22 Trick Creek Farm in Canada

Team 38 Poster

Team Reflection 

Our group’s collaboration with Trick Creek Farm was a transformative journey that extended beyond the initial challenges of remote, cross-cultural teamwork. The initial hurdles of time zone differences and cultural nuances were gradually overcome through a combination of effective communication strategies, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to the project’s goals.

The meticulous research and insightful discussions that characterized our early stages led us to identify Trick Creek Farm as the ideal business subject . Its unwavering dedication to sustainable and ethical practices resonated deeply with our group’s values. The farm’s alignment with many of Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, solidified our decision. The farm’s commitment to high animal welfare standards, exemplified by their humane treatment of livestock, and their adoption of regenerative agricultural practices, such as rotational grazing, further reinforced its commitment to environmental sustainability. Our second meeting, following the enlightening interview with the farm owner, proved to be a pivotal moment. The shared insights and collaborative discussions fostered a sense of unity and purpose within our group. Each team member contributed significantly, from the initial task distribution to the final project touches. This collaborative spirit, characterized by mutual support, constructive feedback, and a willingness to share knowledge and expertise, was instrumental in our success. Trick Creek Farm stands as a beacon of sustainable and ethical food production. By prioritizing organic, non-GMO products and employing regenerative agricultural techniques, they contribute to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future. The farm’s use of rotational grazing, which involves moving livestock to different pastures to allow the land to regenerate, and their investment in renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, further underscore their commitment to environmental stewardship.

This project challenged the conventional notion of businesses as solely profit-driven entities. Trick Creek Farm demonstrated that businesses can be powerful agents of social change by integrating sustainability and ethical practices into their core operations. By prioritizing animal welfare, environmental conservation, and community well-being, the farm sets a commendable example for other businesses to follow. Our collaboration aligns with the growing trend of ethical consumption, where consumers prioritize products produced sustainably and ethically. By supporting businesses like Trick Creek Farm, consumers can drive positive social and environmental change. Through an academic lens, we can appreciate the multifaceted impact of businesses on society and the environment. Trick Creek Farm’s dedication to sustainability and ethical practices serves as a model for other businesses, demonstrating that profit and purpose can coexist harmoniously. Our experience with Trick Creek Farm underscored the importance of responsible farming practices. Not all farms prioritize environmental sustainability and the production of healthy products. Trick Creek Farm, however, stands out by providing all-natural, local organic meat and avoiding long-distance shipping to maintain product quality and reduce its carbon footprint. This project significantly expanded our global perspective. Collaborating with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds and time zones honed our skills in cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and effective remote teamwork. We are better equipped to engage in future international projects, confident in our ability to overcome logistical challenges and contribute meaningfully in a global setting. Beyond the academic benefits, this project fostered a deep sense of personal and professional growth. It allowed us to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate a strong sense of social responsibility. The experience of working collaboratively with a diverse group of individuals from different cultural backgrounds enriched our understanding of global issues and inspired us to become more engaged citizens of the world.

In conclusion, our collaboration with Trick Creek Farm was a truly enriching experience that has left a lasting impact on our lives. It has reinforced our belief in the power of sustainable business practices and inspired us to strive for a more just and equitable future.

Individual Reflections

Shaden Al Dalbahi

The experience in this multicultural project was unique and highly rewarding. Despite the challenges of scheduling meetings due to time differences across countries, the team collaborated extensively and worked diligently to ensure the project’s success. The task of dividing responsibilities, analyzing the interview with the selected company owner, and writing the story was easier than I anticipated. I had been apprehensive about working with a team I hadn’t personally chosen, but my experience was pleasantly surprising.

I actively participated in every aspect of the project, contributing significantly to most tasks and creating the poster. I strived to achieve the best possible outcome. Ultimately, this experience was invaluable, and I am grateful to the project organizers for providing me and my team with the opportunity to learn new skills and develop ourselves.

