We all need some comfort food

We all need some comfort food

First We Eat: As we deal with a pandemic it’s the perfect time to cook up some of those favourite recipes

Dave and I live rurally. Just us, our dog, housecat, and the barn cats. But there are the birds that visit our feeders. And the deer that graze at dawn and dusk just south of our house. And the coyotes lurking. And the porcupines that stop by some nights, usually about midnight. But we keep […] Read more

Froese: Vision for family, farm and ownership — What now?

Froese: Vision for family, farm and ownership — What now?

With the ripple effect of the pandemic now is the time to redefine where you’re at

Farmers are problem solvers and fixers, but I don’t think we anticipated the ripple effect of a pandemic on our families, our farms and our future. I’ve spent the last few weeks anchored at my farm office calling out to farmers, listening, and drilling deep to share a well of hope. On a Zoom call […] Read more


Preserving lemons and what to do with them

Preserving lemons and what to do with them

First We Eat: Fresh lemon juice will enhance flavours but preserved lemons become a condiment

I’m standing in my auntie’s orchard on a mild afternoon, the temperature about 18 C. In Canada, it’s deep winter, but here in California, the citrus trees have bloomed, and the fruit is ripe. It’s a tough gig, being a grower on the Canadian Prairies. We make jokes about the harsh weather — “But it’s […] Read more

Whether it’s fixing machinery or feeding cows, chances are much of your day is spent using your arms in a 180-degree range in front of your body.

If you have shoulder pain you’re not alone

Fit to Farm: This is one of the most common complaints experienced by farmers, and here’s why

Among the common injuries I see farmers for, shoulder complaints fall into the top tier. The shoulder can cause grief for many reasons, but almost all of those reasons have common roots. Anatomically the shoulder is a fairly shallow joint, especially when compared to deep ball-and-socket joints like the hip. For a shallow joint it […] Read more


Froese: Assumption-free living on your farm

Froese: Assumption-free living on your farm

Don’t assume you know the reason for another’s actions — ask for clarification

A weary-looking farm woman waits patiently in line making sure she is the last one to speak to me privately after my keynote. She has just one question. “When is the right time to start including our daughter-in-law in family business meetings; she doesn’t know a thing!” How would you respond? Reflective listening is activated, […] Read more

It’s true! Breakfast really is an important start to the day

It’s true! Breakfast really is an important start to the day

First We Eat: Research shows that many people skip breakfast but you’ll function better with a healthy start to your morning

Breakfast can be hard. I don’t have much appetite in the morning. As a chef and restaurateur, I spent years making breakfast out of too many cups of coffee, then wondered at my short temper and plummeting blood sugar levels. So now I sit down to eat breakfast every day. Many studies show that 25 […] Read more


Froese: Risk, choice and opportunity — your farm’s transition

Froese: Risk, choice and opportunity — your farm’s transition

Start by looking at the challenges, creating solutions and beginning the process with a trusted adviser

Late last year I decided to stop listening to sad farm transition stories, proposing a new hashtag for Twitter #healingstories4ag. “Succession planning would be considerably less difficult if the long-term stability of the agricultural industry was more predictable. Given the current hurdles, long-term profitability is very uncertain! I do not wish to transfer an operation […] Read more

Nagging foot pain? You may be experiencing plantar fasciitis

Fit to Farm: Try these exercises to help relieve pain that is often worse first thing in the morning

Pain with the first few steps in the morning? Pain during walking right in your arch or heel of the foot? Doesn’t seem to give up, no matter what you try? You might be experiencing the all-too-common complaint of plantar fasciitis. I see an increase in plantar fasciitis during seasonal shifts each year, whether it’s […] Read more


Froese: Tools to build trust on your farm

Froese: Tools to build trust on your farm

How much better would life on your farm be if trust wasn’t an issue?

Stephen Covey authored the great book The Speed of Trust. Imagine how much better life would be on your farm if trust was not an issue. When a farm founder trusts the next generation it’s a beautiful thing to behold. The spirit of generosity is fully empowered to help each generation find success in their […] Read more

Roasted vegetables — good for you and good for your dog

Roasted vegetables — good for you and good for your dog

First We Eat: Home-cooked pet food can be a nutritious option to processed commercial food

Our golden retriever, Jake, is lying at my feet, waiting for me while I write. He won’t let the clock slip past 8 a.m. in mid-winter without getting up and nudging me. Sure enough, on the stroke of eight he’s beside me, his beautiful head in my lap, insisting we get moving. Time to get […] Read more