I'm Taking a Seat

Listening in to a meeting about the Veterinary Feed Directive
at our local auction market.
I was the only young producer in attendance.

If you aren't at the table, you aren't part of the conversation.

That mantra is heard often throughout society during presidential elections and debates but have you ever taken the time to consider how your voice can affect everyday activities in your community or your professional interests?

Jennifer Latze, a phenomenal writer and outright awesome person, recently penned an article in the High Plains Journal titled, "Where Have All the Members Gone?" in which she discusses the need for young people in agriculture to pay our dues (literally, with money) and attend industry meetings and events. After all, the discussions taking place at local, state and national agriculture organization meetings are those that will shape policies, procedures and trends for our industry for several years to come. Jennifer hits the nail right on the head when she says, "Today, the average age of the American farmer is 57 to 58 years old. We need to not only think about who’s going to take his place in the field or on the ranch, but also who’s going to take his place in the grassroots organization he’s spent a lifetime supporting." It's my generation's responsibility to ensure that the time, sweat and efforts that have been devoted to improving agriculture for the past 30-40 years aren't wasted away by a lack of leadership or involvement.
Read more »

7 Things Leaders Can Learn From the Kansas City Royals

World Series Champions - 2015 Royals
Photo courtesy: Kansas City Star

I am one of those sports fan who had, until this year, never had a team, college or professional, win a league-wide championship. I have enjoyed several seasons of KSU Big12 conference success (GO CATS!) and a few brief shining moments of Kansas City Chiefs football success. However, for 27 of the 29 years of my life, I had been a Royals fan waiting for something magical to happen. Lightning to strike. God to intervene.

Well, Kansas City Royals fans all over this nation are rejoicing at a World Series Championship 30 years in the making. On Sunday night, the Royals won Game 5 of the World Series and became the 111th World Series Champions in the 12th inning over the New York Mets. We have been crowned. A fandom rejuvenated. A dream come true.Read more »

Agriculture Impressions

By now I'm sure you've seen the images of a milk jug or kernel of corn that have ag facts and messages contained within - here are a few to refresh your memory:

 

This one is probably my favorite. It's gorgeous and these two great men should be given more attention for their visionary leadership.

Not only are these images eye catching but they are riddled with ag facts for you to share with your friends and network! I've started saving them to my info folder so I can spout off agriculture information when I'm needing some conversation fodder! 

If you like these images, you can see quite a few more that will inspire you to continue to advocate for agriculture - just log on to Facebook and like the 'AgricultureImpressions' page and you can view them for yourself!

Until next time,

~ Buzzard ~

Photo credits given to AGRICULTUREIMPRESSIONS