Bob Legault

Are you aiming to secure licensing deals with major brands but don’t know where to start? In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we sit down with seasoned entrepreneur John Ellis, who shares his proven strategies for securing lucrative licensing deals. John offers valuable insights on evaluating offers, avoiding common mistakes, and turning rejections into “Yes!” Also, discover how establishing market demand can give you the edge in licensing success. Tune in now! #harvestgrowthpodcast #harvestgrowth #entrepreneurship #productlicensing #businessgrowth #inventions #manufacturing #distributiondeals #licensingsuccess #marketdemand #licensingdeal

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What is Vertical Farming? ---------------------------- Hear "What is Vertical Farming?" with Alida Burke of Growcer from Ask A Farmer with host Clinton Monchuk of Canadian Food Focus Listen anytime at: https://buff.ly/3Y5hsGj In the Guelph area, listen on CFRU 93.3 FM on Thursday, Oct 17 at 10am or streaming on cfru.ca One of the biggest risks in producing food is the weather. Uncertainty around rain, heat, frost, wind and other weather-related disasters results in a lot of sleepless nights for farmers and ranchers in this country. But what if we take the largest risk out of the equation? Vertical farming has been developing throughout Canada as a method to reduce risk and provide a localized food option for certain products. Alida Burke from Growcer, a Canadian modular, vertical farming company, explains how vertical farming fits into our food system. The main points of this podcast include: - Explaining vertical and modular farming and how it works. - The different types of foods that can be grown using vertical farming. - Reasons why the food industry has started using vertical farming to produce certain foods and what the benefits are. - How Growcer created a modular option for producing food. - How vertical farming can offer some food security to Canadians. “One of the important factors with growing indoors, in particular with hydroponic farming is around water consumption. So typically if you’re comparing the output of lettuce in a hydroponic farm compared to growing in soil, you’re using about 90 to 95% less water than you would typically use. So it’s a big factor, especially where water scarcity is an issue… The other factor is yield efficiency…For lettuce, from seed to harvest, you’re typically looking at about six weeks, which is about 30 to 50% faster than what you would have in soil growing. So one of the key factors why you see those types of crops more commonly in a hydroponic farm, is just because you can produce them really well in that type of environment.” Alida Burke “As a farmer, some of the biggest risks that I deal with every year are related to the weather. Rain and heat and frost, wind… Heck, we even have tornadoes that rip through our place… What if we could take the biggest risk of farming out of the equation?” Clinton Monchuk Thanks to Canadian Food Focus for partnering to broadcast this episode on CFRU. #cdnag #ontag Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan Farm & Food Care Ontario University of Guelph, Ontario Agricultural College

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Redefining Yields: Quality and Nutrition at Life Cycle Horticulture Corp. (LCH) When we talk about yields at Life Cycle Horticulture Corp. (LCH), we’re not just referring to the quantity of produce. We focus on the overall health of the plant, which directly impacts its nutritional value. Our approach ensures that every bite of our produce is packed with essential nutrients, contributing to the well-being of our consumers. Quality and Nutrition: Redefining Yields Precision Agriculture: Utilizing advanced technology, we monitor and manage every aspect of plant growth. This precision ensures optimal nutrient uptake and minimizes environmental impact. Nutritional Yields: Our commitment to quality means that our produce is not only abundant but also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. We believe that healthy plants lead to healthy people. A Future Rooted In Trust and Innovation At LCH, we envision a future where science and empathy intertwine to create a sustainable world. Our groundbreaking technology bridges the gap between traditional farming practices and modern innovations, fostering a symphony of growth that resonates with the Earth. Sustainability Initiatives: We are reclaiming misused land, reducing waste, conserving resources, and nurturing biodiversity. Our efforts are not just about farming smarter but about stewardship and leaving a legacy for future generations. Join us in sowing the seeds of sustainability. Together, we can cultivate a world where our actions reverberate through the water, the air, and the hearts of our communities. #GrowWithLCH #PlantPsychology #SustainableFarming #QualityNutrition #Innovation #Leadership #DigitalMarketing #Entrepreneurship #AI #Sustainability #CoffeeAddiction

