Jessie's Blog
Hello Productivity...Nice to Meet You!
When I was little my mom used to say “Sometimes we have to do things we don’t want to do.” I always hated when she would say that and prayed that eventually that saying would not be true. For those of you who don’t know me, let me fill you in on a little secret: I am very strong willed, or at least used to be. It’s not my best quality, but I hope that now that I am older that quality doesn’t appear quite as often. However, tonight that quality has most definitely surfaced…I am doing anything and everything but writing this paper.
I have a paper to write for my applied agricultural law class and to be honest I DON’T WANT TO! I spent a long but amazing day at Big Iron and would love nothing more than to read a book or watch some TV…but I can’t. This paper is due on Thursday and I am not ready for that deadline.
It is interesting to me how even though there are things in life that we don’t want to do, we do them anyways. As a parent I'm sure you don’t always want to wake up at 6:30 in the morning to get your kids on the bus, as an employee I'm sure you don’t enjoy staying at the office until 10 working on a report…but you do it anyways. Why? Because it’s a part of life. As much as I hate to admit it, my mom was right…sometimes we have to do things we don’t want to. The good news: it won’t kill me to write this paper and the sooner I start the sooner I will be done. Goodbye procrastination…hello productivity!
Harvest 2011
Harvest started on T-T Ranch yesterday, and I was like a kid on Christmas morning. I know that seems a little far fetched, but, in my opinion, the first day of the harvest season should be considered a holiday. It’s the day that marks the end of a growing season, and is what farmers strive for all year. It isn’t easy, in fact some days it would seem easier to throw in the towel, but once again farmers show their dedication and get the job done. Despite the break downs, poor quality, and rain delays, they are out their making sure the crop gets harvested and in the bin. In the coming weeks, if I’m not at work at RRFN, you can bet I’m in the cab of the combine or in the scale room of the elevator. Call me a fanatic, call me weird, call me whatever you want, but I’m a farm kid and I wouldn’t want it any other way!
Speechless
Speechless…for once in my life I can honestly say I am speechless. While searching for the latest ag news today I came across this article/blog and was absolutely blown away.
In the article the author writes: “To many, 4-H Clubs are all about nurturing sweet little calves, adorable children winning ribbons, urban garden patches and proud future farmers grooming prized pigs for show. To others, it's a calculated system for turning the youth of America into cold, unfeeling animal killers.” Others who agreed with the authors position made comments such as: “This group helps desensitize youngsters into having no emotional attachment to animals raised for food. Shame on you 4-H for what you do to animals and to children.” Thankfully there were supporters of agriculture who defended 4-H and the agricultural industry. “Desensitization is the wrong word–education is the right word. These kids (I was one) are not at all desensitized to the process–rather, they are educated about proper raising and care of these animals.”
I entered the 4-H Organization as a cloverbud when I was 7 years old, and although I am too old to be a member now, I currently serve as a leader for a club in Foster County. I learned valuable life skills during my years as a 4-H member. I learned how to bake, sew, take pictures, decorate cakes, keep accurate records, and how to prepare and exhibit livestock. I showed sheep and beef cattle during my many years as a 4-H member and learned a lot from the experiences I had…in and out of the show ring.
I learned how to select an animal that would be a good contender in the show ring, how to halter break, feed, groom, and exhibit the livestock. Contrary to what the article says, as a result of being a 4-H member, I did not become desensitized to the suffering of animals. In fact, I don’t know a current or former member who would say that is what happened as a result of being a 4-H member. 4-H members learn that animal husbandry is vital to providing people the food they need, and that we should be proud to be a part of the livestock industry.
To be honest, the animals on the show circuit are pampered. They lay in comfortable straw under fans that cool them on hot summer days, they get washed at least once a day, are fed the best feed, and have a roof over their head when it rains out…sounds like a life of luxury.
The fact is we live in a scary world. A world that thinks there needs to be more rules and regulations for the farmers and ranchers who produce the world’s food. We live in a place where anti-agriculture organizations are trying to punish organizations like 4-H and FFA for preparing future leaders, simply because they fail to see the good these programs are doing.
