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.
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