About 200 people attended the 2013 Western Canadian Holistic Management Conference — and it was a pleasure and honor for me — as CEO of HMI — to be invited. It was an exciting, informative, and fun two days in Russell, Manitoba — about 4 hours from Winnipeg. There were great keynote speakers, producer panels, breakout workshops, reports from the academic sector – and much more. People of all ages were present – new young farmers and ranchers, as well as “old timers” who have been associated with Holistic Management for over 20 years. Among the most interesting topics were reports from different Management Clubs – groups of producers who work together — demonstrating “where the rubber hits the road” and showing us the true power of “together we can do what we cannot do alone” – the level of collaboration, cooperation and teamwork truly inspiring. The breakout workshops featured Don Campbell on Financial Management; Ralph and Linda Corcoran on Human Resource Management; and Blain Hjertaas on Land Management. Gary Martens from the University of Manitoba gave a great report on students at his university engaging with the principles of Holistic Management via an accredited HM course there. Keynote speakers Susie Oberdahloff and Pierette Desrosiers were entertaining, informative, and inspirational. A big round of thanks to the Organizing Committee led by Pam Iwanchysko- Manitoba Agriculture , Food and Rural Initiatives; Alberta Agriculture, Food, and Rural Development; Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture; Manitoba Forage Council; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada – and the entire team who made this great event possible.