Unfortunately we are partially to blame. What do we do when articles like this are published attacking the ag industry…all to often, the answer is, nothing. We simply think that someone else will take care of giving our industry a good image, but that mentality is what put us here in the first place. I am just as much at blame as the next person…but that stops today. No longer will I keep quiet as our industry is attacked. We need to find our voice, and we needed to find it yesterday!
When I first read the article I was speechless…but I cannot allow my initial reaction to hold me back from speaking against the lies the world is hearing. I refuse to remain silent while our industry goes under attack time, after time, after time. And I would ask you to do the same. Find ways to put a positive light on our industry. Talk to young people about the importance of agriculture, make sure your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc. all understand where their food comes from, start a blog that highlights different aspects of agriculture, or write letters to the editor that talk about agriculture in a positive manner. I challenge you to think of one way to help spread the message of our industry. Find your voice and promote agriculture. We have to stop being…speechless.
Daddy's Girl
It’s no secret that yesterday was Father’s Day. When I think about Father’s Day I think about my dad and the impact that he has had on my life…and the only thing I can say is I am truly blessed.
I have no idea why God has blessed me with a dad who is passionate, hard working, and truly inspiring. Anyone who knows my dad could tell you that the three most important things to him are: faith-family-farming. My dad is my toughest critic and strongest supporter, and I don’t know where I would be without his constant love and support.
I think dads in agriculture are great examples for their children. They teach us the importance of working hard, being honest, pursuing our dreams, and never giving up. The one thing I would say that stands out for men in agriculture is their drive and determination. The forecast can look absolutely awful, markets can hit rock bottom, tractors can break down, and, to be honest, the sky could probably be falling down but they refuse to give up. They are determined that the crop will be planted, cows will be fed, grain will be hauled, hay will be put up…and nothing will stand in their way.
As a young person I am grateful to have grown up in an environment where I was able to learn these valuable lessons. Life is not always going to sunny with no rain in the forecast…sometimes it is going to be cloudy with a 90 percent chance of thunderstorms…but I’ve learned that’s okay. I’ve learned that regardless of the situation, I have the power to create my desired outcome…and I owe this to my dad and the other dads that have influenced my life.
Father’s Day is an excellent reminder to be thankful that we have men in our lives who set excellent examples for us to follow. I have and always will be a daddy’s girl, and I am so grateful that my dad pushes me to go above and beyond, and encourages me to pursue my dreams.
To all the dads out there: Thank you for your persistent dedication to the agricultural industry. Thank you for encouraging your children to pursue their dreams. Thank you for everything you do!
Mom of the Year
We all have those people in our life who are with us through thick and thin, the good times and the bad…and in my case each and every day of my life. I am fortunate to have a lot of people in my life who get me through, but one of the most prevalent is my mom. I can call her whenever I need to, which is typically four times a day, and she is always willing to talk me through my life or just listen as I rant about my day. Anyone who knows her knows that she will go above and beyond to help you out, and no matter how busy or stressed she may be there is always a smile on her face. My mom is my go-to person, editor, and best friend!
Usually I send my mom a copy of my blogs before I post them, so she can tell me if they are post worthy…but not this one! My mom never gets the recognition she deserves and there isn’t enough time to tell her how grateful I am for everything she does. I call her my editor because she literally takes the time to read everything I write before I turn it in or post it. Someday I plan to add her to the payroll…I just don’t know when that will be.
The intent of this blog is #1 to say thanks to my mom for everything she does and #2 to remind everyone of the importance of mothers in agriculture…and just in life.
In my opinion mom’s are the glue that hold the household (or farm) together. Their willingness to help wherever does not go unrecognized. Most of the time they are the first ones up and the last to go to bed; and their days are jammed packed trying to keep everything running smoothly. We could all learn a lot from a farm wife/mother. In my own case I honestly don’t know if I will ever learn everything that my mom could teach me, but it is my sincere hope that one day I can be half the wife/mother that she is.
