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Embracing Digital Farming and Global Challenges with Robynne Anderson

“Clearly, there was a gap between what we in the farming community understood as baseline knowledge and what those who are making agricultural policy, let alone more broadly, food, trade, finance, environmental policy, etc….have as an understanding of what we do. So, in that lies the origins of Emerging Ag. The goal is to bring the practical reality of farming to the policy sphere.”

Robynne Anderson, Emerging Ag inc.

Our president, Robynne Anderson, was a recent guest on the Head Shepherd podcast – brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. In this discussion, Robynne shares her story of growing up on a farm and starting her career in agricultural publishing. After selling her first business, she took a short break to contemplate her next move. Finding that her passion was still agriculture, she founded Emerging Ag Inc.

Listen to her episode here

“There’s nothing we love more than a farmer who loves to speak up! We welcome the whole world of farmers to come and be part of the conversation.” 

Robynne Anderson, Emerging Ag inc.

Robynne came to realize that the concept of ‘food security’ was widely discussed, yet there was a lack of understanding about the complexities involved in growing, sharing, and distributing food. She groups the common challenges faced by farmers into three main categories:

  1. Crop Growth and Harvesting: Often done under unfavorable biological and climatic conditions.
  2. Regeneration or Sustainability: Embracing a long-term perspective within multi-generational family enterprises, aiming for ongoing improvements in the production system.
  3. Resilience: Adapting to challenges such as Covid, climate fluctuations, financial issues, and policy changes by actively engaging and acknowledging the need for change.

Many people recognize the challenges farmers face. The goal should be to foster broader understanding.

Robynne encourages farmers to take the time to explain and connect. Farmers often discuss matters in terms that are familiar to them, which might not be immediately understood by those outside the agricultural community. By adjusting our tone and being more explanatory, we can find a point of connection with the non-farming community.

There are three key principles to consider when creating an effective strategy for issues management:

  1. Define Desired Outcomes: Clearly identify the goals you wish to achieve.
  2. Flexibility in Methods: Remain open to different approaches for reaching those goals.
  3. Collaboration and Space: Embrace cooperation and allow room for others to contribute their efforts.

More information is available in the episode “Embracing Digital Farming and Global Challenges with Robynne Anderson“.

You can find Head Shepherd on social media at @neXtgenAgri or visit headshepherd.com.

Stefanie Hyde

With a passion for creativity, marketing and communications, Stefanie contributes to Emerging’s online communications and brand management, develops graphic visuals, and provides communications support to Emerging and its valued clients. Stefanie has grown up in a family with a long history in agriculture. Her family roots and exposure to farming and agri-business has nurtured a natural love for the industry and the wonderful people who work in it. Prior to joining Emerging, she has gained career experience working with Parks Canada in a Promotions and New Media role and developed skills including videography, advertising, marketing, social media and graphic design. Stefanie is a Canadian national and speaks both French and English. She graduated from Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario, with a Bachelors Degree of Design. Stefanie attended the Copenhagen School of Design and Technology where she specialized in Sustainable Communications which included sustainable design, communications and marketing. Stefanie has spent time living in both Denmark and Rome, and is currently based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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