In today’s episode we sit down with Owen Roberts, an instructor and faculty member at the University of Illinois in the Agricultural Leadership and Communications Program. Owen joins us to discuss his career and why communication is key in agriculture.

Growing up in Mitchell’s Bay, Owen’s father was a conservation officer, and his mother’s family were farmers. The town was a renowned hunting and fishing spot, and his family would sell their produce there. He worked on farms in the area and saw the produce side of the industry close up. From there, he studied journalism in university and bounced around the country working for different papers.

When an opportunity came up to work in the agriculture section of an Alberta paper, he was hesitant, but it turned out to be a goldmine of stories. Agricultural research was booming and he went on to write for the University of Guelph, communicating about the research that was underway. It went from a 1-year contract to a 33-year career.

In this conversation we touch on many subjects, including how the pandemic has opened the publics’ eyes to the complexities of the food supply chain and inflation. The agriculture sector is full of great stories and it is necessary to get those stories out there in a way that connects with the public.

Find out more about Owen Roberts:

https://www.urbancowboy.ca/

https://twitter.com/theurbancowboy

AgScape:

Links to all of our most recent activities, resources, and events for Ontario Teachers:
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Book your free Virtual Lesson on Food and Agriculture for Grades 4-12, available to Ontario Teachers through our Teacher Ambassador Program. Foster Food Literacy in your students!
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 About AgScape

Improving nutrition. Reducing waste. Eliminating food insecurity. Fulfilling careers that make a difference. All are critical priorities for today’s youth. 

AgScape is a registered charity that brings the fast-paced and innovative world of agriculture and food to educators and students across Ontario. Our programs expand students’ understanding of the modern food system to help them make informed decisions about they foods they eat, the choices they make, and the breadth of career opportunities that are available to them.

Our engaging, hands-on, curriculum-linked resources and programs provide credible information and multiple perspectives to help educators and students explore the many facets of food and agriculture in Canada. AgScape’s in-class and in-field programs are designed, tested, and regularly updated by certified teachers with specific backgrounds or training in agriculture and food.

Thanks to the support of funders and donors who share our passion to support food literacy and engagement with future generations, AgScape has been a trusted partner and bridge between the agri-food industry and Ontario’s education system for more than 30 years. We continue to evolve and expand our programs to ignite and nurture the curiosity of students, educators, and communities across Ontario.