Season 1; Episode 11: Cows Are Lovely

Written By Andrea Sadowski

Meet Russell, a farmer, podcaster, board member of many non-profits, and a passionate cultivator of community. In this episode, Russell and I talk about the joys of working in the agricultural industry, the ethics of livestock and dairy farming, dealing with stress in a weather-dependent job, reparations between farmers and First Nations communities, and debunking farmer stereotypes.

Russell and I met at Involve Abbotsford, a networking event that was hosted by the City of Abbotsford a couple of years ago to bring the non-profit sector together. Shortly after that, I got to go on his podcast to talk about my previous position where I was developing a climate change action program in the Fraser Valley. I was happy to finally have him on my podcast, where we talked about all things farming and much more, like:

  • Being a 3rd generational farmer in the Valley

  • Why he loves farming and the agricultural industry

  • What is an illegal cow shipment

  • Being on the board for 4 different non-profits, including BC Young Farmers, Canadian Young Farmers, and Gallery 7 Theatre

  • How to build community

  • The challenges of farming and dealing with stress 

  • His mass collection of t-shirts he got for free

  • The declining workforce within the agricultural industry

  • The joys of growing your own food

  • Animal activists, the personhood of animals, and the ethics of livestock and dairy farming

  • Robotics and technological advancements in farming

  • Reparations between First Nations communities and farmers, and the draining of Sumas Lake

  • Debunking myths and stereotypes of farmers

If you enjoyed this episode, follow me on Instagram, leave a comment, send me a message, or just reach out in any way to let me know what you think! Also, share with your friends! Sharing is caring!

Andrea Sadowski
Previous

Season 1; Episode 12: Reducing Harm
Next

Season 1; Episode 10: Diving Off the Deep End