As I sit at the old computer board and try to figure out which finger goes where, it reminds me a lot of our theme for the Direct Seeding conference " Managing Risk in Difficult Times ". My risk being the wrath of J.P. if I don't get this article in after taking two extra weeks. (Ed.Note: J.P. is not nearly as scary as the Board and Staff think when they miss their deadlines, however, she will do nothing to change their minds. Fear is good when it comes to encouraging theses people to get their material in on time!!)
My greatest problem, aside from my typing speed, is a theme or unique idea. I attended and helped to co-chair the national convention of the National Farmers UnionNov.29-Dec.2 in Saskatoon. On my way home, aside from trying to stay awake, I was thinking of how the NFU theme "The Family Farm: Paths to Prosperity" seems to fit in with the theme for our SSCA conference. It has seemed that for the majority of families who continue to call farming their occupation or habit, " Managing Risk in Difficult Times" has become a continuous and long struggle. That path to prosperity has become more difficult over the years despite the dramatic changes that farmers have made in their operations. Direct seeding, specialty crops, changing livestock operations, transportation issues, climate change and Kyoto are but a few that require risk management to reach that prosperity we all hope for.
I, and the rest of your directors, hope that over Christmas and New Year you had time to spend with your families and we also hope to see you in February at the SSCA Direct Seeding Conference and Trade Show.