The Rural Voice, 1985-12, Page 9George Brinkman
rural development field was challeng-
ing, but he found the outlook at Kan-
sas State was "very inward -
oriented." Brinkman wanted to
tackle some national issues in the
research area and a phone call asking
him to apply for a position at the
University of Guelph seemed to offer
exactly that kind of opportunity. In
1973, Brinkman headed north to ac-
cept a job in the School of
Agricultural Economics and Exten-
sion Education at Guelph.
"I was very impressed with the op-
portunities here, the kind of
agriculture, and the dedication of
both the department and the college
to farming and the agriculture
system."
Today Brinkman divides his time
between teaching, research, and ex-
tension work. He teaches courses in
rural development and agricultural
policy to both undergraduate and
graduate students. His research in-
cludes studies of farm prices and in-
come policy, evaluation of public
programs, and continued work in the
rural development area. But it's
studies like the controversial Farm
Incomes in Canada report for the
Economic Council of Canada, which
included capital appreciation of farm
assets in comparing farm and non-
farm incomes, that have focused the
most attention — and most criticism
— on George Brinkman.
The economist, who still speaks
with a distinctive American accent, is
known for his accessibility both to the
media and to the farm community.
In addition to his research work, he
pursues a hectic schedule of speaking
engagements around the country. In
November, for example, he headed to
western Canada three times, speaking
to the Canadian Bankers Association
conference in Saskatoon, then to the
Canadian Cattlemen in Calgary and
at a panel on rural development in
Winnipeg. He also took part in a
panel on farm parity at the Canadian
Farm Writers' Association con-
ference in Toronto and spent some
time in Ottawa. Why does Brinkman
keep up a pace that has him working
most evenings and weekends?
"There are many important issues
right now and some of them are too
important not to be involved in, like
farm finance, like policies (that are)
trying to provide solutions and
assistance to farmers. We simply can-
not say we're too busy."
Also, in contrast to the situation in
his native United States, where
researchers are apt to be swallowed
up in the system, Brinkman says the
Canadian environment allows him to
"become involved in work that
makes a difference."
One recent piece of Brinkman
t)F('FMRFR 1985 7