If you are a mom and you are reading this let me just say THANK YOU! Thank you for your dedication to agriculture, and most importantly your family. There are no words to describe how much you contribute to the advancement of our industry.
To my mom, best friend, and editor- Thank you so much for everything you do. Your love and support mean the world. And the boys and I aren’t joking when we say you win the Mom of the Year Award every day of every year!
I know that Mother’s Day has already passed, but I think that our moms deserve to be thanked more than just one day a year. If you are able, call your mom and say “Thank you!” Without them our industry wouldn’t have a future!
A Bright Future
In my first week back at Red River Farm Network I have had the privilege of working on a special project for the ND FFA Foundation…and it has been a blast! I have had the opportunity to visit with industry professionals about the importance of encouraging today’s young people to pursue careers in agriculture. The conversations were each unique but there was a common message from all of them: the future of agriculture is bright! They all stressed how much agriculture has expanded and talked with much enthusiasm about their thoughts on where agriculture will go in the future.
As someone who grew up on a farm and was heavily involved with daily operations there was no question in my mind that I would pursue a degree in agriculture. I knew that the opportunities in agriculture were endless and, in my mind, the best part was that I could stay in North Dakota. The unfortunate thing is that many students don’t understand how diverse the Ag industry is. No longer is the industry made up of only farmers, ranchers, and elevator mangers. Today our industry also includes scientists, business people, mechanics, broadcasters, and a plethora of others. The best part is that the industry is rapidly expanding, and as long as there are people to feed there will always be jobs in agriculture!
If we want our industry to survive we have to be proactive in spreading the message of agriculture to young people. Agriculture is the nation’s largest employer with more than 24 million people involved in some aspect of the industry, so take time to talk with students about the various opportunities in the industry. The future of our industry is bright and it is our job to help spread the message!
Trying to Catch Excellence
Let’s be honest: I’m a perfectionist! I can’t help it though. I will spend days meticulously working on a one page paper, because I know that it can be better. Some may say that being a perfectionist is a bad thing; that because I’m a perfectionist I am constantly being disappointed…but I disagree! There is a quote by Vince Lombardi that says “Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we catch excellence.”
I will be the first person to tell you that I am not perfect, nor will I ever be. And, after years of struggling with this, I have come to accept the fact that “Perfection is not attainable.” This fact doesn’t disappoint me; in fact, it probably excites me more than anything! I know that by trying to reach perfection I am becoming a better person.
By striving for perfection I have become a strong, hard working individual who has learned to appreciate a hard day’s work and the joy that comes when a project is completed. The quote by Vince Lombardi is a reminder that even when things aren’t perfect we can’t give up yet, because while we might not reach perfection, excellence is just as good. Sometimes the end result isn’t the important thing, sometimes we have to be satisfied with the road that leads us to the finish line.
A Price Worth Paying
Last night was a big night for football fans across the country. For the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers last night brought them one step closer to receiving the coveted Lombardi Trophy.
Vince Lombardi once said “Once you have established the goals you want and the price you’re willing to pay, you can ignore the minor hurts, the opponent’s pressure and temporary failures.” For the Packers and Steelers, this quote will prove to be profoundly true on February 6. The goal, which they have been working so hard to accomplish, is within their grasp. They will have to focus on the goal, the title- Super Bowl Champions!
I’m going through a time in my life where I have a lot of choices to make: should I graduate college a year early, what should I do this summer, what classes will be most beneficial to my future, what should I do with my life? Not a day goes by that I don’t think of these questions and wish I had the answers. But as I make decisions in my life and set goals for my future, this quote by Vince Lombardi is something that pushes me on when I want to give up.
The agriculture industry can take so much from this quote as well. The diverse industry of agriculture is constantly faced with challenges; whether its volatile markets, negative media attention, delayed research, etc. The fact is, we don’t always get smooth sailing, there are always going to be times when the wind is against us or when there is no wind at all. But…if we remember what our goal is, have faith and patience the wind will eventually turn and help us sail towards the finish line.