Anna Trick

Participating in this virtual team project was a deeply rewarding experience that offered many unique challenges and opportunities for growth. From the outset, I was excited to collaborate with teammates from different backgrounds, and I found that sharing ideas was not only productive but also eye-opening. Our group discussions allowed us to introduce various tools, frameworks, and perspectives to one another, fostering a dynamic learning environment. When we began the farm business analysis, each member brought valuable insights, and our dialogue became especially engaging when we started comparing climate differences and farming practices across regions. This back-and-forth exchange broadened my understanding of agricultural approaches, as I gained a deeper appreciation for how environmental and cultural contexts influence farming techniques and business strategies.

Another interesting aspect of this experience was learning about business practices specific to Canada, as the farm business we analyzed was based there. This gave us a fascinating perspective on Canadian agricultural norms, sustainability practices, and business regulations, which differed in many ways from those in other countries represented in our group.

If I were to do a similar project again, I would be eager to explore businesses in other countries, as I believe this would deepen my understanding of global markets and regional challenges. Analyzing a business from another country would also offer new insights into how businesses navigate their own unique cultural, environmental, and regulatory landscapes.

Enrique Fliguete Moreno

I had the good fortune to be part of an exceptional team in this activity. From the very beginning, every member demonstrated a high level of commitment and willingness, which allowed our project to progress smoothly and without complications. Each person contributed ideas, actively participated, and was always ready to help others, something I found invaluable in a collaborative setting. The generosity and support of my teammates made it easy to overcome any challenges quickly and effectively. Although we sometimes had to coordinate schedules and manage different approaches, respect and open communication were always present, which greatly simplified our process. Mutual assistance was key to keeping us organized and ensuring that each part of the project was completed successfully and on time. Thanks to this experience, we not only achieved our goals but also created a positive and motivating work environment. Working with such a dedicated and generous team was truly inspiring, and I would gladly collaborate with them again on future projects. This experience reaffirmed the importance of teamwork and mutual support, especially in a virtual environment where each person’s contribution matters to the success of the group.

Luis  Acosta

Taking part in this activity was eye-opening and genuinely enjoyable. Working on a virtual team definitely had its challenges, especially with time zones and different cultural perspectives. At first, it felt a bit overwhelming trying to coordinate schedules and keep everyone on track, but we soon figured out a system that worked. Using tools like Google Docs and setting up regular video calls really helped us stay connected and sort out any misunderstandings. I loved that everyone brought something unique to the table, especially when we discussed sustainability from different viewpoints. It made me realize how much communication styles can vary, and I became more flexible and open-minded because of it. In the end, this experience really helped me grow as a teammate, and I left with a better understanding of patience and adaptability.

Ashwaq Alanzi

When I started working as a member of the team, I felt a rich and challenging experience. I learned a lot from the different perspectives of colleagues. When we started distributing tasks and responsibilities, I found that the team was very cooperative and flexible, so time was managed correctly and effectively. We also set a time for meetings that was suitable for everyone. This made me work enthusiastically to achieve the desired goals and always make sure to attend the meeting. I also feel a sense of accomplishment for my work with a team like this. The experience was also an opportunity to develop new skills, whether in communication or project management. I learned a lot about the importance of cooperation and mutual respect in the work environment. The experience of working with a team was rich in opportunities and personal growth. Working with a team that is keen on success made me feel proud as part of a team that works hard to achieve success together.

Kalina Stasczak

Collaborating on a Canadian farm business analysis was particularly enlightening. It provided us with a unique opportunity to delve into the intricacies of Canadian agricultural policies, sustainability initiatives, and market dynamics. This cross-cultural exchange highlighted the importance of adapting business strategies to local contexts, while also identifying potential areas for global collaboration. The success of this project was undoubtedly due to the exceptional teamwork and dedication of every member. We worked seamlessly together, sharing ideas, providing support, and ensuring that each task was done efficiently and effectively. The open and respectful communication fostered a positive and motivating work environment, making the entire experience enjoyable and rewarding. As I reflect on this experience, I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such a talented and supportive team. I look forward to future collaborations and the potential to explore new challenges and opportunities in the realm of virtual teamwork.

References

• (No date) Top 13 innovations in agriculture/farming in 2023.Available at: https://www.jiva.ag/blog/top-13-innovations-in-agriculture-farming  (Accessed: 03 November 2024).
• Business impacts on the world, society, and climate (2024) Impact Day. Available at: https://impactday.eu/blog/business- impacts/ (Accessed: 03 November 2024).