Since Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan’s establishment in 2014 we have always offered Food Influencer Farm Tours. These tours have varied with numbers of individuals and locations, but we have always provided high quality engagement with those who have attended. The resource investment can differ in returns, not unlike the purchase of a farming asset, but over time the investment does pay off.
We’ve seen direct correlations between participants and positive social media. In the past with different influencers, they have made posts speaking about their experiences on farms and dispelled myths that some of their followers might believe. These interactions are seen quickly and conversations happen with a broader online audience as the tour is still ongoing. In other instances, the benefits are seen over the course of months and years.
During the 2023 Food Influencer Farm Tour, we had the privilege to host three government officials from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Each of these three individuals had varying levels of knowledge about primary food production resulting in excellent questions and engagement throughout the two and a half days. But the great thing is conversations didn’t stop there and the relationship continued to grow. As discussions continued it was clear to these professionals that the broader employee base from AAFC would benefit from hearing about sustainable farming practices from actual farmers and ranchers.
As a result, a ninety-minute seminar occurred in Canada’s capital with an audience of 115 government employees who had a strong interest in understanding more about farming and ranching. Erika Stewart, a rancher from Southwestern Saskatchewan, highlighted the VBP+ practices that their beef operation use, along with a few different videos from the perspective of their family. I highlighted the technology our farm uses to grow grains, oilseeds and pulses discussing how we’ve improved our soil and the environment by using minimal tillage practices. The largest takeaway message from this seminar was farmers and ranchers are growing food for Canadians and global consumers using the most sustainable practices in the world. Erika and I both hit home the idea that we’re generational family farms, with the commitment to improve our operations for our kids in the future. We also highlighted that we are no different than other farms in Canada and that 97% of farms are family owned and want to see future generations succeed.
Impact is sometimes difficult to measure, however comments received after the seminar like, “Erika and Clinton were very compelling speakers who weaved in lived experiences and this was a fantastic presentation,” indicates this was a success. Trust in agriculture will be built one conversation at a time and we’re committed to having these conversations.