The past 3 months have been exceptionally busy months for the CAAR organization. We continue to evolve, and Members will begin to experience the changes in 2021.

Many issues of 2020 carried over into 2021, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ag industry has met the challenge with reliance and must remain diligent through 2021.

The CAAR Communicator recently sat down with Stu Rasmussen with Blair’s Family of Companies and Stewart Whillans with J.R. Simplot to learn about their careers in the agriculture industry as well as their journey and leadership in ag retailer and their roles on the CAAR Board.

Maintaining strong customer relationships is a driving factor for both customer satisfaction as well as company growth.

Rob McIntyre, President, Managing Partner and Master Trainer at Dale Carnegie Training explains that both parties need to be fully committed, with the company having total accountability of its attitudes and actions.

Rob McIntyre with Dale Carnegie Training demonstrated the tools that can be used to take control of personal attitudes, build relationships, and enhance communication skills which will ultimately enhance leadership skills during the 2021 Virtual CAAR Conference.

Marty Seymour, Director of Industry Relations with Farm Credit Canada (FCC) reviewed current trends and consumer behaviours impacting Canadian ag retailers, agriculture and food sectors in light of the pandemic at the recent 2021 Virtual CAAR Conference.

Sarah Dobson, Senior Relationship Manager with FCC also focused on introducing its new online application process and the new digital tools to finance a business.

The pandemic has caused changes in the farmer psyche and the dynamic over the last 6 months.

Agriculture in 2021 has become more unpredictable than ever. With newer innovations, government regulations and increased adoption of sustainable farming practices making it more important than ever to stay up to date and plan for the future.