Can your team solve the problems you solve, but in a new industry?
This question came out of my mouth for a company that I was doing a team consultation with. The room became silent, and then the question came from one member, “Troy, we are an energy services company and I don’t think you are making sense, what other industry?”
“Agriculture” I said with a big smile on my face!
The whole room sat still for a moment and then the questions started to flow; we started what became a 3.5 hour white boarding session.
Agriculture is the most essential industry we have, as it feeds our world food. When you study this industry, it is awe inspiring as to the technology and massive amount of opportunities that have evolved in such a short time. These changes have created new jobs, new products, research and technology developments, and an incredible amount of income opportunities throughout the process.
What was very cool about our exercise, was when we realized that there were so many ways we could apply many product and services being offered by this company, and some of its sister companies too. Today, much of Canada produces raw foods and ships them around the globe to be processed, and often these products are returned back to us as a finished product for us to consume.
We identified a few key areas such as processing facilities, equipment manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and product marketing.
Educated labour alone is a massive opportunity that our country struggles with in agriculture. And even though there are some food manufacturers in North America, it really is only a tiny piece of what it could be. Technology development and data processing and analytics is the other play that we have the capability to really be a part of. As of today, customers and producers are looking for documentation of the products created, and they are looking for technology to keep costs down and instill trust in the food chain.
How many of these areas are similar to other industries and where could your team adapt their skills, adding massive value to the agriculture industry? What if Canada became the source of food production, and at a new level no one saw possible with technology and education steering a whole new level of achievement?
I have personally worked in oil and gas, supply management, manufacturing, and agriculture. I can tell you that there are so many ways it all ties together. What’s interesting is that it seems like agriculture has always been considered a lower income industry, maybe because many of us as kids had to leave the farm simply because of a lack of money. I think the reason there was low income is because we were missing out on the many revenue generating opportunities.
I believe we are in a time of opportunity and also a time where we need to look for opportunities that utilize the Canadian technology, expertise, and education that can be gathered from all industries and sectors. I really care about our expert work force in Canada and feel that there are new opportunities right under our feet, and I am excited to explore them myself too!
Just imagine if you took some time and investigated how you could apply your team and their knowledge to an exploding possibility? I know that there is possibility that can really change your company and our economy from a place of recession to a place of new growth.
I do see other countries putting investment into agriculture because they see the industry as having many levels of revenue opportunities, which allows for more tax revenue and employment possibilities for several levels of education or expertise.
We have a lot of investment opportunities possible throughout agriculture and I am proud to be a part of the growth occurring here in Canada!
Troy Aberle
Senior Advisor
