If there has ever been a time of information overload, today would qualify. As we try to navigate through today’s challenges, an emphasis on or improvement in decision-making can be a good addition to the management tool box. Holistic management is often described as a decision-making framework. After setting a shared goal/vision, these seven testing […] Read more
Decisions, decisions, decisions
These seven questions can help guide you to better decision-making
Finding ways to bring people together
Put a plan in place for both your family and non-family teams
As we continue in yet another year of the pandemic, it seems that there are even more instances of topics and situations that continue to divide us. Looking for new ways to navigate through the coming months with respect and creativity is important. Those of us in agriculture represent two per cent of the population. […] Read more
Change management
Succession of the family business to the next generation is a major change
“Times they are a-changing. Of course times always change but in this period of rapid technological advancement and information accessibility, the change occurs even more quickly and on a larger scale. Change is a part of everyday life. To be successful and progressive we must welcome that change. It no longer works to do things […] Read more
Managing your time
Time is precious. Are you using it wisely?
Years ago at a conference, I participated in a world time clock exercise. Significant global events were mapped out on a straight line and participants stood on each of the spots and popped balloons in keeping with the occurrence of the major events. It was clear that much had happened in the last couple of […] Read more
Now is the time for strategic planning
Gather your ideas and then prioritize what is needed in the near-term
The year 2021 will be marked for a few things. Of course, it is year two of the COVID-19 pandemic. For many of us in Western Canada, it will also go down as a drought year, and how the pattern is going to continue is as yet unknown. What else is 2021 going to be […] Read more
Speaker promoting well-being takes the stage at Advancing Women in Ag Conference
Beverly Beuermann-King is ready to talk about supportive conversations, depression and self-care
Resiliency has been brought to the forefront in these last few months. It is the key to move forward in these changing times. The old strategies don’t work anymore,” says Beverly Beuermann-King, mental health and resiliency expert. Beuermann-King has been referred to as the “resiliency builder.” She has been a long-time spokesperson for mental health. […] Read more
Communication and team-building
Communication is a major component of building teams
Years ago, I heard a comment that the most underutilized resource in agriculture is people. The statement still rings true for me today and I believe our people are an area of huge potential. For most of us, in one way or another, we are all part of a team, whether it be our work […] Read more
Building resilience
Do you have the tools to recover from or adjust to adversity?
Maybe you’re thinking, “Well, at least it is not as bad as ’02.” Or perhaps, “This is even worse than ’02.” The situations vary in their severity but everyone in Western Canada is experiencing some degree of drought. And nobody in this business wants to think back to what happened after the drought of ’02. […] Read more
Rethinking what we know
“If knowledge is power, knowing what we don’t know is wisdom.”
There is a quote attributed to Albert Einstein that goes something like this: “You cannot solve a problem with the same level of consciousness that created it.” This seems to make a lot of sense, but how does one go about moving to a different level of thinking? The speed of change seems to be […] Read more
Building a career as a livestock buyer
Lyal Fox Jr. reflects on what’s changed, what’s remained constant and what he’s learned over the years buying livestock
The Fox family is well known in the Canadian livestock industry, as breeders of Holsteins, Percheron and Morgan horses, polled Hereford and Angus cattle, and sheep. They have been involved in many different operations all over the world. One family member, Lyal Fox Jr., forged a slightly different path as a livestock buyer. In the […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
