t have a simple solution.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">There is no question many organizations in agriculture still have an “old boys” kind of culture that in most other industries is now frowned upon and has gone by the wayside. While there are female leaders in our industry who have proven we can successfully navigate this culture, many organizations have also realized this culture is unhealthy for all employees, not just women. This culture doesn’t focus on employees achieving their individual potential and bettering the organization. Rather, it fosters politics and conformity.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I see this culture limiting our industry in terms of both innovation and competitiveness, but also internally through Human Resource policies. Maternity and paternity benefits, for example, are gender-sensitive hot potatoes that management often doesn’t want to deal with. And while discouraging to both genders, inherent to our biology, women face the overwhelming brunt of this problem. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">At the end of the day, agriculture is still “survival of the fittest.” As business leaders we need to advance our organizations, but we also need to attract top talent to agriculture, male and female. The current culture isn’t going to cut it, and frankly many women just haven’t been willing to put up with it. And I suspect there will be increasingly more men who feel the same, unless culture starts to change. The first step is accepting there is a problem, and if talking about gender equality does anything, it will also heighten the awareness to this issue. Making the industry stronger overall.</span></div>
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Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-19433515936019340022015-01-04T17:16:00.001-08:002015-01-04T18:27:27.618-08:00#Farm365 Teaches Us the Power of Words - Use Them Wisely<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Words have the power to create and destroy." A fitting interpretation of scripture today in church, with a reference even made to social media and how we use words today in our lives, which are increasingly online. Are we creating or are we taking away from people's lives with our words?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It took no less than 2 days for a great initiative to showcase daily life on an Ontario dairy farm to turn into an all-out brawl between animal rights activists and farmers on Twitter. My emotions are mixed. I have utter respect and admiration for the patience and tolerance of farmers like <a href="https://twitter.com/FreshAirFarmer" target="_blank">Andrew Campbell @freshairfarmer</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/creeksidedairy" target="_blank">Julaine Treur @creeksidedairy</a> who answer question after question without judgement or harsh words. Their ability to show respect for differing opinions and choice of words set an example for which all of us can learn. It's classy. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They choose words which create a conversation. They are open and transparent and leave opinions to those who listen to decide on their own. They do not attempt to destroy the integrity of an individual or pass judgement on those who might disagree. Can you say the same for your social interactions? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There could be any number of reasons people choose to be vegan. Those who do not fundamentally believe in the practice of animal agriculture will not be swayed or reasoned with, because there is no common ground between us. This group might be loud, but they are a minority. They don't represent the majority of the 98% of Canadians who don't live on a farm. (They don't even represent the majority of vegans, I suspect.) They represent a small number of outspoken, extremists. We find it ironic they demand respect and compassion yet seem incapable of showing the same to people. For them, they likely find our observation likewise ridiculous. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This divide is immense, and the more we demonize each other (and I mean that both ways), the greater it becomes. As much as these activists judge us, we are also judging them. When we do this, we stigmatize everything vegan-related, and this makes me sad. I have friends who have introduced me to vegan foods, and they have been damn good. I like good food. I also think we could probably learn a lot about incorporating some healthy protein alternatives into our diets, if there wasn't a stigma attached to vegan. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then, what about the rest of consumers who don't share the extremist view? What do they think? They might not be engaging as ferociously, but they're listening. Are your words creating a positive and encouraging image of agriculture? Not just of what you do, but <u>who</u> you are? A few bad apples will spoil the bunch. Don't let the extremists spoil you. Choose your words wisely and if need be, choose to say nothing at all. </span></span></div>
Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-75239279157726826312015-01-01T18:40:00.000-08:002015-01-04T18:12:22.358-08:002014 - Reflection, Enlightenment and Some Darn Good Travel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">If I had a bucket list, this would be the year where I would have knocked several items off it. 3 "Wonders of the World" - the Taj, The Great Wall & the Grand Canyon; an EMBA and Ivey Scholar, snorkeling in the Caribbean, live-tweeting our robot start-up and commanding my own combine through harvest were just a few of the year's highlights. If I'd been flying with 1 airline, I'd be well within the "Elite" travel status, with almost 50,000 miles logged on the flights I recall off the top of my head!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Among these highlights, it was also a year of perpetual reflection and self-discovery. I struggled a little to re-adjust to life after EMBA, which as it turns out was much the same as it was before. The underwhelming interest of those around me quickly led me to understand that as much as education is important, until it is manifested through daily problem solving and thought leadership, it is not really appreciated. It was time to start putting EMBA to work for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There were a few more moments of enlightenment this past year which will lead to some changes in my life in 2015.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Opportunities to excel aren't always packaged as we expect.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In a society where we are heralding women for leaning in and encouraging everyone to find their passion, it's easy to fall into the mindset that your strengths are under-utilized and your talents fit better elsewhere, either in a different role, company or even a different industry. This may in fact be true, but then you better do something about it because otherwise, it can quickly distract you from being your best self at your job today. We all know the first step in getting promoted is performing well in your current role. I knew this, but I got a wake up call this year, when I realized I was so focused on what I thought I should be doing, I was missing great opportunities to leverage my strengths to get the results I needed in my current role.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Listening takes work & I suck at it.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">At 31 years of age, I have realized I don't listen very well. I don't mean all the time, but certainly when it comes to conversations about food and farming, it would serve me better to ask more questions and listen more. Directly related to my last post, I've realized I don't take as much away from these conversations as I could if sought others opinions more often. My personal development goal this year will be developing my listening skills to have more meaningful conversations. Advice here welcome!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">It's My Turn.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After 6 months of self-reflection and trying to discover exactly where my talents were needed, I've discovered what I'm particularly passionate about and also how I can make a difference. As it turns out, it isn't just 'one thing' and maybe that is appropriate; I thrive on the variety and believing I'm making a difference in many different facets of the ag industry. This year, the priorities on which I've chose to are not just going to allow me to apply my strengths and develop some new skills, but I'm going to 'kick things into higher gear' and start creating more meaningful value. Stay tuned! More to come..</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Shake it Off.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A trusted co-worker joked recently T Swift's "<i>Shake it off</i>" should be my theme song in 2015. Turns out, it wasn't really a joke but a message; "life is good, don't get hung up on negatives, Jen". In <u><a href="http://www.forbes.com/ebooks/their-roaring-thirties/" target="_blank">Their Roaring Thirties; Brutally Honest Career Talk from Women Who Beat the Youth Trap</a></u>, Kat Cole, CEO of Cinnabon, talks about how interactions with a jerk boss would "drain her emotional bank account", but her community involvement gave her an opportunity to 'refill' it. This balance or offsetting of the highs and lows of my community involvement, family and work life is exactly what has allowed me to stay sane through what seems like a ridiculous schedule. Sometimes it's easy to diminish the highs though, and my challenge in 2015 will be to celebrate these wins more and shake off the lows faster.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hope you have a moment to reflect on your 2014 and wishing you all the best in 2015!</span><br />
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Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-77340858795790586532014-10-20T03:30:00.000-07:002015-01-04T18:12:43.093-08:00Know Your Audience - Are Agvocates Missing The Mark?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Though agvocacy is one of the biggest buzzwords in the online ag community, it would appear it hasn't gained the traction most would desire. If you follow a handful of vocal farmers on Twitter or are an agvocate yourself, it's easy to start to feel overwhelmed with what many are calling 'attacks' on agriculture. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have we not given agvocacy enough time? Is the content we're sharing not worth following and taking notice? Are we "preaching to the choir" too much? The possibly over-used metaphor often accompanies a challenge to tweeters, bloggers and writers, industry and farmers alike to appeal to the public and "tell our story". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But there is one problem. The public isn't listening. You can write the greatest literary work in the world, but if no one reads it, what has been accomplished?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some are quick to point out, "we" (a reference that somehow is meant to encompass all of the vast, diverse and unique facets of the agriculture industry into one group) don't have the audience "they" (being anyone who might represent a different viewpoint) do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First off, this is true. But "they" didn't start with a million followers. They started with one or two, just like me and you, and the similarities don't stop there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In fact, they are are us - they worry about the health of their children. They see a better future for the environment around them. They seek the highest value return for their money, even that which is spent on food. They are deeply passionate about their cause, to the point of emotional attachment and are driven to do something about it. Their audience is even the same as ours.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So then, the question becomes, how did they develop this mass appeal and apparent influence and what are we doing wrong? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The simple answer is to say it's fear mongering. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I disagree with this, at least to the extent of explaining how these food bloggers got their start and developed a following. Fear mongering may aide the hype, but I don't think it has staying power. Fears are confronted and subside with time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">No, they simply understand the audience better than we do. They are part of it. They are the consumer and they don't even have to try to appreciate the challenges, concerns, hopes and desires of the audience we so desperately try to target. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our point of uniqueness is being a farmer, but our downfall is that we forget. We forget we are so unique, that while we are also consumers, we have a vantage 98% of consumers do not. Think like the ever-passionate and often-animated Crystal MacKay, Farm and Food Care Ontario Executive Director; "if you've ever used the word "teat" in a sentence, you're not like them."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We don't need to do a better job explaining what we do. We are very good at that. Most people just don't care. They don't care because they can't relate and understand why they should care (and 'because we grow your food', is unfortunately not reason enough). We need to do a better job understanding consumers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fortunately, this is pretty easy because they are everywhere! The challenge for most of us, myself included, is to stop agvocating long enough to hear what they have to say. Strike up conversations with people in the grocery story, "city friends" or the parents of your kids' friends about what they're purchasing and why. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then listen! Don't interject or try to counter or persuade. God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason! You'll learn far more about what's on their minds and be better prepared to tell a more meaningful story. Not suggesting it didn't have meaning before, but 'getting in the consumers' head and removing that farmer bias is the only way we can start getting our message to the masses. Until then, we will only ever be preaching to the choir. </span></span></div>