Once we set our goal, we have to have the strength to carry it out no matter what. Regardless of the score on the scoreboard, the uncertainty that sometimes comes with moving forward…none of it can stop us. Achieving our goals will cost us. It will cost us time, effort, money, sleep, comfort. But I promise you this: reaching the end zone is worth it all!
What you play for
If I mentioned Ernie Davis, or the 1959 NCAA Division I-A Championship team would that mean anything to you? Chances are probably not, because that was over 50 years ago. I’m not concerned that you remember Ernie Davis for setting a record of 7.8 yards per carry or being the third leading rusher in the country, more importantly I want you to remember #44
as a player who played the game with passion and dedication.
Davis was a young man with big plans and a bright future in professional football, being the number one draft pick in 1962, he was drafted to the Washington Redskins and almost immediately traded to the Cleveland Browns. However, Davis would never play a single minute as a Brown, because at the young age of 22 he was diagnosed with leukemia. For most such a diagnosis would probably leave us feeling frustrated and confused, but not Davis. He knew that he had achieved more success than he ever could have hoped for. In a letter to the Saturday Evening Post, Davis is quoted as saying “It's funny, most people think my life has been all about football. I've even thought that myself. But football is just a game. What matters, is what you play for.”
“What matters, is what you play for.” In our everyday lives do we get up with the agenda that it’s all about me, and the 101 things that I need to get done. Or do we live a life in hopes that each day is an opportunity to help those in need. Even though Ernie Davis died over 50 years ago, his words give us insight to what it really means to live a life of purpose and find true success in whatever we do.
Sometimes we get lost in the fact that life is all about winning, and getting ahead. We hear from the time we are little “if you aren’t first, you’re last”, but I would like to go against what has been so deeply ingrained. Can we change the common definition of success? The color of the ribbon, the size of the plaque, the corner office, the number on a pay check…none of it matters if we live only for ourselves. Can we prove that as we work hard and remain dedicated to our goals we all experience success, and it’s even more rewarding when you go in knowing that regardless of what happens you have already won.
What matters, is what you play for!
Turn up the Heat
At 211 degrees water is hot. At 212 degrees water boils and can power a locomotive. One degree. One degree is all that separates normal from extraordinary. A seemingly insignificant thing, one degree. It has forever changed how I look at my own life. The idea of one degree has forever changed how I live, work, and succeed. One degree- an idea that shows me that to get what I want I have to go above and beyond what I’ve ever done before…I have to turn up the heat!
Going from normal to extraordinary takes focus, belief, perseverance, and a good attitude; it’s not easy but, believe me, it’s worth it.
Focus: Continuous effort is the key to unlocking our potential
Belief: What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve
Perseverance: Our greatest glory lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall
Attitude: It is the ability to open our eyes and minds where limitless wonders are discovered
The cool thing about this concept is that it applies to everyone. It applies to the stay at home mom, the farmer, the scientist, the farm broadcaster, the doctor…no one is exempt from this concept. The New Year is often about resolutions, second chances, and new opportunities. So, my challenge to you- turn up the heat! Don’t quit when the going gets tough, in fact in those instances remember that one degree separates normal from extraordinary.
15 Years in the Making
15. Not a special number by any means. But for the Red River Farm Network this number is a big deal…especially today. 15 is the number of years that Red River Farm Network has been making a difference in the world of agriculture. 15 years of telling agriculture’s story, your story. 15 years of spreading a positive light on the amazing world of agriculture.
I don’t remember the first time that I heard RRFN on the radio, but I’m sure it was one morning when I was riding with dad in the tractor. The voices that have crossed the radio waves are ones that informed me about what was happening in agriculture from a young age. I’ve had the privilege to be a part of RRFN’s team for the past six months and there is no word to describe this experience. I’ve had a privilege to learn from some of the greatest farm broadcasters there are, and that isn’t something that a lot of college students can say.
