Features Business & Policy Business Management
INTRODUCTION:Keep learning

All farmers are facing the modern challenges brought to them by new technology
and the sheer pace of change, not only in field techniques, but in dealing with
pressures imposed by world market forces and consumer expectations. Like these
participants, all of us in agriculture must continuously ask ourselves why some
businesses are more successful than others, even in a depressed market, and
why some achieve greater heights in strong markets? Not only that, but we must
decide how we want to participate.

The number of opportunities for agricultural producers to improve their business
management skills is increasing across the country. Farm organizations and professional
advisory groups who serve them are paying much more attention to helping in
this process by staging conferences and seminars. Hopefully, many readers will
be absorbing some of the wisdom from these sources.

Keep learning!

Away from the business management side for a moment: this Potatoes In Canada
issue of Top Crop Manager has some great agronomic advice, especially
in the topic areas of disease and insect management, and on fertility and nutrients
and crop storage: areas that demand discussion and decision-making energy before
planting season.

Marg Land's story relating the plight of Quebec growers affected by golden
nematode, whose land has been quarantined, serves as a reminder about how important
it is to manage all pests diligently. -30-
Peter Darbishire, publisher and editor