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Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-80203080650246857972014-10-06T20:49:00.002-07:002014-10-06T20:49:37.571-07:00Advice to a Young Aggie (Or insert your undergrad major here)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At some point, I crossed the threshold from being 'recently graduated' to a full-blown alumni. It's a little surreal, being invited back to Career Week to impart 'wisdom' when I'm still seeking it wherever I can find it myself. Nonetheless, these events always offer a chance to reflect on what you've learned and how far you've come. Here are my big three pieces of advice for today's Aggies (or any undergrad) + one bonus from my friend, Rebecca. </span><div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Do something different.</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You might be absolutely positive about the industry you want to work in, but even if you are passionate about nothing else, try to work outside it, just once. If this seems scary, then start by taking some courses that interest you but might be completely unrelated. As one of my coworkers and fellow speakers this evening put it, "college is your time to explore." Try summer jobs or course subjects that seem intriguing but your practical, 'left brain' tells you are not 'good experience'. Everything is an experience from which you can learn, related or not. This is probably my biggest regret. I was so set on my destination, I missed the scenery along the way... trips to Belize, history class, College Pro Painters. All experiences I regret missing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For as many jobs that are posted, there always seemed to be just as many that are not. If there is a particular industry, firm or role you're interested in, seek out someone to talk to and ask about the opportunities that exist for summer students or recent graduates. They may not be hiring, but they may know someone who is and if you're particularly driven, they may even create an opportunity for you. What's the worst thing that can happen? </span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Get your hands dirty.</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know how many tires I shined. In fact, I wore Eau d'Armorall for an entire fall. Luckily, I was never in one place long enough to worry if it was offensive. My point is, we all started there with the 'dirty jobs'. The boss doesn't care what you know (because honestly, you actually know nothing) but really wants to see if you're willing and a team player. It's a test of character no one teaches you in a textbook. These days, those stripes are no easier to earn but far fewer seem willing. Roll up your sleeves and pitch in. I guarantee it will not go unnoticed. Too few young people think they graduate to be the CEO. The lyrics are for a reason; "We started at the bottom now we're here."</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BONUS! </span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get to know your classmates.</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More-so in a tight-knit industry, agriculture obviously being the example, there is a strong likelihood you will not only work with, but work for, support, collaborate with the people sitting around you in those AGR classes. Make an effort to get to know as many of them as you can. Down the road you'll not only be a hero when you know "X" at "that company" and can call them up, but you'll be relieved you remember their name when you stand behind them in the lunch line at the farm show.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because someone has to make that hood sparkle and get that rubber shining! My first major "event" as Promotions Coordinator at John Deere. </td></tr>
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Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-19036660032396519002014-10-02T06:45:00.000-07:002014-10-02T06:45:00.085-07:00Our 3-D World is Very Grey<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There is only grey. Lots of it and all shades, but there really is no black and white. I found myself thinking this tonight after another supply management debate. People want to believe the world is either one way or it is the complete opposite. They think if its this way, then there is that effect and if not, then all hell will rain down.<br />
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It's so not that simple. Every issue is a complex and tangled web of connections and consequences, making no answer a clear 'right' or 'wrong'. It is all grey.<br />
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This is one thing my MBA has helped me understand. I am also consciously aware that I think in "layers", perhaps as a result of my MBA or I am just more aware of it today than I was two years ago. It also is the challenge many leaders face; you see the problem or opportunity at hand in 3 dimensions and people want to think it's one. Leaders need to hone not their persuasion skills, but their ability to converge these two vantage points into one that people can not only easily understand, but also want to engage in because they see a direct benefit in doing so. Often that benefit needs to be personal.<br />
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That takes great communication. According to <a href="http://mckeestory.com/" target="_blank">Robert McKee</a>, that takes a story. I don't think a story can be told in 140 characters either, so Twitter is a great communication channel but is it the place to engage and tell your story? If not, then how else are you going to capture that audience? </div>
Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-31561440342496809402014-09-29T14:44:00.003-07:002014-09-29T14:44:41.160-07:00Farmgirl Goes to the Big City<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He kicked off the lecture, asking who had travelled the furthest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a theatre of 200-or-so eager professionals, a few shouts from the crowd revealed my challenging trip from SW Ontario paled by comparison; Vancouver, Newfoundland, California, Amsterdam, Brazil, Columbia! The Academy-award winning screenwriter truly drew a global crowd for his <a href="http://mckeestory.wordpress.com/story-in-business/" target="_blank">"Story In Business"</a> seminar. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"NO student of mine uses the word 'journey' to describe life," he continued. "A journey is when you get on the bus in Akron, Ohio & travel to Indianapolis. Life is not a journey. It's full of challenges." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, okay then. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With that, I shut my iPad and pulled out my notebook. This was going to be a good day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The thing with journeys though, is they can also be challenging, even for a seasoned traveler like me. Nevermind the cancelled flight and last minute changes, a trip to the 'big city' always unnerves me a little; at least until my psyche can re-calibrate to the hustle and bustle. With every step I imagine every eye on me, wondering if they know how uncomfortable I am at that very moment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It also always seems the insignificant decisions I fretted so much over, I inevitably chose wrong. This particular morning, as I dragged my roller-bag up Lexington Avenue from the subway station, I was cursing my decision to wear heels and wondering if my sweater was also going to be a burden on the warm, fall day. I broke my heel before I had even left the airport, so at my first opportunity I changed back into my cowboy boots. "Of course, flats were the obvious choice." I thought to myself gazing at every pair of feet around me. Of course, no one was paying any attention to me. I was just another bee in the hive going about my day like 8 million other people in New York. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By noon, the desire to have "NY for Dummies" on immediate standby had faded away, and I was excited to enjoy the beautiful fall weather, admiring the people and life of the Upper East Side. I grabbed a sandwich at a small deli, and couldn't help but think of Red's grocery in <i>Orange is the New Black</i>. I was quite certain this deli was a family business, and the full tables of suits, construction workers and students told me I'd be happy with my selection. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unwrapping the sandwich, I thought about whether I'd ever walked into a similar place in Toronto. Or anywhere in Canada for that matter. There wasn't a familiar restaurant sign to be seen in the 10 blocks I'd walked from Hunter College, so void of other options I'd chosen this deli. It's not incredibly profound, but I realized that's what being out of your comfort zone is all about. Trying new things because there is no other option. As the afternoon concluded, I'd force myself to step outside that 'safe zone' at least once more, not knowing the result could be the start of an incredible opportunity. Proof that nothing worth pursuing comes without some risk, even if the peril is only feeling like a farmgirl in the city. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert McKee on-stage, ready to begin his Story in Business lecture.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farm fashion meets high fashion on Madison Avenue, NYC.</td></tr>
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Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-52425599582622083332014-09-21T08:14:00.003-07:002015-01-10T18:29:49.892-08:00Our 6th Generation Family Farm; Poised for Growth & an Exciting Future<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCiO0L6Augs-rRqhm7d6t35N_vuyxXPNlZUmFzOC46ekNQRQvhbZWix65epTM8gGTxiA5BhluKOREr1BC4fHENyLsmqYb9CMNOabEH8YY0cpiFHbrqmSISCflNt_tnhQwWOOJj6HsnUUT/s1600/IMG_5517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Trevor, Helen, Jim, Mike, Jenn, Jen, and Marie Christie - 6th Generation family farm" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCiO0L6Augs-rRqhm7d6t35N_vuyxXPNlZUmFzOC46ekNQRQvhbZWix65epTM8gGTxiA5BhluKOREr1BC4fHENyLsmqYb9CMNOabEH8YY0cpiFHbrqmSISCflNt_tnhQwWOOJj6HsnUUT/s1600/IMG_5517.JPG" height="480" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our family - the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th generations to farm on the original homestead, settled around 1855.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This past year, my family embarked on a major milestone in the 155+ year history of Christhill Farms; we built a brand-new dairy barn, complete with robotic milking technology and a composting pack bed for the cows. (For a full account of the robot start-up, search <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23countdowntorobot&src=typd" target="_blank">#countdowntorobot</a> on Twitter) This past week, we opened our doors to those who wanted to see the progress since the July 2 move-in. A special thank you goes out to the team at <a href="http://www.avonbank.ca/" target="_blank">Avonbank Ag Solutions </a>for their excellent efforts coordinating the open house; not a detail was missed! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It has been exciting to follow the entire process from planning to construction to start-up, but for me (and likely our entire family) the real excitement has been seeing my parents reaction now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When you meet my father, you know I come by my social nature honestly. We joke that he likes to talk, and he has never been able to give a full tour to a curious visitor in less than an hour. Even in the old tie-stall barn, whether they were interested in cows or not, he would ensure they knew who every cow was, her mother, grandmother and how many daughters she had in the heifer barn. For all the jokes we make, my dad has earned this verbal license. When my parents purchased the 200-acre century farm from my grandparents in 1980, they milked about 25 beef and grade Holstein cows in the original bank barn with a "Wondersteel" Quonset addition. His focus on genetics and balanced breeding, and I'm sure he would credit some good friends in the cow business, are why we enjoy working with a purebred Holstein herd today, over 3/4 of which are classified Excellent or Very Good cows.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My parents worked tirelessly when we were growing up, and often, we were right there alongside. I don't recall my mother, a seamstress who can boast the Stratford Festival on her resume, ever complaining. Growing up on a dairy farm herself, the daughter of Dutch emigrants, she knew what hard work was and she shared my father's dream of building a good herd of cows and a farm for future generations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">They instilled this work ethic in us from a young age. Chores were always </span>priority before friends' houses and during harvest, all other plans became tentative. <span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Unloading hay and straw, my job was to push the bales down to my mom's reach on the wagon. When we were done, hot, sweating and hay stuck to every exposed part of our body, we’d be off the wagon, guzzling ice cold water from a blue Coleman cooler jug, before the clanging elevator chain had even come to stop. You could taste the minerals on your tongue as if the water was being slurped right off the limestone rock that cropped up in our fields every spring. Then we’d race down to the pool, throw off our clothes and jump into the water, enjoying the refreshing break before the next load was pulled into the lane and we’d have to shimmy our jeans and work shirt back over our bathing suits. The bits of hay on the water’s surface were excused and the air always smelled of sweet alfalfa. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We rarely went on vacations, but once in a while we got away, though we almost never stayed in a hotel. I have fond memories of trips to Marineland, African Lion Safari, Alberta and Ontario's north. There was certainly never a trip to Disneyworld but I don't feel we ever missed out. Living in Bruce County, there was ample snow and snowmobiling afforded us an afternoon together as a family where we could be home by 5pm. My friends envied this, and as I got older, I realized that I wouldn't trade their brand-name clothing for the lifestyle my parents had worked hard to provide us for anything. