Introducing or writing about oneself always feels like a chore, considering I don’t like to speak about myself or boast.
However, with my new role as farm management editor, it’s time to let readers know who I am.
Having grown up on a small cattle farm outside of Rosthern, Sask., I was always surrounded by agriculture in one form or another — seeing cows come home for water, watching equipment drive by, looking across the open fields on the ride to town and listening to the adults in my life discuss crops and weather and calving.
Read Also
Shoulder pain: A common issue for farmers
Shoulder pain is one of the most common joint complaints we hear about at the clinic. This makes sense as the shoulder has a lot going on.
Yet, I never had intention of being in agriculture.
I don’t remember being a little kid and saying, “I’m going to be this when I grow up.” Then, in high school, when everyone was choosing life paths through class selections, I still had no idea.
My fascination was with reading, writing, history and social studies. The issue with that was the careers that came to mind which focused on these interests were quite limited in paid employment options.
I ended up taking a year off and worked at the local hardware store (a great learning experience) while seeking careers that would feed my interests of current events, storytelling and research. I found the area of journalism – which has been a great match.
I attended my first year of university online during COVID, while continuing part time at the hardware store, before making the trek to Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, B.C. where I worked toward my bachelor of communication and digital journalism degree with a minor in political studies.
Each experience has offered a new perspective and the indecision of career paths a realization that I wanted to learn it all, ensuring I kept an open mind.
This effervescence and vastness of learning and interests provides me with a unique way of looking at what’s put in front of me, whether it’s a situation or a story. Or a new role, like farm management editor.
I’m lured to practicality, new findings, and unique concepts. My time in this new position will be informed by these interests. Despite my younger influences, I didn’t intend to become an agricultural journalist while working on my degree. But I am excited to apply my skills within an industry that I have intimate knowledge of.
I look forward to seeking stories of new ideas and their influences to producers.
