I owned and operated a mixed beef and grain farm in northern Saskatchewan from 1962-1972. Before leaving active farming, I managed to complete a diploma program in vocational agriculture plus obtain Bachelor's and Master's degrees in agricultural economics from the University of Saskatchewan. I went to Purdue University for my PhD degree in agricultural economics. Upon completion of my PhD in 1976, I worked as a Research Economist at the Agriculture Canada Research Centre in Lethbridge conducting mostly interdisciplinary research with agricultural scientists. I joined the Economics Department at the University of Lethbridge prior to the Fall semester in 1981 and have worked there ever since, rising to the rank of Full Professor in 1988.
During my time at the University of Lethbridge, I have been fortunate to teach and conduct research on agricultural issues with many fine undergraduate and graduate students, as well as with numerous colleagues from around the world. Since the Canadian agricultural industry is integrated into the world economy, I always try to keep an international perspective in my research. As part of that effort, I have taught undergraduate courses at Hokkaigakuen University in Sapporo, Japan, Hokkaigakuen University in Kitami, Japan, Fachhochschule Schmalkalden in Germany, University of British Columbia and graduate-level courses at Inner Mongolia Agricultural University in Hohhot, China. Also, I have conducted research on agricultural and resource issues in Denmark, India, Philippines, Viet Nam, Australia, Colombia, Mexico and the United States.
I have published the results of my research in a wide variety of books, professional journals and research reports; (details are provided in the other tabs). In recent years, my research has focused on the impacts of water use, globalization, biotechnology, and domestic and international policies on Canadian agriculture.