With spring seeding and summer field operations approaching, it’s a good time to consider how we act and are perceived to the public while conducting farming operations.

I’m always hearing how we’ve got the “right-to-farm”, so are allowed to spread manure or spray upwind of a neighbour’s family bar-b-que, or watch a line of traffic buildup behind us as we drive large equipment down the road.

As our voice in agriculture continues to erode and our methods of practice are under constant scrutiny it’s high time more common courtesy was used in all interactions with non-farmers.  Let’s remember, ultimately these folks are our customers.

Simple things such as informing that neighbour you’re going to spread manure in the near future beside their house or pulling your planting rig over to let that long line of traffic past can go a long way in helping agriculture’s image.  Some of the people in that traffic lineup work long hours too even though they don’t farm, and perhaps they’re starting into their vacation just like you and your family did during the winter.

Have a safe and courteous cropping season, and most importantly be a good ambassador for our business!

– Ken