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">After 34 years, pouring literally everything they had into the farm, my parents finally are able to sit back and enjoy the fruits of their labour somewhat. "I never imagined we'd be milking cows with a robot," my mom said the week we moved the cows into the new barn. A few hours later, after finishing dinner she sat down in the chair in the kitchen and smiled. I realized it was the first time I had ever seen her sit down after dinner. There was no rush to clean up dinner. No cows waiting to be milked. They were already being milked. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For my brothers, the next 30 years will bring a different kind of hard work. They'll hopefully get to more of their kids' soccer games and won't have small square bales to unload, and there will be new memories created feeding calves and riding in the tractor cab. There will also be new pressures with increased economic uncertainty and high operating costs, and they will make mistakes and learn just as my parents did. Hopefully though, the investment made today in new facilities and technologies will position them better to weather future storms and allow them to continue the legacy started by William Davis in 1855.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiG4faLBiAxLd-5n1pX0jaIUO0b_Z_ZkemHY3hciU1qlwryeg9zR7pJyb62LgGHd943LZwoyDA9CA_6I6qp-oXOvOprGWxLr1bHsWVmW4kE-Zk0EILHSbJP5-Ti8Bx23y_d2ufEk4_U4rI/s1600/IMG_3922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Arran Township Davis Family Farm" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiG4faLBiAxLd-5n1pX0jaIUO0b_Z_ZkemHY3hciU1qlwryeg9zR7pJyb62LgGHd943LZwoyDA9CA_6I6qp-oXOvOprGWxLr1bHsWVmW4kE-Zk0EILHSbJP5-Ti8Bx23y_d2ufEk4_U4rI/s1600/IMG_3922.JPG" height="480" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Davis homestead - circa 1970. My Grandma, dad, brothers & I grew up in this house & milked cows in the barn.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfV1hWbPty0Py0JsZKc1h8ibCyxGRnbkZDqQS4Hw8CS5amL4I11POlQ1MHRR3pa5y2TEvt-_bQ-CUaZ08vq0Gj7GkF3NTyq-F7yGepzBBC120SVgBxz-XOfARFa6ZFqaVdqBXyq9-Y7VM/s1600/IMG_0020.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfV1hWbPty0Py0JsZKc1h8ibCyxGRnbkZDqQS4Hw8CS5amL4I11POlQ1MHRR3pa5y2TEvt-_bQ-CUaZ08vq0Gj7GkF3NTyq-F7yGepzBBC120SVgBxz-XOfARFa6ZFqaVdqBXyq9-Y7VM/s1600/IMG_0020.PNG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clearing land for the new barn - October 2013.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiNHqvS3uK2QJ9Snz2h523wAHNnJspgJxPKQ7xlhElmFJtSnVFzh_Mzk6-hCXE8yAjavKobImRj9BLM6GuhFWmfR3WxYbGnv-0WOaPCFmLQ5okT-tfbpnAaoUFt8sO2Qa8MNiXYhY7l9V/s1600/IMG_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiNHqvS3uK2QJ9Snz2h523wAHNnJspgJxPKQ7xlhElmFJtSnVFzh_Mzk6-hCXE8yAjavKobImRj9BLM6GuhFWmfR3WxYbGnv-0WOaPCFmLQ5okT-tfbpnAaoUFt8sO2Qa8MNiXYhY7l9V/s1600/IMG_0196.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foundations poured and buried under heavy snow - winter 2013.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4_6oL-VZsPA4_b1DaQBv_ryMqLP1urTLWwvfaxwN49KRGS1QeZvljqrL7lnX5l7Nzso44PDbF5xDlZwhdmRJT-M0Cu3tkJAUWxAVceytnBR7A9sD0Ds1JDPcrnDSaZ1zfwpnHPCAkWrk/s1600/IMG_0244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="John Ernewein Ltd dairy compost pack barn" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4_6oL-VZsPA4_b1DaQBv_ryMqLP1urTLWwvfaxwN49KRGS1QeZvljqrL7lnX5l7Nzso44PDbF5xDlZwhdmRJT-M0Cu3tkJAUWxAVceytnBR7A9sD0Ds1JDPcrnDSaZ1zfwpnHPCAkWrk/s1600/IMG_0244.JPG" height="300" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Framed and the roof trusses going up - February 2014.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33XB8pouM3rNeTvr0XTtypDozGNWVNESgFzVUml0xud04UHpuctLHejVZtMEKebpeVHInO-LNtIyKZ0HpN98hGAngQxLD_z3AvQbHfriwBHVM4yYS90IHAKzzTZMrNL1N_3mi9iHYJTVP/s1600/175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lely A4 Astronaut Robot arriving from Avonbank Ag Solutions" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33XB8pouM3rNeTvr0XTtypDozGNWVNESgFzVUml0xud04UHpuctLHejVZtMEKebpeVHInO-LNtIyKZ0HpN98hGAngQxLD_z3AvQbHfriwBHVM4yYS90IHAKzzTZMrNL1N_3mi9iHYJTVP/s1600/175.JPG" height="300" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The robot has arrived - June 2014<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXb32KF0J5kQa83FFp_fxQywrH8HZK06aSu6w_ZBgNbbFRxbI4CHnZ8S860tmKSZJJbh6Edjxqv2pc4rQD9imnLfU77sbtrmAhmPTdoz0ReD_x7P3tvSuzok2dJyw0WTQ5XhPE-ZNlxiX0/s1600/IMG_0451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="John Ernewein Ltd compost dairy barn" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXb32KF0J5kQa83FFp_fxQywrH8HZK06aSu6w_ZBgNbbFRxbI4CHnZ8S860tmKSZJJbh6Edjxqv2pc4rQD9imnLfU77sbtrmAhmPTdoz0ReD_x7P3tvSuzok2dJyw0WTQ5XhPE-ZNlxiX0/s1600/IMG_0451.JPG" height="300" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearly complete and ready for move-in - June 2014</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALDmm8Nd1x-yS5hvtGQMVkqFDvP2Fhr-ZcbEqKBVXtX8aHyDrtHFH7Sv6hyphenhyphenMb3IcJ0Ri8zV3Egrdap448fagZd5_sjSOsr0g4w_ostNAZnQX1DeBVj4kKl-ej0gh0JMJmXXdx1eC2F3rh/s1600/IMG_4114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Compost pack dairy barn with Sun North fans" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALDmm8Nd1x-yS5hvtGQMVkqFDvP2Fhr-ZcbEqKBVXtX8aHyDrtHFH7Sv6hyphenhyphenMb3IcJ0Ri8zV3Egrdap448fagZd5_sjSOsr0g4w_ostNAZnQX1DeBVj4kKl-ej0gh0JMJmXXdx1eC2F3rh/s1600/IMG_4114.JPG" height="300" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cows getting familiar with the new barn - June 30, 2014</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlMEzGlvxcHURi7eXdakw7tUCpUt5nJ4yxJlwjyHZ5IOkPTnIL0m2WU2j5_RW1iVY0TJWo4bjxkUSjpFLf_X4lno-GNVcSw43a8wQFKdr4YSeSqXp7EtaELCL6SNBPncZJLMxr-5_yw3S/s1600/IMG_4149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Milk cows tie stall" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlMEzGlvxcHURi7eXdakw7tUCpUt5nJ4yxJlwjyHZ5IOkPTnIL0m2WU2j5_RW1iVY0TJWo4bjxkUSjpFLf_X4lno-GNVcSw43a8wQFKdr4YSeSqXp7EtaELCL6SNBPncZJLMxr-5_yw3S/s1600/IMG_4149.jpg" height="400" title="" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom milking for the last time in the original tie barn. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBVS9kucEcKmKzSdtJwS_k04DddE7P2y7yNQ81Wp4RMVn5oE3X6zQFo_Bu6dW46tCGhaCmVgISfLcmlVO5SbTSthNckKlqLgpOiHojMWjV_NgUqJMp2aaUyE8hNFFVVSCt14Kc8jdR6mK/s1600/IMG_4160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lely A4 Astronaut Robot" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBVS9kucEcKmKzSdtJwS_k04DddE7P2y7yNQ81Wp4RMVn5oE3X6zQFo_Bu6dW46tCGhaCmVgISfLcmlVO5SbTSthNckKlqLgpOiHojMWjV_NgUqJMp2aaUyE8hNFFVVSCt14Kc8jdR6mK/s1600/IMG_4160.jpg" height="300" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting milked for the first time in the new barn - July 2, 2014</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mwlnlMGSHzxhahX5NaO5531sLTYZJbzr6W9huIkjwRbc738Y18PPMwgb3t2BmA5fdnLAolwv5JCUnhBAxViNT0JHppOYgf9r-H3HOpez9ZhP1kOFEOLHGE5QIxawXSKelID6IavySe_B/s1600/IMG_4603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Holstein cows eating" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mwlnlMGSHzxhahX5NaO5531sLTYZJbzr6W9huIkjwRbc738Y18PPMwgb3t2BmA5fdnLAolwv5JCUnhBAxViNT0JHppOYgf9r-H3HOpez9ZhP1kOFEOLHGE5QIxawXSKelID6IavySe_B/s1600/IMG_4603.JPG" height="300" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeding time!<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhaJP7RXUuL3bZpcqVA1W_ZcLiEBO6wLIS8T4dmv_C4bcgr4oFjbl-naRCxXaYns6DO7FHkk9Cm08zNbohqbZsCxMq4mZgW6Z3DcwPQvMt1t3EiSAHfggbxoRGJhLccdmUqJpjRdV_Chn/s1600/IMG_4638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="John Deere 2130 cultivating compost pack" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhaJP7RXUuL3bZpcqVA1W_ZcLiEBO6wLIS8T4dmv_C4bcgr4oFjbl-naRCxXaYns6DO7FHkk9Cm08zNbohqbZsCxMq4mZgW6Z3DcwPQvMt1t3EiSAHfggbxoRGJhLccdmUqJpjRdV_Chn/s1600/IMG_4638.JPG" height="300" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad cultivating the composting pack.<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnXMH0ADWsdTY3cMmKgJ9lkeObg6n7mc84shvE8jCbGJCDRG0bwuD0KhyBbUPSbG3a1pWK31ZIHQ3HvleSs-nyqWiYT_XP9AhXT6MKmZIBKZg3Ku8LuA6rQGv13GNy1F_TWuRRJ7O9j2Y/s1600/IMG_4707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Happy Canadian dairy cows compost pack" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnXMH0ADWsdTY3cMmKgJ9lkeObg6n7mc84shvE8jCbGJCDRG0bwuD0KhyBbUPSbG3a1pWK31ZIHQ3HvleSs-nyqWiYT_XP9AhXT6MKmZIBKZg3Ku8LuA6rQGv13GNy1F_TWuRRJ7O9j2Y/s1600/IMG_4707.JPG" height="300" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy cows in their new home! July 2014</td></tr>
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Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-88570900929190258142014-09-09T19:07:00.002-07:002014-09-09T19:07:52.871-07:00Passion Where You Least Expect It<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Passion is a powerful thing. Raw, unabridged passion that is so real and unmistakable, you become transfixed within it and only realize later you have been transformed.<br />
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I experienced this tonight. In a dinner conversation with a man nearly, if not totally, considered a legend among my industry circle, I was drawn into a conversation about a subject I know very little about and ordinarily pay minimal attention; paintings. While art, in a general sense, has been a topic of interest as of late, in its most physical form, I have certainly not spent much time pondering. Yet, amid a room of one hundred agri-marketers, where I could have a very fulfilling conversation with nearly anyone on any number of subjects pertaining to agriculture, food or farming, I was captivated by a conversation about paintings.<br />
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Though it is true, James is about as good a chap as you can find (and chap is fitting, seeing as he is English), his uncanny ability to grab my attention was by and large due to the passion he has for his collection and the sport of doing so. It was totally spellbinding, and I not only learned a little but I was utterly inspired. I left there thinking more about the conversation about paintings, then the entire meeting. Which is both unfortunate, but not. I am inspired by not only his love for collecting but the passion by which he recounted story after story, like they were great conquests. Of which, some absolutely were and the odd, inappropriate joke, which only a semi-retired Englishman can get away with, never hurts either.<br />
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Seriously though, it made me wonder; if I could be so spellbound by a conversation about a subject I ordinarily pay no attention, is that not really what passion is? Do we throw the "P" word around so much today it has almost lost its meaning entirely for most of us? We are all passionate about something or other, but are we really? And if it is true passion, do you convey it so it captivates the world? Especially if you don't have a clever-sounding accent?<br />
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It's honest and pure, ever-more fleeting passion that creates impact. It invites followers, evokes action, and literally changes the world. Or in this case, saves my Grandma's antique paintings from the township dump.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.robertsgallery.net/dynamic/images/display/LAC_Panton_LATE_AUTUMN_ETOBICOKE_RIVER_9929_414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.robertsgallery.net/dynamic/images/display/LAC_Panton_LATE_AUTUMN_ETOBICOKE_RIVER_9929_414.jpg" height="532" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L.A.C. Panton painting Photo Credit: www.robertsgallery.net</td></tr>
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Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-80802020250187889832014-09-08T18:30:00.002-07:002014-09-08T18:30:31.977-07:00Everything I Know I Learned From a Farm Show<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Okay, that might be a stretch, but if there is ever a time when </span>Murphy’s<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> Law prevails, it seems to be during a farm show (or likely any trade show for that matter; recreational, home or farm show, they all seem to unfold in similar fashion).</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">With 5 solid years of farm show organization, set-up and tear-down under my belt, I transitioned into my current role at John Deere where still farm shows roll around twice a year. Undeniably, I enjoy these shows for the same reason I think farmers do, the social aspect. (I have been quoted more than once saying, "I LOVE the farm show!") In some ways, I also believe those 5 years on the ‘show circuit’ were character building; a right of passage even. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">When you’re the first one there in the morning, hauling in cases of water and bags of ice and the last one there in the evening, locking doors and picking up empty water bottles (why is the cup holder always the most inviting spot for trash when there is a can steps away?), you can’t help but earn some stripes. Though I sometimes questioned the value and wondered if anyone noticed these little details, I realize the importance of that role now. Even if I still tend to be the first to arrive and last to leave.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So, after pounding stakes for an afternoon, making last minute calls to track down a tractor, and testing my techy skills, here’s some quick reflection on what I’ve learned over the years; be it "at the show" or any other aspect of life, they seem to apply. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>1) Be prepared</b> - Having the right tools literally means in this case, having the right physical tools in your toolbox. It seems there is always a need for a staple gun, a drill, an Allan key, zip ties or a Sharpie. Do you have the tools, are they organized so you can find them and be ready when you need them? And after 8 years, I’ve accepted my tool box will never have everything I need… I’m always learning and adding to it. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>2) You can never be too prepared</b> - There will always be something last-last minute, so the more prepared you can be and the earlier, the better. It is never too soon to start planning, prepping, organizing, etc. The 24 hours before the show starts are never long enough.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>3) Focus on what you can control</b> - Farm shows are a team effort, and inevitably this means relying on others to get the work done. Delegation is good; you can’t do it all but it means you risk it not getting done the way you expect. You can try to prevent this by setting some expectations, but know it doesn’t always go as smooth as you’d hoped (or you maybe could’ve done), but getting frustrated or upset never solves the situation. Control your reaction and focus on what’s next. Things that can go wrong will so…</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>4) Don’t sweat the small stuff</b> - People won’t notice if a product sign is missing, whether you forgot to book the carper or if a tractor just doesn’t show up. Sometimes things get missed or you just plain forget or run out of time. It’s never a big deal and likely, no one will ever notice except you.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px;">5) Debrief, debrief, debrief</b><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> - How many times have we ordered the same show furnishings at the last minute? Realized the day of set-up we’re missing flags, which we knew we could have ordered months ago? There is never enough time spent debriefing our successes and failures, reflecting on what we’ve learned and capturing that to </span>improve<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> in the future. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">If you're heading to the farm show in Woodstock this week, be sure to come visit, say hi and let me know what you think of the blog!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Deere Canada booth at the 2014 Canada's Outdoor Farm Show</td></tr>
