By coffee time of the World Food Day conference in Bern, Switzerland I wanted to jump up on that stage and shout out: “I’m a commercial grain farmer from Canada that grew GM canola and don’t regret it. What do you have to say to that!” The speakers and attendants that day were not particularly […] Read more
Get ready for agroecology
Experts at World Food Day are ready to change the entire food system
Farm shows: from Switzerland to Red Deer
While farm shows around the globe have their own flavour, some things never change
Coming out of the packed train station, our friend Markus points across the street to where a large group is gathered. “Those are all farmers over there,” he says. “That’s got to be the right tram.” What is it about farmers that makes them stand out in a city? Clothing? Posture? Haircuts? Markus was right, […] Read more
Meet your farming neighbours: Bernd Klänhammer
Bernd Klänhammer’s 200-year old family farm was lost in the 50s, then regained
Every farm has its own story. No two farms (or farmers) are exactly alike. Everyone got started in a different way, and every farm has a different combination of family and hired staff who make the decisions and keep things running. But, in general, even after you consider all of the details, farmers are more […] Read more
Meet your farming neighbours: Markus Stamm
Meet Markus Stamm. He may not live nearby, but his story is a lot like yours
Every farm has its own story. No two farms (or farmers) are exactly alike. Everyone got started in a different way, and every farm has a different combination of family and hired staff who make the decisions and keep things running. But, in general, even after you consider all of the details, farmers are more […] Read more
Farming for the insects and birds
Government programs provide funds for Swiss farmers who follow new mowing rules
Schleitheim, Switzerland: All around me farmers are mowing. From June 15th onwards farmers are allowed to cut meadows and hayfields qualifying for Q2 government subsidies. The Q2 (qualitätsstufe 2) program aims to provide and protect healthy habitat for birds and insects. Non-qualifying fields are already being cut the second or even the third time. Obviously […] Read more
Meet your farming neighbours: Karl and Julie Gabriel
This is the story of Karl and Julie Gabriel, farming near Wroxton, Sask.
Every farm has its own story. No two farms (or farmers) are exactly alike. Everyone got started in a different way, and every farm has a different combination of family and hired staff who make the decisions and keep things running. But, in general, even after you consider all of the details, farmers are more […] Read more
Meet your farming neighbours: Duane and Bonnie Friesen
This is the story of Duane and Bonnie Friesen, near Cecil Lake, B.C.
Every farm has its own story. No two farms (or farmers) are exactly alike. Everyone got started in a different way, and every farm has a different combination of family and hired staff who make the decisions and keep things running. But, in general, even after you consider all of the details, farmers are more alike than different. This is the story of Duane Freisen, who farms […] Read more
The reality of Alzheimer’s disease
When a loved one is diagnosed it’s devastating but there may be some ways to help reduce the risk of developing it
Walter* has Alzheimer’s disease — but only his family and close friends know how deeply it affects his life. Walter meets us at the door, greeting us by name. “Good to see you!” He takes our coats and leads us into the living room; we make small talk about the weather; a perfectly normal conversation. […] Read more
Meet your farming neighbours: Chris and Michelle
This is the story of Chris and Michelle Rottier, Southside Rottier Farm, Dapp, Alta.
Every farm has its own story. No two farms (or farmers) are exactly alike. Everyone got started in a different way, and every farm has a different combination of family and hired staff who make the decisions and keep things running. But, in general, even after you consider all of the details, Prairie farmers are […] Read more
Laughing in spite of it all
Five farm women share how they remain positive even in dire circumstances
When snow sets in on October 1, and half a bumper crop lies in the field; when the news is full of refugees and the days seem long and grey — it’s easy to succumb to the blues. Five farm women from Africa, Switzerland and Canada tell us how they laugh despite dire circumstances and […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
