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Alberta MP Barlow Reprises Role As Ag Critic

Alberta (Foothills) MP, John Barlow, is excited to be taking the reins on the agriculture file.
 
Conservative Party Leader, Andrew Scheer, unveiled his shadow cabinet Friday, November 29, where Barlow was named Shadow Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
 
Barlow says there's numerous issues facing the agriculture sector, however there's also incredible potential.
 
"It's our responsibility to ensure their voices are heard, but ensuring they also have the tools that they need to succeed, whether that's trade markets, proper tax levels, but also representatives that are going to advocate for them domestically and internationally."
 
Working with Barlow will be the Conservative's Associate Ag Critic, Quebec MP Richard Lehoux.
 
Barlow most recently served as the Shadow Minister for Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, and previously worked as the Associate Ag Critic during the last term.
 
Barlow says he's got great resources and mentors to draw from right in his backyard, ranging former MP, and Minister of State for Finance, Ted Menzies, Provincial Agriculture Ministers George Groeneveld and Evan Berger, Ad Farm Founder, Kim McConnell, and farmers and ranchers with skin in the game.
 
He says the biggest frustration he's heard from stakeholders is the Liberal's inaction on industry issues.
 
Barlow says he will work to educate the Liberal's Agriculture Minister, Marie-Claude Bibeau, on these challenges at the forefront such as trade and the grain backlog on rail.
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Why Rob Saik is Trying to Build the World’s Most Connected Agriculture Network

Video: Why Rob Saik is Trying to Build the World’s Most Connected Agriculture Network

In a recent interview at the SeedLink Conference in Brandon, Man., Rob Saik, author, speaker, and CEO of AGvisorPRO, took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the beginnings of his career and what the future holds.

Graduating from the University of Alberta in 1983, Saik embarked on a journey that started in Brandon, Man. “I got a job with Elanko, got a U-Haul truck, threw everything I had into it, drove to the Victoria Inn, and lived there for three months while they tried to find an apartment for me to move into. So I started my career in Brandon,” Saik shared.

Fast forward to the present, Saik has evolved into an accomplished author and speaker, traversing the globe to engage in high-level discussions about the future of agriculture and the critical role it plays in feeding the world. Yet, despite his global presence, he finds himself back in Brandon, addressing a group of seed growers. But why? Saik emphasizes the fundamental importance of seeds, stating, “It all begins with a seed, doesn’t it?”

Reflecting on his own experiences as a farmer, Saik expresses his excitement when a planted seed germinates and evolves into a thriving crop. He underscores the significance of technology and breeding in seed development, recognizing the crucial role they play in ensuring farmers can propagate seeds, grow profitable crops, and contribute to global food security.

Saik delves into the challenges faced by the agricultural community, particularly the rapid pace of technological advancements. He believes that the key lies in connecting farmers to experts swiftly, boosting farmers’ confidence in adopting new technologies, and ensuring the timely implementation of these advancements. According to Saik, this approach is crucial for steering agriculture towards sustainability and profitability.

As Saik works on his upcoming book, tentatively titled prAGmatic, he sheds light on its central theme. “The thesis would be that I want to write a book that takes what the consumer wants, challenges what the consumer believes, and positions that against what the farmers can actually do pragmatically,” he explains. The book aims to bridge the gap between consumer expectations and the realistic capabilities of farmers, promoting sustainable intensification as the necessary path to feed the planet.

Looking ahead to 2024, Saik emphasizes the need for enhanced connectivity within the seed industry. He discusses his platform, AgvisorPro, which is designed to facilitate connections between farmers, experts, and companies in a way that transcends conventional social media platforms. Saik envisions a credible, connected agricultural network that goes beyond the noise of platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter.

In a passionate vision for the future, Saik imagines a tool for teachers that allows them to pose questions from students, answered by verified farmers and ranchers. This, he believes, would provide an authentic and valuable educational resource, connecting classrooms with individuals who truly understand the intricacies of agriculture.