March 28, 2006

In addition to writing the new discussion groups, I wrote the first posts for each, just to get things started. I could not think of much, except for an article that I read in New Scientist or Nature (I forget which) that described the effects that antibiotics excreted in urine and manure of livestock had on microbial communities and plants in the soil that the manure sludge was applied to (This posting can be found in Agricultural Issues in Field Crops). Look for more in the other two discussion groups involving greenhouse and hydroponic crops.

Additionally, I identified a few areas (in Ontario) in which the Life Sciences Division of GCI could make an impact in. I did a lot of reaserch during my M.Sc. and Ph.D. with various independent operations in Leamington, Ontario (which is the largest growing area for greenhouses and hydroponic operations in the entire expanse of North America... the amount of produce from hydroponic crops in Leamington accounts for more than the entire corresponding U.S. industry!)

As such, many of the independent operators I came into contact with, whether part of my research or not, would be pleased to have my continued interest and input in their operations. The thing about me, and which I hope to instill within the working environment of the Life Sciences Division of GCI, is that every contact should feel like they came out of the meeting with something that will benefit their organization, even if it's just a first meeting. I view consulting as a "give-and-give" situation in which the client has the first and last word on everything - the consultant is merely incidental, and guides the client to their own business solution. True, the framework, guidance, and actual solution and its implementation may represent the work of the consultant, but ultimately the credit belongs with the client for first identifying the need, then initiating the work.

Thus, the true key to a successful operation is the ability to recognize that certain task and work needs to be delegated either to a subset of your own employees, and where that experienced subset does not exist, to an outside source. By providing the experience base located within the Life Sciences Division of GCI, we know we will be able to dispense not only clear advice, but also a plan to implement this advice, and the manpower to oversee and implement it through from start to finish.

I know that this must be beginning to sound like an advertisement! I have to admit that it is, of a kind, but it is also an indicator of the conviction, determination, and confidence of the kind of experience that we have, and will be able to provide to you.

March 27, 2006

Today, I created a few discussion groups that will attempt to provide a forum for independent producers to discuss issues and problems related to their operations. The moderators involved in each discussion will then have a chance to review and research the 'common theme' that appears immediately obvious during any one week, then write a comment on this common theme for the group. Not only will this provide a starting reference point for producers, but it will also keep people involved with the Life Sciences Division an opportunity to test their mental mettle! These discussion groups are listed in the sidebar to the right.

However, the following disclaimer applies: we are not responsible for any losses or damages resulting from our advice on any single topic so long as it is applied through these discussion groups. This may sound alarming, but this disclaimer is standard practice in consulting, as similar issues/problems can be caused by different factors in many cases. For individual solutions, we strongly suggest you contact Nathan and arrange to have a consultant meet you in person.

March 25, 2006

Today, I researched ideas for marketing strategies based on my agriculture-based experience, knowledge and skills, aimed towards the agricultural community in and around Ottawa.

What do I mean when I say "agricultural community?" This is a community of independent agricultural producers of field and greenhouse crops, including those involved in horticulture, ornamentals, tree & berry farms, and nursuries. This extremely diverse market exists, particularly in the area spanning the distance from within Ottawa, past Kemptville, to Prescott (or highway 401).

Although most agricultural advice can be solicited from federal and provincial sources, many issues and problems encountered in agriculture occur suddenly and need immediate solutions that can only be arrived at from understanding the issue/problem on a first-hand basis. So what does this mean for my market strategy? Obviously there is a need for marketing (i.e. advertising) but what is the best way to go about doing it? The best way to display ourselves? How should we make ourselves accessible to farmers/producers in this area? These were some of the questions that came up at this point.

Read Me First!

Welcome!

I started this blog to allow interested people follow what I do on a day-by-day basis, and will also be using it to post hints or how-to-do's that will potentially reduce headaches during normal field or greenhouse operations, including tips on irrigation, soil, greenhouse & hydroponic infrastructure, identifying and eradicating insect & disease pests as well as how to choose your biological control and manage nutrients and environmental variables to reduce the potential for problems. In essence, any hints, how-to-do's and tips you read will be all about how to prevent problems in the first place, and when they do occur, how to manage them so you get the best possible yield out of your crop.