Conspiracies exist, but not the way people think. Governments aren’t as calculated or strategic as conspiracy theories make them out to be. Believing they are leads people to chase imaginary problems instead of solving real ones. Focus on what’s actually in front of you — real opportunities, not distractions.
As part of my series about “authors who are making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dennis Bulani.
Dennis Bulani is a fourth-generation farmer, father, and grandfather who has spent decades working the land in Saskatchewan, Canada. He is the author of What a Farmer Wants You to Know About Food, a book providing clear, science-based answers to pressing questions about modern farming practices. Dennis is also the CEO of The Rack and the founder of Trust Your Plate. He has been recognized for his Hedgehog app for farmers, and was inducted into the Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers Hall of Fame in 2019. Through his work, Dennis aims to connect farmers and consumers by fostering understanding and trust in the food system.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory and career?
I’m a fourth generation farmer, father and grandfather and have worked in agriculture my whole life. I’m also the founder and CEO of the Ultimate Yield Management Institute, where we help farmers maximize their yield, profitability and sustainability through better farming practices, and of The Rack Petroleum, which supplies farmers with fuel, fertilizers and other products to help them grow food sustainably. As an entrepreneur, I’m often the only farmer in a room full of business owners, and I’ve often felt at a disadvantage in conversations about what I do — not because it’s not an interesting story, but because people have good questions and I want to answer them as honestly and accurately as I can. With What a Farmer Wants You to Know About Food and my new website, TrustYourPlate.com, I’m hoping to help farmers and consumers have those meaningful conversations.
When you were younger, was there a book that you read that inspired you to take action or changed your life? Can you share a story about that?
The Hardy Boys series had a big impact on me growing up. Those books sparked my curiosity and made me question everything — probably more than my parents would have liked at times. Frank and Joe Hardy were always asking “why,” piecing together clues, and thinking critically to solve mysteries. That sense of curiosity and problem-solving stuck with me. Their adventures encouraged me to observe the world more closely, connect the dots, and not take things at face value. Looking back, I think those books planted the seed for my lifelong habit of questioning and seeking answers.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Early in my career, I faced my fair share of setbacks — near bankruptcy three times, intense competition from multinationals, and geopolitical and weather events that shook my farm and agriculture business. But I never saw failure as an option. Every challenge was an opportunity to adapt, improve, and keep moving forward. I’ve always believed that honesty, integrity, truth, and ingenuity will win in the long run — and that’s never let me down. It’s also what has earned the trust and loyalty of the people I’ve worked with over the years.
Can you describe how you aim to make a significant social impact with your book?
I wrote What a Farmer Wants You to Know About Food because people deserve to know their food is safe. In the U.S., 9 out of 10 people trust farmers, but only 1 in 5 trust modern agriculture practices. There are two things at play here: The science of agriculture is complicated, and it’s tough for people to trust what they don’t understand. At the same time, life is busier than ever, and most people don’t have the time — or reason — to dig into the science behind how we grow food. The reality is, 100% of the world eats, but only 2% farms. That means most people are at least a few generations removed from agriculture, and misinformation has filled the gap.
That’s why I wrote this book — to help close that gap and give people confidence in the food they buy and eat. Education and truth, backed by scientific fact, should trump emotion and conspiracy when making public policy. Unfortunately, critical thinking has never been more absent from these discussions. My hope is that this book helps people cut through the noise, challenge misinformation, and see modern agriculture for what it really is — one of the safest, most efficient, and most sustainable food systems in the world.
Can you share with us the most interesting story that you shared in your book?
One story that stands out is about MSG. Like many, I thought it was something to avoid — until I dug into the science. Its bad reputation started in 1968 when a doctor wrote a letter to the New England Journal of Medicine speculating that Chinese food gave him headaches. The media ran with it, turning “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome” into a widely believed myth. Decades of research have since proven MSG is safe, yet the misconception persists. That moment challenged my own assumptions and reinforced why I wrote this book — to cut through misinformation and help people feel confident about their food.
And MSG is just one example. So many of the things people fear about food don’t hold up when you look at the science. Take nitrogen — whether it comes from lightning or a synthetic fertilizer, it’s the exact same compound, yet one is considered “natural” and the other “synthetic.” The same goes for GMOs. People worry about genetic modification, but nature has been doing it for millions of years. The sweet potato, for example, is a natural GMO — modified by bacteria long before humans ever touched it. The more you learn, the more you realize how much of what we think we know about food isn’t based on science, and that’s exactly why I wrote this book.
What was the “aha moment” or series of events that made you decide to bring your message to the greater world? Can you share a story about that?
