First off, for our American viewers and listeners — yes, yes. We know. Your thanksgiving is in November.
Now that we’ve gotten that over and done with, it’s time for us Canadians to celebrate! Although it’s easy to get caught up in delicious turkey dinners and pumpkin pie, it’s important to take a second to sit back and think about what we are really thankful for. And in a year like 2020 — it’s become even more important.
Some of us here at RealAgriculture have decided to jump on board, and share what we are thankful for.
Shaun Haney – Founder
“I am thankful for so many things in 2020 although it has been a year filled with intense challenges for many of you. Agriculture once again has shown that it perseveres and meets any obstacle head on. Thanksgiving has a deep connection to agriculture so it makes sense to also thank consumers in Canada and around the world.
For our RealAgriculture audience, I am thankful every day for your support of our website, podcasts, live streams, and radio show. Our team is so committed to bringing you information on a daily basis and seeing you have success makes us feel rewarded.
The weather across the country is quite beautiful so enjoy thanksgiving weekend with harvest-related activities, some fall work, and of course some rewarding family time.”
Lyndsey Smith – Field Editor
“I’m likely not alone in saying that I am thankful for continued, meaningful work, at a time when so many others have faced the unknown of layoffs, business closures, and more. I’m thankful for a supportive and understanding team that has gotten used to hearing my kids in the background of every call (and sometimes interview). We’re all trying to balance so very much right now, so thank you.
I’m also thankful for all the strange, unintended positive side effects of this gong show of a year — more time with my kids, more direct sales from our farm, and the advent of fun fabrics for masks. We’ve all been asked to handle so much fast and monumental change this year, and I’m glad we’re taking it all in stride. (But I really miss visits, so please can 2021 be better?).”
Kara Oosterhuis – Field Editor
“I’m thankful for another year of growth. This year has had so many highs, and a few lows, but I’m thankful for them all. I’m thankful to be a part of an industry that has shown me so much love and support over the years, and has given me some great laughs as well. I’m thankful for green grass and leaves still on the trees, which allows fall field work to get underway before the sure-to-be-long winter blankets the country. I’m thankful to be able to share my passion for agriculture, and the issues that really impact us, through a company that really does allow us to all to be who we are.
Most of all — I’m thankful for people. Without people to share these highs and lows with — both new, and old — I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. So thank YOU.”
Kelvin Heppner – Field Editor
“I’m thankful for my family, and meaningful work both on and off the farm, that is never boring. I’m especially thankful that many of the things we worry about are often not really a big deal in the context of history and what many people have had to go through.”
Jason Stroeve – Production Lead
“Aside from the old trope of faith, family and friends — of which I am insanely thankful for — this year has really helped me to see how thankful I am for hard times (don’t get me wrong, I hate them) but I have learned lessons, seen things in myself I never would have seen otherwise and gained great perspective from hard times. The perspective is mostly the fact that hard times are just a span of time, sometimes really long and sometimes not.”
Lara de Moissac – Staff Writer
“One word comes to mind when I think of what to give thanks for this year: community. The community of my hometown, where I got to live again for a few months and reconnect with. The community at the U of S Soil Science department, where I finished up my education this year, and gained tremendous skills from. Most recently, and the newest community I’ve entered, is my position here at RealAg. Every day I get to communicate ag news and science to all of you, so I’m thankful for this ag-specific community. Whether your community is more in-person or online, whatever the size, we really appreciate you being here.”
Brad Martin – Sales Lead
“I am thankful for my RealAg team — without them all, we would not be as productive as successful as we are. I am thankful for good health, especially with some bumps along the road that I’ve faced. I am thankful for my family, and every year I get to spend with them. My life would not be the same without them. And finally, I am thankful for our competitors that push us day in and day out to improve RealAgriculture in all aspects.”
Christianna Bach — Sales Coordinator
“I’m thankful that in such a crazy year that has impacted so many people in so many different ways, my husband and I were both able to keep working and have stability. I’m thankful for a yard full of flowers, even though most of what I see is the work that still needs to be done! But mostly, I’m thankful to be married to my best friend.”
Lee Robertson — Lead Developer
“First and foremost I am thankful for my wife and kids. While 2020 has been difficult in many ways it has been nice to spend more time with family with fewer distractions. I am also thankful for work that is constantly challenging and enjoyable with a group of people that are passionate about what they do.”
Have a safe and happy thanksgiving, everyone. Whatever you are doing, remember to step back and realize there are so many things in this world to be thankful for — even when it seems like everything can be crashing down.