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Realized net farm income in Canada increased 18.3 per cent last year to $14.5 billion as growth in receipts offset a rise in expenses. However, total net income, which adjusts for changes in farmer-owned inventories of crops and livestock, was down. It represents the return to owner’s equity, unpaid farm labour, management and risk. https://lnkd.in/egyxf-EY

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We need YOU to help support Alberta sugar beet family farms. Here's three ways you can help: 1. Buy #ABSugar22: The only sugar beet sugar produced in Canada is sold through Rogers/Lantic and is indicated by a black factory stamp starting with "22" on white sugar products. Every time you buy "22" sugar, you're supporting southern Alberta sugar beet farmers. 2. Support local businesses that use #ABSugar22: There are a number of amazing small businesses who opt to only use domestic sugar in their products. You can find a list of all of them here: https://lnkd.in/dwGv4VPp. Why you purchase from them, you're helping out sugar beet producers and local entrepreneurs. 3. Sign the DSP petition: We are campaigning for the creation of a domestic sugar policy to protect sugar beet producers. This would encourage the government to allow more sugar production within Canada and reduce overseas exports, supporting Canadian agriculture and the economy. In fact, Canada is one of the only countries without a domestic sugar policy. By signing the petition, you are voting yes for family farms. #CanadianAgriculture #AlbertaSugarBeetProducers #AlbertaAgriculture #ThankAFarmer #ABSugar22

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The Canadian retail beef demand index for 2023 (2000=100) dipped a slight 2.1%, to 122, and was driven by a larger 7.2% drop in per capita availability compared to a 2.8% increase in deflated retail beef price. The demand index for 2023 was the fourth strongest since 1989, behind only 2022, 2020, and 2016. Learn more at https://www.canfax.ca/ #cattlemarkets #CanfaxMarket

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The latest episode of The Food Professor #podcast is live: Where's the Beef & Real Consumer Perspectives on Sustainability with Colleen Martin from Caddle: https://lnkd.in/gNWH6VE7 In this episode Dr. Sylvain Charlebois and I welcome back to the show Colleen Martin from Caddle, who presented exclusive research on sustainability based on a survey of over 8,900 Canadians. Colleen revealed that 55% of consumers consider sustainability important when choosing products, but price sensitivity remains a key barrier. Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to prioritize eco-friendly choices, but affordability is challenging, especially for younger consumers. Colleen also discussed skepticism surrounding corporate greenwashing, with many respondents expressing distrust in sustainability claims made by large companies. We start the pod by discussing recent reactions to Sylvain's controversial milk dumping study, highlighting the lack of transparency within the dairy industry and the differing practices between Quebec and Ontario. Shifting to beef, Sylvain noted that rising cattle prices result from droughts and a shrinking herd in Canada and the U.S., with current herd sizes comparable to the 1980s. He predicted beef prices will continue to rise through 2025, with a possibility of beef pricing itself out of the market if trends continue. The episode also touched on the E. coli outbreak affecting McDonald's U.S. supply chain, which was managed efficiently but raised concerns about food safety. #tre #retail #beef #canadiancattle #sustainability #managementpodcast

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Interesting, this US BMO report found more expensive bottles (>$10 USD) has increased vs cheaper bottles in grocery stores... "Sales growth has, however, occurred for wines priced more than $10 per bottle. In 2023, sales of all wines in food stores priced more than $10 came to $4.8 billion, which is 34% more than in 2019. While much of that growth came in 2020, sales value and volume have remained steady unlike wines priced less than $10. " Draw your own conclusions. Whole report is very interesting. https://lnkd.in/g48JmX6T

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Poultry farming is a cornerstone of Canada’s agricultural industry, producing millions of eggs and poultry products each year. With over 145 million broiler chickens and 25 million laying hens, it’s an industry that feeds the nation and beyond. However, maintaining optimal conditions, managing feed systems, and handling waste efficiently are ongoing challenges. At Cortex Agritechnology, we’re proud to support poultry farmers with a suite of innovative solutions designed to make operations more efficient and sustainable: 🔹 DataPro Barn Controller for real-time monitoring and alerts to maintain ideal barn conditions like temperature, humidity, and ventilation. 🔹 FeedPro for streamlining feed management and ensuring precise delivery, reducing waste and improving flock health. 🔹 LagoonPro for effective waste management, helping farmers stay compliant and environmentally conscious.  Whether you’re focused on flock health, operational efficiency, or environmental sustainability, our solutions are here to help poultry farmers thrive. Learn more: www.cortex.ag #poultry #poultryfarm #agriculture #agrictech #agritechnology #farming #livestockfarm #tech #cortexagritechnology