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Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-21359067145717117522014-09-06T13:24:00.000-07:002014-09-06T13:41:32.679-07:00The Excellence Pursuit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I suppose the next time I commit to doing something daily, like blogging, I should consider a week when I'm home more than just to sleep. That being said, I did spend a considerable amount of time the past two days thinking about writing and while I didn't post, I did write. You'll hopefully see it someday but I can't share it just yet.<br />
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The challenge I've found, especially with trying to blog daily, is I am somewhat of a perfectionist. I have learned over the years that 80% is pretty good and if we can just get that far, then we can learn the rest as we go. Yet when it comes to writing, I am never happy with a post until I've pored over it for hours and feel I'd be proud to see it in print somewhere. In my mind, this was the pursuit of excellence. Or was it perfection? Is this what Godin speaks of as a downfall to producing art?<br />
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If I never post half of what I write because I don't believe it's 'good enough' or 'perfect enough', will I not improve at a slower rate than if I focus just on writing and sharing? After all, a good writer needs to be able to push something out fast do they not? I've never communicated full-time for a living but the journalists, bloggers and communications professionals I know are always following a story and striving to be first out the gate. No one wants to write about yesterday's news.<br />
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Blogging is somewhat this way although I tend to usually write about topics which may be ever-evolving, but rarely time-sensitive. That blogging daily would force me to come up first with something to write about, and then to accept it doesn't have to be perfect to be worth publishing is what the true value of this activity is about. Excellence is about continual improvement, trying and trying again, and always striving to be better next time.<br />
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After my first blog post, I got all sorts of recommendations for future Seth Godin and communications reading. One included <a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Seth's blog</a> and after scanning it briefly this morning, I think I am further understanding this concept. Some days, his blog posts are no more than an observation stated in a phrase or sentence. Is that not what I do on Twitter? Not everything fits in 140 characters though and maybe you don't have to write 500 words to have a worthy post?<br />
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Hmmm suddenly 4 more days of blogging seems quite reasonable.</div>
Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-67131930419539923142014-09-03T19:18:00.001-07:002014-09-05T19:56:43.712-07:00Can I Blog Every Day For a Week?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I’m consuming books like crazy lately (reading isn’t
accurate as half of them have been audio books in the car). A little bit of non-fiction, some WWII-era
and some personal development books – if that’s what the self-help section is now called? I
don’t like either of those terms though because the books have been far more
profound for me than any "be the best you can be" type books I've read in the past.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Perhaps subconsciously knowing it was the perfect compliment, I selected <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/the-icarus-deception-how-high/9781591846079-item.html?ikwid=The+Icarus+Deception&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0" target="_blank">The Icarus Deception (SethGodin)</a> off the library shelf when I picked up <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/a-whole-new-mind-why/9781573223089-item.html?ikwid=A+whole+new+mind&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0" target="_blank"><u>A Whole New Mind</u> (Daniel Pink)</a>. The latter, recommended by a classmate
was a light and uplifting read, er listen. There were many great anecdotes paralleling
my day-to-day experiences, the odd "ah ha!" and several actionable takeaways to exercise the 'right' half of my brain. I was so intrigued, I copied many of the suggestions and references down as future homework. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Icarus Deception</b> has given me some homework too. Firstly, this blog post is the first in what will be an attempt to blog everyday, if only to write every day. I won't promise inspiration, but I will test the hypothesis that knowing you must 'create art' or write, leads you to look for more beauty and interpretation in your day. At a minimum, it'll be good practice.<br />
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So what is this book all about anyway? </div>
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Albeit more deep and
abstract than <b>A Whole New Mind</b>, the theme is not entirely different - flying higher, taking risks, ignoring the criticism and treating
our work as art, in order to stand out and make a difference. Had I truly
understood how challenging the book was when I read “[Godin's] most challenging book
yet” on the jacket, I’m not sure I would’ve checked it out. But listening to
it, I am enthralled by the underlying concepts and have replayed more than one
section to ensure I am correctly hearing and interpreting Godin’s words. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It is one of those books I actually believe I'm wiser for hearing. It is just one trigger of several which is empowering me to embrace what makes me different, and not accept the mundanity of status quo. It is also a rally to challenge those who are continually seeking more, better and cheaper to look beyond the immediate and focus on long-term differentiation, which is only built through relationships and intimate understanding. Any argument against short-termism is always one I will favour.<br />
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I don't know if I could have clamoured through reading it, but if you can get your hands on an audio version and have several hours (its unabridged) The Icarus Deception is absolutely worth your time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-24330584885633989222014-08-04T19:13:00.001-07:002014-08-04T19:17:22.867-07:00Will $3.50 Corn Cool the Bruce County Land Grab?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAAKTRV3iTZiBK7LctasvoSIpesuD4cTD3SfxKa5Wrm-LcztRBCaglJFN_vOJzfKkqkfNdUL1lRQxWgYnxJoY9SJd8r05xr0W4GYVYXwTw9Nh2anFilsPqVupkv7-DAe5tpLPUWQfw8Al/s1600/IMG_3547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAAKTRV3iTZiBK7LctasvoSIpesuD4cTD3SfxKa5Wrm-LcztRBCaglJFN_vOJzfKkqkfNdUL1lRQxWgYnxJoY9SJd8r05xr0W4GYVYXwTw9Nh2anFilsPqVupkv7-DAe5tpLPUWQfw8Al/s1600/IMG_3547.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cattle graze in the rolling hills of the former Elderslie Township in Bruce County.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXqKNm9mDym38OXVPp7LTdtZk4j8BAhd1DeWVtlrgBeW46wb9GRlXgma1be5qfYYscsuPMviZcHQ4z7ppX7hjeHBObvEbMvtGdTUVUp012mKqzD-JyeZRj-UOslQJyyzw1c_JF_N6FZuJ/s1600/IMG_3206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXqKNm9mDym38OXVPp7LTdtZk4j8BAhd1DeWVtlrgBeW46wb9GRlXgma1be5qfYYscsuPMviZcHQ4z7ppX7hjeHBObvEbMvtGdTUVUp012mKqzD-JyeZRj-UOslQJyyzw1c_JF_N6FZuJ/s1600/IMG_3206.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">An old corral sits vacant in a pasture abandoned for corn, still waiting to be harvested this spring.</span></td></tr>
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In a county where a young Aggie might get chuckled at by topsoil-rich neighbours in southern Ontario, the geologically challenged fields of Bruce County were once the domain of countless bovine creatures. Dubbed "Ontario's cattle country", the rolling hills, scrubby fence lines and tree-spattered pastures were dotted with deep black, rich red, rusty brown, and dirty white cows and calves. Every breed imaginable to a young 4-Her could be found roaming the hillsides.<br />
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After BSE wiped out much of the market in 2003, the subsequent run up in commodity prices in 2008 led to a landscape transformation. As herds began to dwindle, traditional cattle producers turned their pasture land over and planted corn. While land prices soared "south of 86", the "north" offered reasonably priced land with solid potential, causing the land wars to heat up here too. Where the competition was once maybe a neighbour, more and more cash croppers from the south are expanding into the central area of the county. While others, seeing the potential to earn a small fortune, are buying pasture farms, clearing them and reselling them. "Flip this field" is in full swing.</div>
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The latest dip in the commodities is sure to cool the market a little. Especially, in "the Bruce" where 200 bu/acre corn is more a record than the norm and there are still some cattle around to distract those who leaned heavily on corn and soybeans in recent years. It does lead me to wonder; when the market rebounds, how long before Ontario's 'natural escape' is cultivated under almost completely? </div>
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To be fully transparent, my family is equally profiting, cleaning up our own land and recent acquisitions to make room for yellow gold. Canada needs new young farmers, and in order to make a living today in this business, some scale and the accompanying efficiencies are critical. The time, labour and investment required to clear new fields still outweighs skyrocketing land rent. But cropping takes just as heavy toll on the soil here as it does in any area, so my family is increasingly focusing on soil health to sustainably maximize fertility. </div>
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With the completion of our new dairy barn, next spring we will have composted manure, which will add valuable humus to our fields rather than just organic matter and nitrogen in traditional manure. Hopefully we will also be able to graze our cows next summer. In this part of the world, the symbiotic relationship between cattle and crops is one we understood long before rotational grazing was ‘au du jour’. It yields environmental and production benefits, and for me serves as a constant reminder of our interconnectedness, something I sometimes think agriculture loses sight of in pursuit of the bottom line. </div>
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Visitors are still awed by the vast amounts of untouched land, and without an urban centre, a variety of thriving, and diverse ag businesses compliment Bruce County’s tourism sector to keep the economy turning. When other areas are boasting protection of their grasslands and sustainable beef, does turning this marginal land over for corn make the most economic sense? </div>
