What do 33 years in agricultural communications, a role as senior communications advisor for Grain Farmers of Ontario, and a 26-year run as the lead guitarist for the country rock band "The GMOs" all have in common?
In this episode of The Extensionists, we sit down with Owen Roberts, senior advisor of strategic communications for Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) and former International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ)resident, to discuss his diverse career and the vital lessons he's learned about connecting research to the public.
We explore the critical need for simplicity and transparency when communicating agricultural research to all audiences—from farmers to urban consumers—and how to clearly explain the connection between ag research and what ends up on our dinner plates. Owen shares his unique perspective on why Canada is lacking in formal ag extension programs compared to the U.S., and the opportunity we have to mentor the next generation of ag journalists.
Owen believes there’s an opportunity for Canada to rethink how it does extension. “I do think there’s an opportunity. One of those opportunities that I found, when I worked at the University of Guelph for 33 years, was to look outside traditional ways of doing things, but maybe not radically different. One of the things we did was involve students in extension.”
Plus, hear about Owen’s long-running side gig as the lead guitarist for the country rock band, "The GMOs," which is celebrating its 26th anniversary this year!
Tune into the full conversation for more great insights on agricultural communications and innovation.
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The Extensionists - Conversations with Great Thinkers in Agriculture is a Burr Forest Group production with new episodes airing every other week on Tuesdays. Hosts Toban Dyck and Jay Whetter have in-depth conversations with industry experts, researchers, innovators, and farmers about the latest developments in agriculture and their implications. With a focus on making complex agricultural topics accessible and engaging, The Extensionists bridges the gap between research and farming by connecting the agricultural community to great ideas and thinkers.
The Extensionists is produced and edited by Abby Wall, researched by Ashley Robinson, and marketed by Michelle McMullen.