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Tech-driven variable rate seeding: maximizing profit per acre on the last day of wheat harvest. Enns Brothers Limited @CropIntel #AgTech #CdnAg #WestCdnAg Watch the video below:

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Over the past two days, the market has been creaking and groaning under the pressure of the milk flush. It's a common annual occurrence; the market experiences this every year, and the next six weeks will likely follow the same pattern. The EU milk peaks present a recurring challenge in allocating the surplus of milk, cream, concentrate, and extra raw milk produced by EU farmers. Yet, this year the pressure feels more intense than in previous years. Could it be that the market has forgotten the strain of the flush period, or is there an additional factor exacerbating the pressure? We believe there are several contributing factors. Read our view on the market in the article below.

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The Ag Podcast launches today! Tune in for the first episode on the farm succession challenge. Let me know what you think and share it with others you think would appreciate it too! #TheAgPodcast #agriculture #succession #farming #farmers

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We went to the Plant-Based Expo yesterday in Vancouver where many plant-based CPG startups look to gain awareness and build loyal customers. Here are some of my initial takeaways: 👉 Sampling is great, take home samples are even better. While I maneuvered my way from booth to booth, stuffing my face with free samples, I can barely remember any of the brand names. So if you're trying to get 'liquid to lips' or 'samples to mouths', people need to remember you. As a CPG owner, you're not there for fun. You're there to win customers. A takeaway sample allows a customer to have a better shot of remembering your name and logo, and more importantly, become a repeat customer. If they don't have a takeaway, there's a really good chance they've already forgotten about you the second they walk away. 👉 Have the right staff working the booths. If you are not outgoing and love people, maybe it would be best to have a more behind-the-scenes role. Friendly, social people work wonders for brand loyalty. We saw a lot of founders working the booth who seemed like they didn't want to be there. No smile, no chat, not asking questions about their product, not trying to build a relationship... I get it, when it's busy, it's not always possible, but there were many occasions when I was the only one there and they didn't seem to try to win me over. 👉 Customers are judging your entire presentation. Your booth, your packaging, your staff, your attire, your posters, your sample sizes... everything should be well thought-out and executed at a high level. I get it - margins are super slim with CPG and running an event is probably stretching your budget. If you can't afford to be there, then don't go. Large samples go a long way. Production value goes a long way. Professionalism goes a long way. 👉 Have an incentive to purchase People LOVE a deal. We noticed the prices were not visibly displayed nor deeply discounted. Have a discount structure that encourages people to increase their order value (e.g. 1 for 10, 2 for 15, 3 for 18).  Is your goal to turn a profit, or to win loyal customers? I think it's better to have a great deal, have people fall in love with your product, and become repeat customers. 👉 Coupons are a cost-effective way to offer samples. You need a way for people to find your product after the expo. Driving DTC sales can be a great way to have brand recall and loyalty. If they don't need or want your sample, no worries, all it cost you was the price of printing a coupon. 👉 Have incentive to collect emails. This is related to the last two points. At this stage, your product is probably not that easy to find in stores. Emails and DTC are a way to build a relationship with your audience and to circumvent getting on store shelves and paying costly fees. We saw giveaways that encouraged visitors to provide their email address and thought that was smart. Did you go to the expo? If so, what were some of your takeaways? #cpg #branding #vancouver

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The dairy market this week has been a whirlwind! 🌪️ Butter prices are hitting highs for specific products, but is trading down in general. Meanwhile, cheese is taking a breather, and powders are flexing their muscles—but is the bullish run sustainable? 📉📈 From tight liquid markets to shifting global demand, there’s plenty to unpack. Curious about what’s driving the trends? Let’s dive into the details! 🧐✨ #DairyIndustry #MarketInsights #FoodTrends #Butter #Cheese #SupplyChain

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