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New year, new voices, same focus on quality

Years ago, someone said something to me that at the time seemed a little more than silly. Yet intelligence allows for a change of mind, and I have come to regard the statement as a glimpse of genius. 
“Make Labour Day the new New Year’s Day.”
The more I have thought about this slogan, the more appropriate it has seemed. Labour Day heralds the start of a new school year, people seem more diligent with their resolutions of losing weight, learning a new language or starting yoga classes. The end of summer also brings a feeling of finality unlike any other season, as if autumn is the start of the land’s preparation for the long nights ahead. 

At Top Crop Manager, this “new year” after Labour Day is being marked by something else that is new: our inaugural October Early Fall issue.  Its focus is the Traits and Stewardship Guide, and we have laboured long on this venture through the last days of summer. It may not be completely new, since we introduced it in 2007, but its expanded format is something we want to continue, especially as the face of biotechnology continues to become increasingly complex.

There is one other major component of Top Crop Manager that is new with this issue: our complement of voices. With this October edition, we are introducing two new contributors.  Treena Hein is a long-time freelance writer from Pembroke, Ont., and was recognized recently for her writing by the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists.  Treena offers a unique blend of experience and knowledge of the agri-food industry, and a passion to learn more.  Those two qualities are so refreshing to see in this day and age.

Our other new contributor is Blair Andrews. A former radio broadcaster and seasoned web content scribe, Blair is based in Chatham, Ont., and is also well connected and well versed in his agricultural acumen. Like Treena, he shows a welcome sense of dedication to a subject, with a commitment that is evident in everything he does.

Looking farther down the road, we have added a new field editor to the fold.  Dr. Heather Hager comes to us after years of writing and editing for a variety of scholastic journals and publications. A Brantford-area resident with a doctorate in plant biology, Heather’s desire to get more science-based, agronomic information into the hands of growers makes her unique in her view of agricultural journalism.

With all of this talk of newness, a new year and new contributors, one thing remains constant in our evolving world: Top Crop Manager’s commitment to you. That is one constant we have no intention of altering, regardless of which day we celebrate New Year’s.