Grainswest - Winter 2024

Winter 2024 grainswest.com 27 Farm peer groups find professional growth in constructive conversation BY TREVOR BACQUE • ILLUSTRATION BY TILL LUKAT Farmers have long endured the stereotype of being stoic and aloof, completely self-reliant. Today, one of the hottest trends in agriculture is turning this notion on its head. The radical idea is …wait for it … talking. Within the confines of a peer group, hyper-focused conversations are underway across Canada as farmers zero in on operational improvement from top to bottom. And participation is not restricted by farm size nor income level. Similarly, the colour, cost and condition of one’s combine is irrelevant. It’s about mindset. Peer group participants are primarily interested in one thing only: better business.