One moment that stuck with me was hearing a speaker say they traveled with their own food because they didn’t trust what was available in the U.S. It hit me: I could stay frustrated, or I could help close the gap.
That inspired me to write What a Farmer Wants You to Know About Food and launched TrustYourPlate.com. The book is a tool I wish I’d had in my back pocket — packed with facts, not fear — so farmers and consumers can have better, more informed conversations.
Without sharing specific names, can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
I recently spoke with a mom who just wanted to make the best choices for her young kids, but she found herself second-guessing every grocery decision. Labels like organic, non-GMO, and antibiotic-free made her wonder if the alternatives were unsafe. After reading my book, she told me she felt a huge sense of relief, realizing she didn’t have to question the safety of the food on the shelves or break the bank on organic food. That conversation reinforced why I wrote this book in the first place — to help people feel confident about what they’re feeding their families.
Are there three things that our overall community/society can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
What a great question. Three ways we can all help close the gap between farmers and consumers and build more confidence in our food system are:
Look to Science, Not Clickbait — Misinformation spreads fast, especially when it plays on fear. Before believing or sharing food-related claims, take a step back and ask two questions: “What does the science say?” and “Who benefits from people believing this?”
Encourage Conversations — Farmers and consumers share the same goal: safe, nutritious, and sustainable food. The more we ask questions and share knowledge, the more we replace uncertainty with understanding.
Spread the Word — I wrote this book because I want people to feel good about the food they’re buying. If something in it helps to shift your perspective or give you more confidence in your choices, share it. Talk about it with friends, recommend resources like TrustYourPlate.com, or even just pass along a fact that stuck with you. The more we have these conversations, the more we replace fear with understanding.
At the end of the day, we all deserve to feel good about what’s on our plate. These actions can help make that possible.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
To me, leadership is about how you show up when challenges arise. A good leader doesn’t ask anyone to do something they wouldn’t be willing to do themselves. More than anything, leadership is about consistency — especially when it comes to honesty and integrity. You can’t be honest 99% of the time and call yourself a good leader. It’s how you handle the 1% — the really tough moments, when the truth is inconvenient or uncomfortable — that defines you. No matter the repercussions, a true leader insists on telling the truth, even when it could mean embarrassment or criticism. That’s the kind of leadership that earns trust, and trust is the foundation of any strong team or business.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.
Instead of 5 things I wish someone told me, here are 5 things I’m glad no one told me when I was starting out:
Not all people are good and honest with great intentions. Believing in the good in people has given me the empathy needed to understand them. If I had started with cynicism, I might have missed out on great partnerships and opportunities. That doesn’t mean I ignore reality, but starting from a place of trust has served me well.
Evil sometimes triumphs over good. If I had accepted this as truth, I wouldn’t have fought as hard. I’ve been through tough times — near bankruptcy, fierce competition, and unpredictable global events — but giving up was never an option.
Sometimes the truth doesn’t win. Not right away, at least. But in the long run, it does. Believing otherwise is self-defeating. Integrity may not always be the easiest path, but it’s the only one that leads to lasting success.
You’re a lot smarter than you look. People who underestimate themselves tend to be more reliable than those who overestimate. Being underestimated? That’s a strategic advantage. People reveal more when they assume you’re not a threat — and that’s invaluable in business and life.
Conspiracies exist, but not the way people think. Governments aren’t as calculated or strategic as conspiracy theories make them out to be. Believing they are leads people to chase imaginary problems instead of solving real ones. Focus on what’s actually in front of you — real opportunities, not distractions.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
I’ve always been fond of “The Lord hates a coward” but I like to add “…on the other hand, He’s not too fond of stupid, either.”
In my work, I deal in commodity markets and compete with some of the largest corporations in the world. Success requires the courage to take risks — but not reckless ones. Taking calculated, well thought out risks is how you compete and win. It’s about having the nerve to step up while making sure your decisions are grounded in critical thinking.
Is there a person in the world with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why?
I’d like to have lunch with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. because he’s been vocal about food and public health, often making unsubstantiated claims about our food system. I’d welcome the chance to challenge that with critical thinking and real evidence.
There are always two sides to a story: one driven by emotion and perception, and one grounded in logic and measured risk. I would make the case that while we face real challenges, we’ve been moving in the right direction by learning from the past — not by throwing out what works.
I’d also push back on the idea that replacing science with the wellness industry’s latest conclusions is any kind of solution. Science isn’t perfect, but it has guardrails — peer review, testing, and regulation — that keep it accountable. If public perception starts running food policy, we’re in trouble. Fear-based decisions don’t benefit anyone.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Social Impact Authors: How & Why Author Dennis Bulani Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.