Horticulture Growers' Short Course 2019
Last updated on March 11, 2019The Challenge of Black Swans
Recorded: January 25, 2019.
Presenter: Dr. David Hillson, Risk Doctor.
Biography: David leads The Risk Doctor Partnership. He is recognized internationally as a thought leader and expert practitioner in risk management. He speaks widely on the topic, and has written ten books and many papers. He has also received multiple awards for his work in developing risk management over many years, including being recognized as the inaugural “Risk Personality of the Year “ (2010-11) by the Institute of Risk Management (IRM). He has received honorary fellowships from the Project Management Institute (PMI®) and the UK Association for Project Management (APM), and he has been elected as a Fellow of the IRM, the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
Description: The future is uncertain! This makes some people very nervous and worried, while others see it as a challenge to be overcome. Either way, we cannot simply sit back and wait for the future to arrive. David Hillson explains how to identify the conditions that lead to emergent risk (popularly known as Black Swans) and how to develop robust responses for whatever might arise. Resilience is the key, building flexibility and capacity into your business, to engage proactively with the future, seeking to position and prepare for success!
Business Techniques to Manage Political Uncertainty
Recorded: January 25, 2019.
Presenter: Dr. Fabio Santeramo, Economics Professor, University of Foggia, Italy.
Biography: Fabio Santeramo received his BSc in Agricultural Sciences at the University of Bari (Italy), his MSc in Economics at Iowa State University (USA), and his PhD in Economics at the North Carolina State University (USA). He joined the University of Foggia in 2014, and in 2018 was conferred the title of Full Professor.
Description: Fabio discusses techniques and strategies to cope with political uncertainty and risks. Topics include long-run trends in trade and business tools to mitigate risks in a politically unstable global market. This knowledge will assist producers in assessing options and opportunities to target markets for their products.
Presentation Materials
Seven Characteristics of Top Producers
Recorded: January 25, 2019.
Presenter: Heather Watson, Executive Director, Farm Management Canada (FMC).
Biography: Heather Watson is the Executive Director of Farm Management Canada (FMC), a national non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the awareness and adoption of beneficial farm business management practices on Canada’s farms. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Guelph, and went on to obtain her Master’s degree from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom.
Description: Heather walks through the seven management practices driving farm success, the financial gain farmers can expect from adopting these practices and how to make farm business management a reality on your farm. Find out who and what should be in your Farm Management Toolbox including the learning opportunities, resources and support available to unleash your potential.
Presentation Materials
Agri-tourism as a Diversification Tool for B.C. Farms
Recorded: January 25, 2019.
Presenter: Nicole Vaugeois, Associate Vice-President of Scholarship, Research and Creative Activity at Vancouver Island University (VIU).
Biography: Nicole Vaugeois is the Associate Vice-President of Scholarship, Research and Creative Activity at Vancouver Island University. She was born in Alberta and spent most of her youth on a mixed family farm near Wildwood.
Description: This presentation is about agri-tourism as a diversification tool for B.C farms. The workshop will allow farmers to determine if agri-tourism is a good fit for their farms by exploring the benefits, costs, changes and investments that can be involved.
Increasing Family-farm viability Through Value-added Processing & Agri-tourism
Recorded: January 25, 2019.
Presenter: Melissa Dobernigg, Cidermaker, Production Manager, and business owner of The BX Press Cidery & Orchard.
Biography: In 2013, Melissa and her husband Dave recognized the need to increase viability for the long-term survival of the family farm and opened a cidery, which today has grown into a successful and profitable agri-tourism destination.
Description: Melissa will be sharing the story of her family’s journey from being long-time tree fruit growers to adding a cidery and agri-tourism venue to their third generation farm. The presentation will include reasons why they decided to venture into value-added agriculture, a discussion around challenges and successes they have experienced, and takeaways that can be applied to many other agricultural operations both small and large.
