ESSENTIAL NEWS FOR AGRI-RETAILERS
The Communicator
August 2023 Issue – See All
BC port strike. Does anyone truly benefit in the long run?
As of July 1, 2023, more than 7,000 port workers across British Columbia went on strike.
Acting locally, thinking globally
The strike affecting BC ports could have global ramifications.
How green are rail customers?
Rail transport is quick and easy, but CN’s new tool tells you how to calculate its GHG emissions.
Bills, bills, bills
A look at recent Canadian bills and their effect on the ag industry.
The pros and cons of transporting
A look at the four primary modes of transportation—their pluses and minuses.
Breeding better cows to reduce GHG emissions
A new project to breed low-methane burping cows will reduce GHG emissions without affecting milk production.
The Benefits of Flexible Work
Embracing flexibility in the agricultural retail industry will create a better work environment.
Canada dry—and not the good kind
A not-so-refreshing look at the drought conditions affecting most Canadian farming sectors.
Member Login
The Essentials for Agri-Retailers
Meeting one-on-one with farmer customers is important and an effective selling strategy. Scouting a customer’s field that is using your products is a valuable opportunity that you should take advantage of for retaining your customer and for future sales. The following are important dos and don’ts when meeting with farmer customers and prospects:

Crop Diagnostics Schools are a one day, hands-on learning opportunity designed to refine the diagnostic skills of agronomists. The schools offer the change to hear first-hard from experts new cropping information, examine plants, dig in the soil, pull weeds, catch insects and hone diagnostic skills. As outlined by Government of Saskatchewan, Agriculture department some of the main focus areas will include the following:
Thank you for your CAAR membership in 2014-15. Your support has enabled CAAR to represent agri-retailers on an individual, regional and federal level, reinforcing the value of the agri-retail industry as a crucial link in the ag value chain and the leading trusted advisor for 75% of farmers, while delivering and developing services that reinforce and build your business. CAAR is here to ensure that the interests of agri-retailers are being represented and protected so you can focus on your clients.
CAAR has introduced a new Consultant membership, which is open to any individual whose primary business is selling products and services to farmers. Consultants must either be affiliated to an existing corporate membership (ie: Primary Retailer Membership) or operate as a single person entity, joining as an individual.
A plant tissue analysis offers an inside look at the current nutrient levels of a plant, which can help to determine the next fertility steps if a nutrient deficiency is detected. Dan Clarke, Executive Vice-President of Business Development and Agronomy with A&L Canada Laboratories Inc. explains that a plant tissue analysis can help bridge the gap between planting and harvest. “Most producers have a good fertilizer program in place in the spring but they can’t just walk away during the growing season thinking everything will be alright.”
The Communicator Publisher Shawn Brook sits down with Luke Burton, Area Sales Manager for Simplot.
It’s not easy to build a loyal customer base but you have the ability to make a memorable impression in showing your gratitude for their business. This is where the old adage comes in that “actions speak more loudly than words.” Your attempt at providing thanks should be relevant, personalized and, above all, sincere. Here are some new ideas as well as some classic ‘tried and true’ plans to use through the coming year.