Pain, unfortunately, is often a fact of life. Especially on the farm!

Understanding the common reasons behind pain

Fit to Farm: Never ignore pain, but some focused breathing techniques may help to ease it

In my profession I meet many people who experience pain from various triggers, and one piece of homework I give to 99 per cent of them: breathing. Our breath is one of our most powerful tools, physically, physiologically and even mentally. To understand why breath can be so effective for pain, we first have to […] Read more

Navigate new language and approaches for positive conflict behaviour. Change your attitudes about conflict being something to be avoided.

Froese: Stop the in-law rant, change your behaviour

Farm family dynamics have to be different and we need to see solutions

An American farm woman who moved from Florida to become part of a family farm in the cornfields of Iowa called me one day to say, “Elaine I am tired of all the ranting on social media about problems with in-laws. Something needs to shift, and we need to see solutions.” Go to iowafarmerswife.com/events to […] Read more


Vietnamese pho.

Southeast Asian foods — Part 1: Vietnamese pho

First We Eat: There’s a good selection of Vietnamese ingredients in many stores as they strive to serve a large refugee population

We are so fortunate in Canada to have arrivals from around the globe to teach us about seasoning our tables. Lucky for us, food is one of the best tools for welcoming people and sharing experiences. The foods of Southeast Asia — Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam — are worlds apart from what those of us […] Read more



Jyubeen’s version can be made with palak (spinach), mustard greens, amaranth, chard, or other greens. The creamy paneer is spooned into the spinach mixture at the last minute, where it melts into the sauce. Serve with basmati rice. Serves 4.

South Asian favourites — Part 3: Vegetables take centre stage

First We Eat: The combination of warm spices and vegetables makes for tasty cuisine

I moved to Vancouver from rural Saskatchewan when I turned 18, landing in an Edwardian house with two roommates on the East Side. I’d grown up on my Germanic mother’s honest meat and spuds, but the West Coast was a popular destination for immigrants, and I lucked into a South Asian enclave — shops and […] Read more

Exercise doesn’t require a gym, a certain time frame or even a program to participate in. Movement or exercise can be done anywhere, any time, in any length or sequence.

What is the best way to work out and exercise?

Fit to Farm: You don’t need a gym or a certain program. Find a movement that you enjoy and just make time to do it

Working out, exercising, keeping fit and maintaining an active lifestyle; terms we are all familiar with for overall well-being and health. A key point that many may miss out on is that exercising isn’t just an hour at the gym, a certain dedicated workout program, or even a specific time frame. Equally so, a life […] Read more


Keeping track of where your money goes helps you gain clarity and understanding. What you track gets measured, and what gets measured can be adapted.

Froese: How to make tracking family living spending a top-drawer event

When you understand where the money is going — that’s when changes can be made

A movie explores a young teenage girl, Amber Appleton living in a school bus and riding her bike to her three jobs while attending high school. I notice she is very careful to count her cash and write down all her expenses as she works towards saving to have a real apartment to call home. […] Read more

To find locally raised lamb, read the menu at your favourite restaurant and ask who supplies the kitchen, visit independent butchers or farmers’ markets, and browse the internet using key words like “local lamb” and your province’s name.

South Asian favourites — Part 2: Learning to love lamb

First We Eat: Lamb consumption is on the rise in Canada so it may be easier to find a local producer

My Saskatchewan-raised mom never served lamb while I was growing up. She hadn’t eaten it as a child or young woman, and as a result, I didn’t learn to love lamb until I was in my 30s and living in Calgary. Sheep have been a presence in Alberta since the late 1800s, when thousands of […] Read more


The new term in 2022 for sweat equity is “delayed compensation.”

Froese: Really love the next generation with decent compensation

And remember — if you are going to use sweat equity you must predetermine the value

My farmer came in for lunch to warm up and was reluctant to head back outside feeling chilled. His labour is now being compensated by a buyout plan from our successor son. What’s keeping me on the hot side today is processing the coaching conversations where the next gen is working for “free,” that is, […] Read more

South Asian favourites — Part 1: Pakoras

South Asian favourites — Part 1: Pakoras

First We Eat: To start off, try these vegetarian appetizers — fritters served with chutney

When I told her I thought I was a changeling, my mom laughed out loud. “With those eyes? Those cheeks? That chin? You are the spitting image of your Aunt Lila.” It’s true. In the mirror, I see my family staring back, just as when I look at my sons, I see my dad’s face. […] Read more