During a recent conversation with a school intake counselor regarding my son’s education into a trade course, the two words she declared powerfully that would insure job success was ‘attitude and aptitude’.
That got me thinking about our industry as it relates typically to staff workers, but to disregard that it can in addition apply to owners and bosses. A client shared with me, the benefits of having younger workers on staff to keep ideas fresh and up-to-date while older seasoned workers have the seasoned skills and experience.
Regarding your returning foreign workers, not sure how readily available translators are, but being able to discuss ideas, innovative techniques or time saving solutions can help employees feel ownership, and their skills valued and appreciated and can offer you insight into your operation.
Last week I attended a workshop on Agri-tourism and heard from 2 successful operators in the Okanagan. Helen Kennedy from Arlo’s Honey Farm discussed the importance of communication and having a procedure manual in writing as not everyone hears and follows verbal instructions. Another tip shared by Andrea McFadden from Okanagan Lavender Farm, was to have a notebook handy for staff suggestions and customer comments, this helps when making improvements and changes. Read more interesting tips on page 17.
Inside this issue, we interviewed young farmer Kelsey Rieger, who wanted to stay on the family farm and together with her mother, Suzanne Rieger, are producing organic baby food from the fruit on the farm as a value added product, page 15.
Earth week brings together bottling supplier, Tricorbraun and 37 wineries that are helping educate the consumer on eco friendly packaging and carbon foot print reduction by purchasing locally. Find out how and which wineries are participating on page 29.
Best wishes for a prosperous season!