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I can’t help but feel a little sad everytime I see another unmistakable mountain of tangled tree roots, hawthorns, and rocks spring up. The market might be telling us to plant 'fencerow to fencerow’, but is this the most sustainable option? Maybe we need to keep a few of those fencerows.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigV_z_qMkEMmVxdZ4EsBf8av3WGw6sKUMyMiDm0FLWlW_Qit2STChUiK6TfE36OXXGNn9O_fEH6FAEGA1jEP7QDMYjE8aaE9BAgU0GB5CzshSdbd-TuAP8BtHj87QcGpPMy0TNkGDXnkzW/s1600/IMG_3224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigV_z_qMkEMmVxdZ4EsBf8av3WGw6sKUMyMiDm0FLWlW_Qit2STChUiK6TfE36OXXGNn9O_fEH6FAEGA1jEP7QDMYjE8aaE9BAgU0GB5CzshSdbd-TuAP8BtHj87QcGpPMy0TNkGDXnkzW/s1600/IMG_3224.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mountains of brush among land still to be cleared.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMzNByTzjMzGWazk-JAsSsqj0jqHsHQkKyO7hpISEHz1F5sUJNXqBDhYzGuyELqF4KOt6_MKwV21qXtkc8B-wke81HhP1sllTI4U6ojRE1DVn6J9M0WkzZ4-gtpmOkTmMpYJ8v4uf10TM/s1600/IMG_3232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMzNByTzjMzGWazk-JAsSsqj0jqHsHQkKyO7hpISEHz1F5sUJNXqBDhYzGuyELqF4KOt6_MKwV21qXtkc8B-wke81HhP1sllTI4U6ojRE1DVn6J9M0WkzZ4-gtpmOkTmMpYJ8v4uf10TM/s1600/IMG_3232.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A neighbour's pasture after clearing and tiling for soybeans.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDiy4F-Cv-CIichpW9j76bJeaMYDdbYfchlVP_JEELQoNFpk0Dt4Rd6faexq0CTonNSeaXQQzguqUywaqRSCSu8EwJw06mK8w7qGsTpEzbVXOMt-ue3rSpgcqx69lf-mWXFVyyuPHzVhf/s1600/IMG_3219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDiy4F-Cv-CIichpW9j76bJeaMYDdbYfchlVP_JEELQoNFpk0Dt4Rd6faexq0CTonNSeaXQQzguqUywaqRSCSu8EwJw06mK8w7qGsTpEzbVXOMt-ue3rSpgcqx69lf-mWXFVyyuPHzVhf/s1600/IMG_3219.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> A hillside cleared of shrubs, trees and rocks makes for tempting, yet somewhat treacherous, cropland.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv15MTGP-q4s3Lx6TJmtWTyjly73vj5IQdh61oDdjlIYZJBUDUM9gEgmk8wHsZLtabaKuA626LLd7jXqiEyd6-E-qzofTKLys7tAB5q2bmJfOyaMxzc9nlv3lt-XIGvwGzIxFgSGbY6E25/s1600/IMG_3216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv15MTGP-q4s3Lx6TJmtWTyjly73vj5IQdh61oDdjlIYZJBUDUM9gEgmk8wHsZLtabaKuA626LLd7jXqiEyd6-E-qzofTKLys7tAB5q2bmJfOyaMxzc9nlv3lt-XIGvwGzIxFgSGbY6E25/s1600/IMG_3216.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The high-hoe is a familiar sight now in many fields around Ontario including Bruce County.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjRc54y13fw98ixQMiUW63YxgmSe0PyCQJwViJNQQJ2K4FOFomO0H5OARPLXocjj0zrFYmbEGwelRUqcEs0h6Xo4c_0CN11ZOdBhGxcJZ7OoTRR5s5hLMEnE-jnbNewTVgH8HoQK8kx1J/s1600/IMG_3201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjRc54y13fw98ixQMiUW63YxgmSe0PyCQJwViJNQQJ2K4FOFomO0H5OARPLXocjj0zrFYmbEGwelRUqcEs0h6Xo4c_0CN11ZOdBhGxcJZ7OoTRR5s5hLMEnE-jnbNewTVgH8HoQK8kx1J/s1600/IMG_3201.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Big Bruce", the symbol of the county's once dominant livestock sector still greets west-bound visitors on Highway 21. <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></span></td></tr>
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Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-75790998472355714392014-04-14T17:04:00.001-07:002014-04-14T17:14:43.901-07:00Sticky Production - Agriculture's Version of Sticky Wages?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Last time we were asked to feed the world, everyone planted more until 1985, when they continued to plant more, even though the market told them not too. We don't do a very good job responding to when the market tells us not to plant."</i> </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cal Whewell,</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FC Stone Risk Management Consultant</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since hearing this comment at the Grain Farmers of Ontario March Classic, I have been unable to shake it from my consciousness. It speaks so much to the traditional character of farmers, hanging onto the hope of a price rally and committed to production growth even when the invisible hand of the market wants anything but. In some ways, it is like the economist's sticky wage theory. When economies slow down, and unemployment is high, employers are unable to reduce employee wages despite excess available labour, whereas during boom times, competition for labour often drives prices up. In agriculture, we are easily coerced into producing more, yet scaling back is much more difficult. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the '80's, the U.S. government ended up introducing the Conservation Reserve Program, essentially paying producers to take acres out of production and stop the plunge. The signals Whewell spoke of today were not only falling new crop corn prices, but also the ongoing strength of wheat and soybean contracts. I believe he could have just as easily been talking about dairy producers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the future of our Canadian supply management system at risk, I am intrigued by the latest market explosion playing out south of the border. The fundamentals of record high prices,<a href="http://www.dairyherd.com/dairy-news/US-dairy-exports-continue-record-run-254235621.html" target="_blank"> record exports</a> and low feed prices are returning profits to a sector which was devastated only a few years ago when prices collapsed in 2009. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqR1kX056YDjtU8QTzoqm3CT21fupjRR910RZhWLSSfczAnH2eYXtgLothL9F3PyIqCjrKMtGZlRvwhKOuPrG7WNVb9GhNAlquKi-7nbUK0AqIiDU2bUfRPoTEHP14R08n-__JbRPH_YK/s1600/milk_2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqR1kX056YDjtU8QTzoqm3CT21fupjRR910RZhWLSSfczAnH2eYXtgLothL9F3PyIqCjrKMtGZlRvwhKOuPrG7WNVb9GhNAlquKi-7nbUK0AqIiDU2bUfRPoTEHP14R08n-__JbRPH_YK/s1600/milk_2014.png" height="506" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Source: <a href="http://www.ifcndairy.org/en/output/prices/milk_indicator2013.php" target="_blank">IFCN Milk Price Indicator</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The run up in prices has little to do with American dairy consumption, and is more so due to strong global demand, particularly from China, which is driving the world milk price to new heights. U.S. dairies are responding by expanding their herds and ramping up production, partially through imported Canadian heifers, as anyone who has been to a sale barn lately will testify. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, this raises some questions. First and most importantly, with this strong demand and world prices nearing $60/100 kg, how much market are Canadian farmers missing? Also, how reliable is the long-term forecast for this market and will this above-average pricing hold? It didn't in the corn markets, despite the "feed the 9 billion" security blanket. The past two months, the price has already softened (<a href="http://www.globaldairytrade.info/en/product-results/" target="_blank">Global Dairy Trade</a>). Developing nation demand for dairy products is growing a rate double that of the OECD nations (OECD FAO Ag Outlook Highlights, 2013), but we are talking about nations where food still costs more than 1/3 of an individuals' income and the number malnourished is alarmingly high. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVw9ZVsLW_0pjM0BVKSj9kmtiaV_ZE8QDT1jKD2XTGQL86k4niHMSTdWkBDq0mfjaY5bcArC_rPSt45GuVddhDt8skyZX-yIAHscTHQ18TIXh6PDxdgoxYeQY7yHlSziQfCqX02s6kPH7/s1600/WSU+Income+Food+Study.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVw9ZVsLW_0pjM0BVKSj9kmtiaV_ZE8QDT1jKD2XTGQL86k4niHMSTdWkBDq0mfjaY5bcArC_rPSt45GuVddhDt8skyZX-yIAHscTHQ18TIXh6PDxdgoxYeQY7yHlSziQfCqX02s6kPH7/s1600/WSU+Income+Food+Study.JPG" height="390" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Source: <a href="http://wsm.wsu.edu/researcher/WSMaug11_billions.pdf" target="_blank">Washington State Magazine</a> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Supply and demand theory would dictate prices will fall as production is increased. I believe this will be the case, because as Whewell states, farmers have proven illogical in responding to market signals when its time to reduce production. Only time will tell if American farmers learned from the last crash and will slow production soon enough to avoid a similar fate. The removal of dairy price supports from the farm bill leaves producers with a margin insurance program, instead of the highly contested and overturned market stabilization program which would curb production during trough periods (supply management). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though not hoped for, it is likely the Margin Protection Program will prove its effectiveness soon enough, and we will have to ask ourselves if not supply management, are these the types of programs we can expect? </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Without external interruption, will Canadian producers withhold production in low times any more than our American counterparts? The next generation of producers is armed with degrees, and marketing know-how, but somehow I doubt the voice of austerity will prevail anymore north of the border. Dairy farmers will produce more milk, because that is what farmers want to do.</span></div>
Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-43395750799069354962014-04-03T19:21:00.000-07:002014-04-06T11:57:35.748-07:00The Cost of Dirt Cheap Dairy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5hYqN8JsjHUjD6zftGMUrzqYgLJQqyW6F8bf9WIaT9RmY5LdDGFvq89Le3_IkSYAnywQJv48mbZwAZf8p5WO1DwClkBffYiv02kTL63PpG-L_DFlu1tMttatoSXKBp0xWXPx3VKtMdVt/s1600/sale+milk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Discounted chocolate milk" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5hYqN8JsjHUjD6zftGMUrzqYgLJQqyW6F8bf9WIaT9RmY5LdDGFvq89Le3_IkSYAnywQJv48mbZwAZf8p5WO1DwClkBffYiv02kTL63PpG-L_DFlu1tMttatoSXKBp0xWXPx3VKtMdVt/s1600/sale+milk.jpg" height="400" title="Sale chocolate milk" width="317" /></a></div>
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There are many voices in the debate over whether supply
management is good for Canadians. Reality is these predictions are just that;
they are expected outcomes crafted using best and worst case scenarios
depending on who is crafting the position. In Owen Robert's <a href="http://www.realagriculture.com/2014/03/dirt-cheap-dairy-best-interest/" target="_blank">recent post on RealAgriculture.com</a>, he shares some of the dairy industry's common arguments. <span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Without trying to create fear, I am taking this
further as I think there are more questions consumers should consider in light
of supply management's future and whether "dirt, cheap dairy", or any "cheap food policy" for that matter, is good for Canadians. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b><i>1) What does a
cheap food society look like? </i></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Contrary to popular belief, sustainable food systems need
not always cost more but they do require farmers earn a comfortable living,
which means netting a profit without working 20 hours a day. Most would
consider this fair. While dairy farmers earn a good living compared to the
average citizen, they are also running a business and often those returns must
be reinvested in land, equipment or cattle. So, like any small business owner,
they are often taking home more equity than cash. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Furthermore, that return also allows them to use less
intensive agriculture practices, resulting in less impact on the environment
and cows (compare this to the large, super-dairies south of the border). Dairy
farmers are very proud of their farms, putting great energy and time into their
maintenance. One individual commented on Owen's blog pointed to the dismal New York
rural landscape as an indicator of what 'cheap food' does to a rural society. I
have heard this same comment from co-workers visiting Ontario; our well-kept fence rows
mostly lack the rusty relics and vacant, blown over buildings commonly seen of rural
American farmsteads. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>2) What is the cost of cheap food?<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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When margin is removed from the value chain, pretty quickly the
entire value chain starts to feel the squeeze. As actions are taken to cut
costs, the most critical element of the system is put at risk, food safety. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Frequent recalls in processed meats and produce could be partially
attributed to the cheap food mentality. There should never be an excuse for
actions which compromise human health and put lives at risk, yet we know large
companies are under constant pressure to cut costs and increase production just
to keep the lights on (and keep Canadians employed). It's not unreasonable to
think in an environment where the bottom line is strained, less care may be
taken or decisions which might otherwise seem inconsequential increase the risk
of compromised safety. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>3) What does cheaper food solve?<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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As Owen already pointed out, it exists in Canada. Blessed to
have never personally known the challenges facing low-income households, I do
wonder if it's less a function of food prices and more about availability and
proper education about healthy food preparation. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The food desert is a well-documented issue in the U.S., and
in Canada, we know there are also many regions, both within urban and rural
areas where Canadians do not have access to fresh fruit and vegetables and
healthy foods within walking distance. Compounding this, our schools no longer
teach healthy cooking so while the edge of the supermarket is the cheapest
route to the cash register, many resort to filling their cart with products
from the centre aisles. Less nutrient dense and loaded with excess calories,
fat, and sugar, these products may be more convenient, but are contributing to
<a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/canada-s-obesity-rates-triple-in-less-than-30-years-1.2558365" target="_blank">Canada’s tripling obesity rate</a>. They are also more expensive.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You only need to watch one of the many food documentary
trailers on YouTube to raise an eyebrow at the lengths the system has gone too
to produce "cheap food". I believe the race to the bottom mentality
with which our society has become obsessed is putting food production in a
corner. Proper distribution of value, from farmer through the retailer and consumer
ensures Canadians receive safe, healthy and sustainably produced food. Though
great opportunity exists for reform in Canada’s dairy industry, sweeping
changes intended to wipe out supply management may only hurt Canada in the long
run.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-53798718326139466932014-03-13T18:34:00.001-07:002014-03-17T12:31:02.342-07:00The Dairy Farmer's Pledge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdMgpf68-IK2SdcVU6P9DLNxOSoinS9YyvssSYnEkTedK8KsCSaCjVyZiAVuzBILm6m3nBbfPrBJdUkRHYX-AbNbpjGnrS5vQ_hzioJ44bqE8ZUb2PTcljYiyURwElvDpt3CTXUWkpyzb/s1600/IMG_6991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdMgpf68-IK2SdcVU6P9DLNxOSoinS9YyvssSYnEkTedK8KsCSaCjVyZiAVuzBILm6m3nBbfPrBJdUkRHYX-AbNbpjGnrS5vQ_hzioJ44bqE8ZUb2PTcljYiyURwElvDpt3CTXUWkpyzb/s1600/IMG_6991.JPG" height="480" width="640"></a><br>
<i><br></i>
