My Time In Grande Prairie With Alberta’s Agricultural Fieldmen
Stepping into Grande Prairie Alberta was a wonderful experience. Oh yeah, I wasn’t used to –30 degrees C. That was to be expected this time of year. However, bundled up I managed to make my way to the “In Service Training” of the Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen. Getting to peer into their world over a three-day period was fruitful for me and hopefully the same for them.
The point being we talk too much to ourselves in this country. For instance the AAAF took a bit of a chance inviting an “Ontario guy” to their in service training. Simply put, Ontario’s political views aren’t always eye-to-eye with those from Alberta’s farm country. However, as I told the many fieldmen, I’m sure they would fit in anywhere within Ontario farm country.
Still, I think I heard the term “Alberta Redneck” about 50 times over a three-day period. It was worn, as it should be, as a badge of honour. It was pretty clear my new Albertan friends have much to be proud of. Their “big sky” is simply the limit and they spend untold moments putting together an agricultural agenda under the shadow of the oil patch, which is second to none.
Many commented to me that it was good to hear “from another region of Canada.” So it is, but not only from Alberta. One of the highlights of my career as an agricultural economist was my sojourn into Quebec, to both speak and work with a group of Quebec economists. Simply put, the beauty of Canada sometimes lies with its people. With such a big country we often misunderstand ourselves. When we do get together and peer and stammer at each other through cultural and linguistic lines it is usually very, very good for all parties. My journey into Alberta in December 2007 serves as an example of that. The picture here is from the AAAF banquet on December 6th, 2007.
Next stop for me is Christmas and then maybe a bit of time off. However, I’m looking forward to another speaking event in York Region in January. If you need a speaker for your event, download my resume and make sure you get in contact with me.