New Year’s resolutions…

Some resolutions should never be made — they’re conceived in the shadows of excessive wine consumption and cherry cigar smoke, laced with general stupidity and an inflated dominion of possibilities. After reviewing my lists in years gone by, I’ve made a new resolution: “Don’t. Drink. Cooking. Wine. When. Making. Lists.” Hence my disenchantment in the […] Read more



It’s all about the grass

For Blaine Hjertaas, it’s all about the grass. Wherever his eye wanders on his 800-acre farm near Redvers, Sask., it instinctively zeroes in on the grass, analyzing its height, its composition and, most importantly, its nutrient content. “See that area there?” he said pointing to a 10×10-foot block of emerging grass. “We had chickens there […] Read more

Feeling Guilty For Not Having Meetings?

Many farm families are feeling a deep sense of guilt knowing they should be having business meetings, but they just don t seem to get around to it. The key factor is understanding why you need to meet. ” Family council to explore how the family operates. ” Succession planning. ” Estate planning: wills, inheritance, […] Read more


Power Outages And Food Safety

Our house was pitch black and silent due to a power outage. The wind was howling loudly outside, and a tornado warning was in effect. My family and I had made our way carefully to the basement, and we were huddled in the safety of my windowless arts and crafts room. My two older kids […] Read more

Remembering The Good…

At this time of year, we stop as a family to take part in Remembrance Day services to give thanks and absorb the sacrifices that were made on our behalf. It s humbling to consider what was done for us, and sad that in our remorse and commitment to never repeat the damage, we find […] Read more


Reesor Ranch — A Tribute To Cowboy Culture

The rain pelting southeast Saskatchewan this past spring threatened to sink my soul, so I headed for higher ground. So high in fact, that it just happened to be the highest point in Canada between the Rocky Mountains and Labrador. Even in Saskatchewan s Cypress Hills there were sloughs filled to capacity, impromptu brooks spilling […] Read more

Ted Talks Beans And Watercress

Later on, things to know about a wonderful healing plant known as true watercress. But first, it s my turn to spill the beans, sort of! I m not going to tell in detail something out of school when I was in Grade 3. Suffice to say there was a kid who took my beanbag […] Read more


Gratitude And Understanding

Even though the aroma of turkey soup may have vacated your home, you likely can still recall the warm feelings of having folks express what things they were thankful for in 2011. People come in all sorts of colourful characters, but as a coach I ve seen amazing things happen when one person expresses appreciation […] Read more

Garden Party Concrete Labour Of Love

Rural Saskatchewan has many individuals with entrepreneurial skills, and Tony and Bonnie Rudolph of rural Rosthern are among these gifted people. Garden Party Concrete was established 11 years ago when the couple weighed the options of diversifying their farm. A portion of the 70-year-old barn that once operated as a dairy facility was converted into […] Read more