<i>A friend shared </i><i> <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-f-emelia-sam/the-grown-womans-oath_b_4936052.html?ir=Parents" target="_blank">The Grown Woman's Pledge</a></i><i> this week, and as I read it, I couldn't help but hear a different pledge echoing back at me through Dr. F. Emelia Sam's words. This is a pledge for dairy farmers. Canadian dairy farmers specifically. It goes a little like this:</i><br>
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I'm tired.</h1>
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Tired of being criticized to no end in the media. Tired of watching grown farmers act like helpless children. Tired of atrocious finger pointing. Tired of polarizing depictions of free trade utopia and family farm demise. Tired of the moral judgements. Tired of the politicking. Tired of the overall dumbing down of dairy farmers.</div>
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But most of all, I'm tired of the way that far too many of us have come to view ourselves and subsequently treat each other.</div>
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Who's responsible?</div>
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Processors? Pizzerias? Media? Dairy leadership? The government?</div>
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We can challenge and change all the policies we want and hide from all the external threats we can imagine. But, at the end of the day, nothing matters if we don't address our internal beliefs. We all know that nothing really changes if we don't change ourselves and our selves are all we have control over, anyway.</div>
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Whether supply management "should" or "shouldn't" be changed, whatever. Shouldn't we leverage our strengths? Strengths like highest-in class quality, globally-sought after genetics and abundant arable land and freshwater? Shouldn't we claim a leadership position on the global dairy stage? Should we allow ourselves to be put in a corner by outsiders or stand-up and show the world we CAN do this? Shouldn't ALL Canadians have access to healthy, affordable dairy products whenever they want them, wherever they want them and however they want them? </div>
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Yeah, yeah. I'm supposed to be firm in my position that our system doesn't rely on taxpayers' dollars, provides a fair return for farmers and ensures reliable and consistent milk supply... blah, blah, blah. Sometimes you just have to call it like you see it. </div>
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There is dysfunction when it comes to any market in this world and no system is perfect. Yet, many have mistaken this reality for a raison d'etre -- they are so accustomed to the mantra, they have let it define who they think they are as a dairy farmer in Canada. It's time to stop internalizing the non-stop excuses and act like the leaders we are.</div>
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So, if you are a dairy farmer, take the pledge. If you aspire to be a dairy farmer in 10 years, take the pledge. If you couldn't care less what happens to your industry, you're the one who needs to take the pledge most of all.</div>
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Like it. Share it. Most all, live it. We can do better.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1. Other dairy farmers are not my competition.</strong></div>
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Enough you/me, big/small, here/there. Until there is more demand for Canadian milk (re: market growth), there will be no more quota for you, me, him or her. It is up to us to create room for more farmers -- not elbow each other out. </div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2. I admit that gossip is pointless. </strong>(This is verbatim from Dr. Sam, and it applies here too.)</div>
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"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people." - Eleanor Roosevelt (a debated credit, but I'm going with Eleanor). Which mind do you have? Or are you just out of your mind? </div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3. I acknowledge that dairy farming is self-defined.</strong></div>
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Store feed in a silo or a bunk. Milk cows with robots or don't. Choose fancy cows or don't. There's a spectrum of dairy farmers and there will always be those with bigger and fancier. The only comparison you need to make is how you used to be and how far you've come. Do what you do. </div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4. I recognize that farmers have value at every age.</strong></div>
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Respect and learn from not only those who have gone before you but those who wish to come after you. This industry's strength was built on the grit and determination of thousands of great farmers, and it will soon be bore by far fewer, who are no less passionate.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5. I do not use my emotions as an excuse (to act the fool).</strong></div>
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Emotions expose passion and sincerity. They can be shared, but don't use them to fight an economist. You'll lose every time. </div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6. Take pride in your cows and land.</strong></div>
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We have beautiful cows and farms. It has become part of who we are, and it sets us apart (along with a many other strengths). Never compromise looking after your cows and land.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">7. I will show up.</strong></div>
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There are no easy answers and tough decisions will be required. Read the reports, talk to fellow producers and attend your milk producers meeting to ask questions and learn. Understanding is participating. </div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">8. I always speak in my true voice.</strong></div>
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Your voice is worthy of being heard. There is never any need to downplay the important job you do everyday, but remember you are owed nothing by consumers - they choose to to purchase dairy or not. </div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">9. I am a community hero.</strong></div>
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Beneathe the coveralls you are a compassionate, determined, smart and generous being. You've donated over 10 million liters of milk to the food bank and countless hours to local service clubs, your kids' teams and agricultural organizations.</div>
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<b>10. I will put my customer first</b></div>
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This means working with not only processors but retailers, restaurants and food service to get everyone the product they need so more people can enjoy dairy. All they need is cheese. So let's give it to them.<br>
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Do any of these resonate with you? Which parts of the oath have challenged or continue to challenge you? If you feel confident in your farmer status, feel free to share your wisdom. We need each other.</div>
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Adapted from <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-f-emelia-sam/the-grown-womans-oath_b_4936052.html?ir=Parents" target="_blank">Dr. F. Emelia Sam, "The Grown Woman's Pledge", The Third Metric, Huff Post</a>, March 10, 2014</div>
Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-81928833461634955352014-03-12T15:12:00.001-07:002014-03-15T04:09:40.722-07:00How Do You Change a Nation? Through Education, One Child at a Time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm so excited to share the video our EMBA group produced for the Dream School Foundation! I shared my experience visiting India with my church last night, and I talked so much I ran out of time to show the video!<br />
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It was a great reminder to post it and share now that it's online. Enjoy and give this amazing cause a further look. They are changing lives, which will change the state of India's society going forward.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5k_QFkqKFSo" width="480"></iframe>)</div>
Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-2106587448646166472014-02-03T19:24:00.000-08:002014-09-20T07:39:10.957-07:00Agriculture Glass Ceiling - Why Is it Still There?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
With the latest elections, the Dairy Farmers of Ontario now have a grand total of zero women on their Board of Directors. That's right - 0. As a young woman growing up in the industry and passionate about its future, this is not just disheartening but disappointing. Women are very involved at the local level in committees and breed associations, but few have sat around the provincial board table and even fewer at the national level.<br />
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Sadly, DFO is not unique in the demographics of their boardroom. After a quick, unscientific search, the results were dismal:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYKMSHDqd3mYFZK4FzC8hNDqJ4cne3HQLJzXfXTB1ERz73q6Ujp6q2Ny5TatwZjLu0hd3bDIrtwuqzTNIx46mG9vRJ9kfBKHu7VfBvnZySrVfcYVRO__EeAdx0NeCn-QwbpePTTm8KbWU/s1600/Assoc+Women+Members.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYKMSHDqd3mYFZK4FzC8hNDqJ4cne3HQLJzXfXTB1ERz73q6Ujp6q2Ny5TatwZjLu0hd3bDIrtwuqzTNIx46mG9vRJ9kfBKHu7VfBvnZySrVfcYVRO__EeAdx0NeCn-QwbpePTTm8KbWU/s1600/Assoc+Women+Members.JPG" height="400" width="380" /></a></div>
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A recent <a href="http://iveybusinessjournal.com/?p=16290&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=IBJ%20-%20JanuaryFebruary&utm_content=IBJ%20-%20JanuaryFebruary+CID_7692a5656d5b200191fe1836fb40d9f3&utm_source=IBJCampaignMonitor&utm_term=Forcing%20Gender%20Diversity%20on%20Canadian%20boards" target="_blank">Ivey Business Journel article</a> cites a study which found at a minimum 3 women are required on a board for their participation to be effective. The article provides solid arguments why a minimum standard would not change the current, low levels of participation. In my opinion, all mandated minimum appointments achieve are representation. It will probably not entice more women to become involved nor will it ensure the best candidates, which this industry and all agriculture desperately need to direct the future.<br />
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If not mandated then, how can we get more women involved and close the gender gap around our board tables? <br />
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First, we need to start asking <b>WHY</b> they aren't there. This has been a recent topic of Twitter and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/490235661074691/" target="_blank">Facebook conversation </a>and my friend Sandi wrote about it just last week <a href="http://staffachickfarmer.blogspot.ca/2014/01/women-in-agriculture-todays-farm-chicks.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The common theme is often around time. There is only so much of it and only one parent can often be involved at an industry level. Hmmm sounds familiar.<br />
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But women are very involved in the local level, and another friend once said "all politics are local". Can the same not be said for our provincial and national associations? Perhaps not. Even IF a local committee has monthly meetings (fewer meetings is more common), there is less travel involved and it may require one weeknight with some weekend volunteering. Contrast this to the commitment of a DFO Director - at least 12 two-day meetings, plus various committees, the AGM and travel. It's daunting for anyone - young, old, man or woman.<br />
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In an age where Goto meeting and Webex are nearly free and individuals are doing business around the world through digital technology and never setting foot in the same room, is this archaic governing necessary or is it a hangover of the 'good ol days' where the real business was done in the hospitality suite? Don't get me wrong, I am no stranger to the hospitality suite and I place very high value on face-to-face meetings. I also place very high value on my time though, and in 2014, there seems like there may be more effective ways.<br />
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I consistently hear agricultural associations are looking for younger people to get involved in their board. Instead of trying to convince them why it's worth their time, maybe it's time to start looking at how your board could start leveraging the tools available to reduce the time required. Most youth know why board involvement is important and want to be involved. </div>
Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-13738148021716987142014-01-26T04:29:00.001-08:002014-01-26T04:29:54.058-08:00Making Children's Dreams a Reality<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxA01123AKklEpBLoU28JI6QZ_ozDfTa-ZL_8ydzvEYVAFqdzo7LQMKMdsW_Y0LTLCdJYGBXE_mktzxQ4233w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"We are here. We are the citizens of this country; the responsibility lies on us."</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If in all we experienced last week while in India, if we hadn't spent the last two days with the Dream School Foundation, we would have still had a very rounded understanding of the country, but I'm not sure if we would have had so much hope.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you read my last post, which was written immediately before arriving in Bangalore, in the Southern State of Karnataka, you will better understand the conflict I was feeling. We were there to work, whereas most of our group's meetings were complete so they were ready to kick back and relax. In some ways, it was mentally soothing to me we would not have such luxury. I just did not believe we deserved it, though it was awfully hard for me to decline the safari trip some went on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We arrived at DSF late. Our driver had the wrong address, so we ended up seeing the better part of Bangalore. Of the five regions we visited, it was by far the nicest we had seen yet. This tells you a lot about India though, because even here in this city of 4.3 million people, with one of the highest literacy rates in the country, there is a need for organizations like Dream School Foundation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Describing DSF to friends over the past few months was often a challenge for me. Meeting them and witnessing their work firsthand completely changed this. This is an organization that fills the cracks in the lives of India's children like glue. In some cases, literally; their work includes infrastructure support for government schools like installing toilets and repairing roofs. They also provide libraries, science labs, transportation assistance & computer labs. This is all in addition to academic programming and mentoring that focuses on learning level enhancement, comprehension and engagement to help children discover their interests, obtain high school and post-secondary education. The goal is they will move into a career and break the cycle of poverty and desperation most grew up with. Integrated Education Model suits their work well and you couldn't imagine a more holistic program than this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One need not look at many stats to understand just why such an approach is needed.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Over 50% of students drop out between primary and high school</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">37% of schools have a toilet for girls</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">53.4% of children in 5<sup>th</sup>
standard read at 3<sup>rd</sup> standard level</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-converted-space" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">While the national literacy rate for males is </span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">82%, it is only 65% for Indian females </span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">DSF volunteers and employees told us countless stories of young people succeeding in spite of their circumstance, and yet others who weren't so lucky. It broke our hearts, so we couldn't imagine the pain they must go through, personally knowing these kids. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sometimes I think the word 'inspiration' is overused. What does it mean to be inspired? Is it just a good feeling? A different outlook or personal commitment to change? Does it mean anything without action? I can't imagine my actions to come close to those of the DSF team, but they really are an inspiration to me. Their passion to make a difference was raw and visible in their expressions, voice and gestures. Most left successful corporate careers in order to be the change they believed India desperately needed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>"If we don't do it, who will clean the mess here? It has to be grassroots level work."</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There is no more real passion than this.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRNrX94rqj4nmVciD18S9twNxsUqYNBSd0LFWa3jw7Z5IOaQepCns7_BEwBqlttcJx517EUEd8JaWp6DTbAznqhsh5xRMHlPZbxdz44VfP0Mb1wDDktLXXqU40fhLbfbfCzyx3c0ytkfm/s1600/IMG-20140116-00139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRNrX94rqj4nmVciD18S9twNxsUqYNBSd0LFWa3jw7Z5IOaQepCns7_BEwBqlttcJx517EUEd8JaWp6DTbAznqhsh5xRMHlPZbxdz44VfP0Mb1wDDktLXXqU40fhLbfbfCzyx3c0ytkfm/s1600/IMG-20140116-00139.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Ivey team with a group of students at JC Nagar Government School in Bangalore, a school supported by DSF.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6Oqn3MDnWjtGoGZ-ynWIH5FLKvZ8gr2LBgKbqidFxu-qmpHJ3zvGzGwMT2swFcS_0bTP80VylI9HZkDzmq4o6RkD2fTUO2DjRkxsOf06TQcsd0eo5itqo9OCRRh3AMLin_-5M7tIKS36/s1600/IMG_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6Oqn3MDnWjtGoGZ-ynWIH5FLKvZ8gr2LBgKbqidFxu-qmpHJ3zvGzGwMT2swFcS_0bTP80VylI9HZkDzmq4o6RkD2fTUO2DjRkxsOf06TQcsd0eo5itqo9OCRRh3AMLin_-5M7tIKS36/s1600/IMG_0324.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A group of Ten Plus youth studying to enter engineering school outside the Dream School Foundation Learning & Development Center,</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrKQKg5rF0wywd2OEHiThTeD9mjIGFkIshXvYB8hXP66Zu3tP_cbHXrmSs6ZrzTkJUXKogo37PTVRwStCmsoIJS-nnrGgwF41t6dlEdm9g-AlkW3by2rJ0SCCjCn6AXmihx8ziOpAy0XZ/s1600/IMG_0336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrKQKg5rF0wywd2OEHiThTeD9mjIGFkIshXvYB8hXP66Zu3tP_cbHXrmSs6ZrzTkJUXKogo37PTVRwStCmsoIJS-nnrGgwF41t6dlEdm9g-AlkW3by2rJ0SCCjCn6AXmihx8ziOpAy0XZ/s1600/IMG_0336.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherise speaks to 7th standard girls at the government school.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXR7nhzaPQ08Z7W8UKnzHj9-kkzLDVESZ6RUB7yeF7IUfg95q0VNEodw1FsQrnbkXzUgXSEqIakFzfpDUrWy64rHfzK_VDiOmo27tX3a6Fj7wOzuHVXM7EAkmZZ2UWAvoG8Ypt3PmA8Jp/s1600/IMG_0342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXR7nhzaPQ08Z7W8UKnzHj9-kkzLDVESZ6RUB7yeF7IUfg95q0VNEodw1FsQrnbkXzUgXSEqIakFzfpDUrWy64rHfzK_VDiOmo27tX3a6Fj7wOzuHVXM7EAkmZZ2UWAvoG8Ypt3PmA8Jp/s1600/IMG_0342.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather with some of the girls.</td></tr>
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Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-32265557189627217192014-01-26T04:16:00.000-08:002014-01-26T04:30:34.793-08:00My Internal Struggle to Understand India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>Author's note: This post was written 12 days ago, upon leaving Mumbai for Bangalore, my 3rd last day in India. I hesitated to post it, and now that I've come back to my writings, I believe it best expresses the internal tension Ifelt. It also frames the mindset with which I arrived in Bangalore to meet our client, the Dream School Foundation. - Jen</i></div>
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Nowhere in India can you escape the income disparity gap. Whereas we are accumstomed to poverty on a limited scale, it proliferates everything here. </div>
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Walking down the nicest streets and the most posh areas, you will experience it. Where financial prosperity exists, so too do those who aim to live off it's fringes, thru whatever means may manifest themselves.</div>
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I cannot help feel ashamed and the second I question how those living here can simply ignore it, I call myself a hypocrite. I barter with the street vendors for mere dollars, which I can certainly afford. I provide a street vendor $5 for a handmade purse from her slum, then spend $2000 on diamonds for myself. </div>
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Exploring the life of Gandhi through the exhibits in the Mohatma Gandhi House and the writings in his book, I feel so simple. My heart breaks and yet I am just another selfish human, giving a little here and taking a lot. How can we expect India to reform itself socially, so long as those of us with the most behave as we do? They must see us as so vain, materialistic and self-absorbed. They know we'll part with our money if they perservere so long because that's what we do. We consume and we buy. </div>
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Some of my classmates were involved directly with the social brand, Being Human, and through this relationship they visited the SIMA School in Mumbai. The school sells the students artwork and uses the proceeds to run the school and fund further educational opportunities. Is there a more direct or positive means we can put our consumption to good use than this? I bought a purse from a street vendor. She was a beautiful, 8 year old girl who did not get the luxury to go to school like her brothers. In hindsight, I don't even know if her family will keep this money, or if she even has a family. I have faith, but how wayward this life is for children in India, I cannot be certain. </div>
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It makes our work with the Dream School Foundation even more significant for me, but it's increasingly harder to ignore the sense of hopelessness in the pit of my stomach. The disparity is so vast, and the social issues so huge. How much work is still needed to put India on two feet.</div>
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A tea stall outside a slum in Delhi. Next door there is a gated, private school.</div>
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Kids fly kits on the rooftops of the slum in celebration of the kite festival in Mumbai.</div>
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Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-22407576403518187452014-01-12T04:35:00.001-08:002014-01-12T04:46:01.300-08:00The City of Dreams (That Never Sleeps - As Witnessed Firsthand)<div>So far, everything I heard about Mumbai (or Bombay) has been accurate. This is a city full of energy and life. After a relaxing morning, including a giant breakfast and lounging at the pool, we set out for a "shopping tour" yesterday afternoon.</div><div><br></div><div>Built primarily by the British as a key trading port, Mumbai still generates 1/3 of India's GDP and half of their trade moves through the port. Mumbai is certainly a vibrant city, attracting people from all over India and Asia with promises of opportunity, improved livelihood and future. It is also the home of Bollywood, the Indian film industry and some of the best shopping and nightlife in India. I was most eager to check out the textile markets, but the jewellery, spices, and handcrafts were equally impressive. You can literally find anything you are searching for and for the most part, the price is negotiable. By the end of the day, we had become very good at bartering with the vendors, even though it was often only over a dollar or two. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTjWkOHQrSZZFGYPKQZFSunQqafpIAytnts_cIb5TR2GduIMcelxoxH7dR15ztTkmYGoxBfZXP7R5q4vVT55WrTbfUMKTd8rCRuuPDDQTkH3AA4HW0jaYEthT_GCIOcGbDwNZa5IeYX3h/s640/blogger-image--145406917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTjWkOHQrSZZFGYPKQZFSunQqafpIAytnts_cIb5TR2GduIMcelxoxH7dR15ztTkmYGoxBfZXP7R5q4vVT55WrTbfUMKTd8rCRuuPDDQTkH3AA4HW0jaYEthT_GCIOcGbDwNZa5IeYX3h/s640/blogger-image--145406917.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Textile stall in the market across from Mahatma Market, Mumbai</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UnU_WU0s-BHET9Yqu1N75SJscvmjoU9zRrlGeSabku8hyWJp2f1XSsYpV2yWeS7wQB_nJp7A8_mI-2633oJ13xC8eFaVYYPUP9ExVCT4eUJUB0f9spPqgqjkwNTWFmdRNhhTKLAK4ifq/s640/blogger-image-838624402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UnU_WU0s-BHET9Yqu1N75SJscvmjoU9zRrlGeSabku8hyWJp2f1XSsYpV2yWeS7wQB_nJp7A8_mI-2633oJ13xC8eFaVYYPUP9ExVCT4eUJUB0f9spPqgqjkwNTWFmdRNhhTKLAK4ifq/s640/blogger-image-838624402.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Fruit & vegetable stalls in Mahatma Market, Mumbai</div></div><br></div><div>Our hotel is on Marine Drive, the waterfront parkway where a boardwalk runs the entire length of the coast and is full of people day and night, out enjoying the fresher, coastal air and the warm weather. The disparity still exists in Mumbai though. There are millions living in slums, which you see immediately next to the airport when you arrive. On our way to the airport this morning to fly to Pune, we saw many more, and perhaps the most puzzling thing our group keeps noticing is the satellite dishes often on the roofs. These aren't temporary living, but they are neighbourhoods of homes for as much as HALF of Mumbai's population! Our tour guide was quick to point out Mumbai has the biggest slum in Asia, and I suspect in part to Slumdog Millionaire, this has become another source of pride.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYrwK19m3bn2v8TzFo5wkex506hteuNItDr81qyMghOq1fhtUKdvI3Mnbz5pT0w8InHbgFWIWRNr7nyHEsh8B4-K0wVm77duDwYwzLj8UDr0zdTgYZrt5bkQJRweDtEsUZb9E7EfYjHSx/s640/blogger-image-1839191897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYrwK19m3bn2v8TzFo5wkex506hteuNItDr81qyMghOq1fhtUKdvI3Mnbz5pT0w8InHbgFWIWRNr7nyHEsh8B4-K0wVm77duDwYwzLj8UDr0zdTgYZrt5bkQJRweDtEsUZb9E7EfYjHSx/s640/blogger-image-1839191897.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Slum outside downtown Mumbai.</div><br></div><div>Today, we arrived in Pune, a smaller city about 200km from Mumbai. It was a short flight, but with the road conditions here we opted to fly rather than drive. The travel agent hired a 'walla' for us to complete our flight check-in, including bag drop. Walla is a Hindi word for a person charged with looking after something. Dhabawallas deliver dhabas (lunch kits) to businessmen. Line wallas stand in line for you. Sounds like something we could use in Canada!</div><div><br></div><div>As for Pune, it's industrial, but the vibe seems good and the population pretty young. Although hot, the air is still pretty clean and there was a beautiful breeze blowing today. Exhausted from an early morning, I found it surprisingly easy to fall asleep to the sound of car horns outside my window. We've been kept away from them so far in the Oberoi, but they are right outside my window here and never stop. Tomorrow, I'm looking forward to visiting John Deere's offices here, before returning to Mumbai for our final night there. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSobFxxH8KkTM666Is06V02JoEhZOfGyBCdVTtqVjMlhWamFGIawjhtYEiktUsMSEYAkGl7Vy2S8c2Jtd1QvBI9b_oEa0GqX6-FL6YTlNIeb-cZsCRIGQzRwRq0vZZxol1lcBrqZq63mr/s640/blogger-image-1049168821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSobFxxH8KkTM666Is06V02JoEhZOfGyBCdVTtqVjMlhWamFGIawjhtYEiktUsMSEYAkGl7Vy2S8c2Jtd1QvBI9b_oEa0GqX6-FL6YTlNIeb-cZsCRIGQzRwRq0vZZxol1lcBrqZq63mr/s640/blogger-image-1049168821.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The view from our hotel during the day and at night, and the coastline at dawn from the Sea Bridge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b> A few more from around Mumbai:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKRGVAaepmuBjTS1K9YPOBlLqufu_RLsQKVBLp2gHgl82u_xnjnpkdRWuohkU1k_wueaRWxSl2OoxxqnmGCnf3iAnx6GpQaeKCdPAEM6RPLXWTJTWvdpSXu_pDiA48a9cMexh_gm_WGhyphenhyphen/s640/blogger-image--92220421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKRGVAaepmuBjTS1K9YPOBlLqufu_RLsQKVBLp2gHgl82u_xnjnpkdRWuohkU1k_wueaRWxSl2OoxxqnmGCnf3iAnx6GpQaeKCdPAEM6RPLXWTJTWvdpSXu_pDiA48a9cMexh_gm_WGhyphenhyphen/s640/blogger-image--92220421.jpg"></a></div>Garlic & onions</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFocuP0zo_BcaayVHCGieAlWvzaa0KoLMXfkiFx-nCa0I4UHQJo6RjesvHwX1Vx6fE1DFj4691i4m-utkh1c4yaj3UdepgUNUFzQpG_jjSeRK4BRX4pqV-1mB3Mby3cFY2z9NaQDF1CAe/s640/blogger-image--2128110629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFocuP0zo_BcaayVHCGieAlWvzaa0KoLMXfkiFx-nCa0I4UHQJo6RjesvHwX1Vx6fE1DFj4691i4m-utkh1c4yaj3UdepgUNUFzQpG_jjSeRK4BRX4pqV-1mB3Mby3cFY2z9NaQDF1CAe/s640/blogger-image--2128110629.