Listening to farming stories was part of my life on the Prairies. My grandfather always had a story to tell and they all began with “I remember when…”
Swathed wheat rolling over hills, riding in the combine on my grandfather’s knee and delivering home-cooked meals to my father in the field- these are my memories of farm life.
My name is Lindsay Jean and I’m a student at the University of Regina. I moved to the Queen City three years ago in hot pursuit of a journalism career.
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No more dusty gravel roads or life in Debden, Sask. I was headed to the big city.
When I got there, agriculture was the furthest thing from my mind. I wanted to learn how to cover the big news and the issues that really mattered. I was surprised to discover what those things were.
The agricultural community has been riddled with turmoil and controversy for the past few years. BSE border closures and skyrocketing input costs threw those issues in my face, whether I liked it or not.
The truth of the matter is simple. As an aspiring journalist in Western Canada, some of the biggest news is directly linked to agriculture. The industry is in a state of constant flux and evolution.
My family does not farm anymore, but I’ve seen the frustrations that go hand-in-hand with farming. I realized I had to return to my roots. And that’s why I am an intern at the Western Producer.
This is a coveted internship in the Regina School of Journalism. It is renowned as a deep well of agricultural history and an accurate source of information regarding current issues.
My first few weeks at the Producer have been an eye-opening experience. I admit my agricultural knowledge base is small. I know the basics, but the industry is a quagmire of groups, policy and technology.
There is something to be learned each day. As a young journalist, I can be an integral part of the innovative and challenging agricultural industry.
I have three months to absorb as much as I can about journalism. I hope to strengthen my writing and photography skills during my internship.
But there is much more to gain from the experience. A sturdy foundation of agricultural knowledge will be an invaluable asset in my journalism toolbox.
Farming is a complex operation, but some things never change. People still get rides in the combine and farmers will always need meals in the field.
This time, I get to tell the stories.
