Many of us have been watching the curling elite during the recent Scotties, Breir and Worlds competitions. For many of us club curlers we are in awe of the tremendous shots being made and the strategies used in winning a game. As I watched the games there are several areas that lead me to exam the way I look and conduct my farm operations.

1)      Directional sweeping – the two broom sweep has been all I have known and considered right on the curing sheet, but now one sweeper with the directional sweep is proving to be the acceptable standard in high level curling.  What standard procedure that I have used on my farm needs to be changed to bring my farm to a higher level?

2)      Coaching – the two top teams at this year’s women’s worlds; Switzerland and Japan were coached by Canadians. Who am I bringing into my team to refine my operation? My current circle of influence may not be providing me with an alternative way to achieve higher profitability.

3)      Tell your story – the personal stories of the teams brings reality to our lives. We connect with teams and individuals based on their interactions and openness with us. Be ready to tell your farm story to your friends to gain the acceptance of modern day farming.

Farming and curling are both competitive in nature and sacrifice a lot to be achieve their goals. Top curlers took the time to allow Craig Savill a chance to participate in the Brier in his home town, or to sign autographs after a tough loss. Make sure you take the time to demonstrate the compassionate side of farmers as our elite curlers have shown us.

Have a safe and enjoyable spring doing what we love to do.

–  Larry