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Child street entertainer on a tight-rope.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHpgJcPtiCl7HDMx3n1O93E_7K4LCIo94yJKuJ8EUgQY_DXSsSFiR3T7kkfjbiSxib9nz689ooPwgclo_yf9uuVBG6NB_t7D2GgslCLd5M0UOJIuhhhtEGjT0pmxWV7MoePWuGz5qKCZG/s640/blogger-image-441252563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHpgJcPtiCl7HDMx3n1O93E_7K4LCIo94yJKuJ8EUgQY_DXSsSFiR3T7kkfjbiSxib9nz689ooPwgclo_yf9uuVBG6NB_t7D2GgslCLd5M0UOJIuhhhtEGjT0pmxWV7MoePWuGz5qKCZG/s640/blogger-image-441252563.jpg"></a></div>Park next to the Supreme Court (building with tower like Big Ben) where hundred of people play cricket every day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6_KUfooguiUHltibT-Mz0bvaUltDT4h657aMXONQPbR32MIzJcs4-KtlQjU6158oVn__e-mm-a4Hyf74V-j2ZcHQ-as6alaLZw2x3oN1l6-RbJKOD00d6wY34a59jXaODIf0VgSuNtz6/s640/blogger-image--1306688165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6_KUfooguiUHltibT-Mz0bvaUltDT4h657aMXONQPbR32MIzJcs4-KtlQjU6158oVn__e-mm-a4Hyf74V-j2ZcHQ-as6alaLZw2x3oN1l6-RbJKOD00d6wY34a59jXaODIf0VgSuNtz6/s640/blogger-image--1306688165.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are many cows in the Mumbai streets and women selling grass to feed the cows. In the Hindu religion, cows are holy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4znQ4G1bBXjCQzySbaWYTPIcOVH5vxd0ubjoCgnS034MPNGV5llkqRo1YzUgJJGQzjQatQy4fgxslZ7X-Zzd1IalRQC4LRR2tEXRa6WXSIHi9RwJMkXRAsiTv19HwRewGUn65am5BIoOZ/s640/blogger-image--2060931222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4znQ4G1bBXjCQzySbaWYTPIcOVH5vxd0ubjoCgnS034MPNGV5llkqRo1YzUgJJGQzjQatQy4fgxslZ7X-Zzd1IalRQC4LRR2tEXRa6WXSIHi9RwJMkXRAsiTv19HwRewGUn65am5BIoOZ/s640/blogger-image--2060931222.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A couple of cats in the market. First time we saw so many cats, most likely to keep away the rats, which we saw many dead outside.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5JX6eb9dOT-67Jwpg7gh2fF2ERowx8FIsu0r57q0ohAtIGfntrIF7M1cwpjlK0QCuXnltKhmg054Dg9pAlWQwZwyu1hGvQQ1ovP7LO0dfAUlKaWfovaCMXuwc9Ke5LOTAmlj-dm_mBhj/s640/blogger-image--626903653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5JX6eb9dOT-67Jwpg7gh2fF2ERowx8FIsu0r57q0ohAtIGfntrIF7M1cwpjlK0QCuXnltKhmg054Dg9pAlWQwZwyu1hGvQQ1ovP7LO0dfAUlKaWfovaCMXuwc9Ke5LOTAmlj-dm_mBhj/s640/blogger-image--626903653.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hot chilis, spices, nuts, dried fruits and more!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-58751627728057854412014-01-11T02:59:00.001-08:002014-01-11T02:59:59.144-08:00Splendour and Squalor - The Taj Mahal, Agra and Humayan's Tomb<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJR4Pr_NZ5NxbHeG0BeZs2dJRoBEsoZdMOll_V_NoW4ngzki55ZGq47oa6RseyP0R667q4fnRKJ5ohZ-bOv6xXAtu9MG_7JiqOuBOqw4PPkzg_NEJFbkDmDekS-UT3923SygrLAVatTEAz/s640/blogger-image--1657747973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJR4Pr_NZ5NxbHeG0BeZs2dJRoBEsoZdMOll_V_NoW4ngzki55ZGq47oa6RseyP0R667q4fnRKJ5ohZ-bOv6xXAtu9MG_7JiqOuBOqw4PPkzg_NEJFbkDmDekS-UT3923SygrLAVatTEAz/s640/blogger-image--1657747973.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Standing next to the Taj Mahal. The smoke barely lifted all day.</div><div><br></div><div>It's all I can do to keep my eyes open tonight. I had plans to write this on the plane, but folded into a window seat with no space to move, I resorted to sleeping instead. We are now in Mumbai (or Bombay as it was formerly and still appears to be called), the biggest port city in India. It'll be a quick visit here, as I'm heading to Pune on Sunday with a group to visit some auto manufacturers and John Deere.</div><div><br></div><div>My roommate and I have been reflecting heavily on the past two days. The road to the "most beautiful of beautiful and magnificent of magnificent" Taj Mahal takes you thru the streets of Agra, a 'small' city of 2 million people. Among a gridlock of people, cows and traffic the absolute squalor is appalling. I am told by well-traveled friends we have not seen anything close to the worst, and yet we have seen far more than you'd ever witness in the worst parts of the worst cities in Canada.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_1Zyr3KmGzcY8bizv3WgH_A9Jfcd2Rx9cZ_3ar6kGOoFfn4IeJWGiyD0DguD5qaza5u2Rp2ngGW-9Ro0fjgPz9LJh4cZ3XN9cyzw6lrFkskxqLtKCXVo_miJs7nTIrabQ-bJ50lc_RDo/s640/blogger-image-1895540541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_1Zyr3KmGzcY8bizv3WgH_A9Jfcd2Rx9cZ_3ar6kGOoFfn4IeJWGiyD0DguD5qaza5u2Rp2ngGW-9Ro0fjgPz9LJh4cZ3XN9cyzw6lrFkskxqLtKCXVo_miJs7nTIrabQ-bJ50lc_RDo/s640/blogger-image-1895540541.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This little boy was fascinated by our bus and waves nonstop. It looked like he was eating a handful of lentils.</div></div><div><br></div><div>We left the Taj Mahal yesterday afternoon and boarded an open-air bus bound for the Oberoi Agra for lunch. While waiting, we were approached by the standard souvenir peddlers, as well as a shoeless, disfigured woman begging for money with her baby. It was heartbreaking and horrifying. We wanted so bad to help, but what could we do? After the fact, we realized there were far fewer people approaching us than there might have been given the streets we'd driven through. With the number of guards and checkpoints leading up to the Taj, how were these few able to stay so close to the gates. There is a purpose for them being there.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div>Among such desperation, there remains fierce pride of all that is good in India and there remains hope. I've taken to waving and smiling at people from the bus. Despite thousands of tourists embarking on Agra daily, they seemed so interested in who was in our bus and we were equally interested in them. Not a single smile or wave was left unreturned, their faces beaming with joy. If they have joy and they have almost nothing, why aren't we the most happy people in the world? It's also impressive, in today's world, that so many different cultures live side by side in India, mostly without major conflict. India is a melting pot of nations, most of whom settled here thousands of years ago, and this dynamic heritage makes everything more colourful and energetic. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWooaQF1GIP0LOEpYtRyAPvm0Ct53EHs_22PkY0GFitGlcx5iHzFXundn27v68YHUAhGfBiWFzCFeL-Q1Hjmb9TUAAGIO84VfWTruNHCKXWdK1rKdd0Yz1G1uThLqO3ygZYu6B2W_blPx/s640/blogger-image-1994500061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWooaQF1GIP0LOEpYtRyAPvm0Ct53EHs_22PkY0GFitGlcx5iHzFXundn27v68YHUAhGfBiWFzCFeL-Q1Hjmb9TUAAGIO84VfWTruNHCKXWdK1rKdd0Yz1G1uThLqO3ygZYu6B2W_blPx/s640/blogger-image-1994500061.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzgswelnwOrS_4QzJIdeRAnZEszSKh2KZlgNBG2skSNvGrF5l_GeLkgg-l67CWEQ1gJ2WYP3tTHGzPoAzc12slpB9x2JKeiigPvwxc1n7TX8muzYamAgpRz4aoAE8HcDKzjpVdatAlYfz/s640/blogger-image-1265742825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzgswelnwOrS_4QzJIdeRAnZEszSKh2KZlgNBG2skSNvGrF5l_GeLkgg-l67CWEQ1gJ2WYP3tTHGzPoAzc12slpB9x2JKeiigPvwxc1n7TX8muzYamAgpRz4aoAE8HcDKzjpVdatAlYfz/s640/blogger-image-1265742825.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Red Fort of Agra was built by 4 generations of Indian rulers.</div></div><br></div><div>The Taj itself is simply breathtaking. White marble, flanked by two identical mosques, gardens and red sandstone walls. Nearby, the Red Fort goes on and on, a huge and striking monument of the days of kings. On Friday, we visited Humayan's Tomb, an equally stunning sight, constructed by Humayan's wife when he died. Such lavish splendour exists all over this country, much of it dating back several centuries. The stories are so remarkable, it's easy to mix them up with those of the various religions. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiun2CHEHMkpTnHGELHZ60hd8MQXlnmGjXE87WW3hXAQhvxWCOBvdGJAu996fBfjEW3eOv5o0AAG7zC6YandbxcSwaO4XchzJ6m1tShHQS_gC0xobDG7rNJRoDFlFJzEbhRXwARyt0AIJ3y/s640/blogger-image--347429360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiun2CHEHMkpTnHGELHZ60hd8MQXlnmGjXE87WW3hXAQhvxWCOBvdGJAu996fBfjEW3eOv5o0AAG7zC6YandbxcSwaO4XchzJ6m1tShHQS_gC0xobDG7rNJRoDFlFJzEbhRXwARyt0AIJ3y/s640/blogger-image--347429360.jpg"></a></div>Humayan's Tomb in New Delhi.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyAGrp8rC2SKq8aVJz26j_RWIJ033G-Im08nZvvM0U33GE4FAtN5tXNGWNvJ4R6EScN08Yp2ZTsVYZwTQIU4vmKGoI6owSqLOkdQWzB4R4vecq3eR2k9I1uUeZuDXjrVgjTx6aOMdI-cO/s640/blogger-image--459948396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyAGrp8rC2SKq8aVJz26j_RWIJ033G-Im08nZvvM0U33GE4FAtN5tXNGWNvJ4R6EScN08Yp2ZTsVYZwTQIU4vmKGoI6owSqLOkdQWzB4R4vecq3eR2k9I1uUeZuDXjrVgjTx6aOMdI-cO/s640/blogger-image--459948396.jpg"></a></div>An entire village lived within the walls surrounding this tomb. </div><div><br></div><div>This is what makes India so captivating; the stories from her past and the rags to riches dreams today are like a fairy tale, and one can never be sure where fact ends and fiction begins. Most of the tales are spun in this 'city of dreams' in Bombay, so there will be much to see in the next few days.</div><div><br></div>Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2964309733368945119.post-55766493663705724072014-01-08T03:45:00.001-08:002014-01-08T10:04:06.989-08:00Unforgettable India<div>I probably took some 200 pictures and video yesterday alone (check out Twitter for a few - getting them from the iPhone to the iPad is going to take more time than I have with my 30 minutes of free Internet). </div><div><br></div><div>Yet, there are images I couldn't and didn't need to capture to never forget. Just as everyone told me, the vibrance, spirit and colour in India is phenomenal. Delhi itself is a very 'green' city. There are trees and parks and vegetation throughout much of the city which we've seen thus far. The bright colours of the roadside stands, selling fruits and vegetables, flowers, snacks and drinks echo those of the beautiful textiles and are a stark contrast to the grey cement and red brick buildings and dust which coats everything. I suspect there has been no rain here in sometime. Even the trees are dusty, and I can't help but wonder how the city looks after a rain. I suspect it sparkles and the air is fresh, not laden with a thick fog which smells of smoke.</div><div><br></div><div>In the two days we've been here, we've encountered nothing but kind and gracious people. Even in Old Delhi yesterday, when we went for a rickshaw tour through the market, I never felt uncomfortable with my surroundings. Granted, I did have a former rugby player join me, so I suspect this offered me extra security. It is also amazing to see how amid all the chaos, there is flow and it 'just works'. The rule of the road seems to be 'honk and go' and it appears there isn't a need to waste paint on lane markings because they aren't ever followed. Even with video, I don't know if I can really portray how insane the traffic is when you're in it, but I realized today it's best not to pay attention to the driving but that which is past the road.</div><div><br></div><div>Often, you don't have to look much farther than the roadside. These are also the images I will never forget, and the ones I couldn't capture. When I imagined India, I expected there to be people everywhere, sort of in the busy, New York street, shoulder-to-shoulder way. What I realize now is that it's not the volume of people but where they are that startles foreigners, like myself. Imagine people walking amongst vehicles during rush hour, children sitting on the median waiting to entertain or peddle electronic chargers or roses the next time the traffic halts, or women sweeping pebbles from the road onto the shoulder. You cannot drive through Delhi and avoid getting a glimpse of poverty, but I don't think you have to stray too far off the beaten 'tourist' path to really see it. </div><div><br></div><div>Today, we met with one of India's largest educational NGO's, and driving to their office (3 rooms in a residential apartment building with no signage) we gained a much better appreciation for the challenges facing India. There are those which we often think of but until you see infrastructure work being done literally by hand, like trenches for culverts being dug with a pick by ten men, you cannot appreciate what that means. Education will never be enough for the children in the street, unless you can also feed, shelter and protect them. This is a country where 1/4 of the population lives on less than 0.50 / day. A Pepsi here costs $1. Entrepreneurialism is a way of life here, because there is no other way for many. </div><div><br></div><div>It's hard to describe the feeling when you reflect on our Canadian lifestyle in comparison. I think it's too early into our journey to interpret or form any basis, but just seeing Delhi has provided more context than I'd have imagined. I likely will not have the opportunity to meet smallholder farmers this trip, but my appreciation for the challenges they face are heightened. Tomorrow we will see farmland when we travel to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal, and Friday, I plan to venture out to see first hand what buying food in India entails. I'm certain there will be a wealth of learning in this experience and hopefully I will have an update when I arrive in Mumbai later that evening. For now, I leave you. </div><div><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_PyMZuBZ0WkLmsm2SCo4F1Rs_syhKAABdt7m4TvZlURT_f2UXldzez8Qsifx6a5KKkg335MQt3boGW7Sx471qOna_gvvXG3ZaVDgb0_Oi0f4nDMLagFW5ETgcbEMRGHqMbezfmtcvhqJ/s640/blogger-image-510498348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_PyMZuBZ0WkLmsm2SCo4F1Rs_syhKAABdt7m4TvZlURT_f2UXldzez8Qsifx6a5KKkg335MQt3boGW7Sx471qOna_gvvXG3ZaVDgb0_Oi0f4nDMLagFW5ETgcbEMRGHqMbezfmtcvhqJ/s640/blogger-image-510498348.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Exploring Old Delhi via rickshaw. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Savvy Farmgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134591832998867216noreply@blogger.com1