When asked why I enjoy reporting on farming, I typically respond that I like the diversity of agriculture and the opportunity to learn more about this wide-ranging field.
Or, I explain that when I was a kid I helped out on my uncle’s farm west of Lake Manitoba, which fostered a lifelong interest in agriculture.
But in my first few days at the Brandon bureau
news of The Western Producer, I’ve realized that’s only part of the answer.
As strange as it sounds, it turns out that my attraction to agriculture is also connected to my fascination with Richard Nixon.
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Most North Americans remember Nixon as a symbol of corruption and paranoia, which is not unfair, as the man was deeply flawed.
But when I think of Nixon, the words that come to my mind are determination and resilience.
Nixon was a man who suffered many public defeats in his life. He lost the U.S.presidential election in 1960 to John F. Kennedy in an extremely close election. He tried to become governor of California in 1964 and lost again.
And of course, he infamously became the first U.S. president to resign from office in the summer of 1974.
But through all that, even after losing his position as the most powerful person on earth, Nixon never quit.
In his later years he went on to become an author and statesman, and right up to his death, he travelled the globe in an effort to build what he liked to call ‘a lasting peace.’
That ability to carry on through adversity is a trait I admire and during my term position at the Winnipeg bureau of the Producer last year and from my days as a reporter in rural Saskatchewan, I’ve met many farmers who, like Nixon, have stuck it out through thin and thinner.
As everyone knows, there are immense challenges to running a farm these days, including volatile prices, increasing costs and confusing and controversial technology.
But in spite of that, or likely because of that, producers are constantly seeking innovative ways to overcome problems on their farm and in their industry.
As a result, I see my position here in Brandon as an opportunity to tell the stories of those resilient producers, who are trying something new and taking risks, so they can build a lasting and sustainable farm for themselves and the next generation.
If you know of someone in your community who fits that description, or have any story ideas for the Producer, don’t hesitate to call me in Brandon, or tap my shoulder at a meeting.
I look forward to hearing from you.