Do you remember the first time you heard RRFN on the radio? What about the first time you had the privilege to meet one of the guys? Maybe you do, maybe you don’t. The thing I want to point out here is that RRFN has made a huge difference for agriculture over the past 15 years! A difference that isn’t limited to the state of North Dakota or Minnesota; it’s a difference that has spread across the nation, even the globe. I’d like to say a huge thank you those who have supported RRFN. Thank you to those who are willing to give an interview, provide insight, and most importantly listen to the program!
Our passion: accurately telling your story, agriculture’s story. Stay tuned…we’re not going anywhere!
All in the View
It’s all in the view. That’s what I mean about forever, too. For any one of us our forever could end in an hour, or a hundred years from now. You never know for sure, so you’d better make every second count. –Sarah Dessen
Lately it seems as if time has been flying by. The semester is coming to a close, and I’m trying to remember where all that time went. And as I think back to what has been occupying my time I find that I am wondering if I spent my time doing things worthwhile. Did I make every second count?
The funny think about that question is, just like it says in the quote, it’s all in the view. I might find that the way I spent my time was time well spent, but to others they might find what I did meaningless. One of my goals, is to not have to look back on my life with a lot of regrets. Ten years from now I don’t want to look back on my life and say to myself: “Wow, Jessie. You sure missed out on some great opportunities. You could’ve done some great things, but you forgot that time goes by really fast.”
I want to challenge you: Don’t take one second, one minute foregranted. No one is guaranteed tomorrow, so use your time wisely. Fill your time doing things you love. Make every second of your life count. And remember…It’s all in the view!
Happy Thanksgiving!
On Thursday we celebrated Thanksgiving, which is my favorite holiday. In our family it is a tradition that before we eat we go around the table and talk about what we are thankful for. When I was younger it was the obvious: family, friends, etc. But as I get older I really take time to think about the question. I am most definitely thankful for my family and friends but I’m also thankful for the opportunities I have, and strangely enough I’m thankful that life isn’t always easy. I’m thankful that God places things in our life that we have to overcome, because it makes us stronger.
I saw this saying the other day and it is all too appropriate for the Thanksgiving holiday: If you had a meal today, thank a farmer; if you could choose what you wanted to eat, thank a soldier; and if you read the label on the food container, thank a teacher.
I truly am thankful for all those who have made an impact in my life. The farmers who work long and hard to put food on the table, the soldiers who risk their lives to keep us free, the teachers who never give up on their students, and the list goes on and on. I know that Thanksgiving has passed, but I have a challenge for you. Don’t let Thanksgiving be a day on the calendar; let it be a state of mind, an action. Continually remember that there are always things to be thankful for.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Not an A+ week
This past week was probably one of the most stressful that I have had this semester; papers to write, tests to study for, deadlines to meet. There were honestly times when I didn’t know if I was going to survive. I would lay down at night and the thought of sleep was the farthest thing from my mind…I just kept thinking about the 101 other things that I should be doing instead of trying to sleep.
There is a quote by Thomas L. Holdcroft that says “Life is a grindstone. Whether it grinds us down or polishes us up depends on us.” I saw that quote this weekend and immediately said that I had let this week break me. I really shouldn’t stress because in the end everything gets done…somehow it always does. The stress that I put on myself wears me down and is so unnecessary. The time at college is supposed to be the time of my life, so I can’t let this experience be one that wears me down…it needs to be one that molds, polishes, me into the person that I will become.
Growing up heavily involved in the ag industry I understand just how busy and stressful life gets. But what we all need to remember is that the situations we go through are meant to shape our future. We can let our experiences be negative and wear us down, or we can find the bright side to the story and learn from it.
The lesson I learned this last week: It isn’t about getting 100% on every project. It’s about preparing yourself, learning along the way, and giving it your all.
Thank you
This past Thursday, November 11, we celebrated Veterans Day; a day of remembrance for those who have served and those who are still serving to protect this great nation. I think that in the hustle and bustle of everyday life we so often forget these brave men and women. We have this day set aside to remember them, but we need to remember that they don’t just fight for us one day out of the year. They are committed serving in peace and in war…remember that! I am challenging you, and myself, to remember these men and women. When you choose what you want to eat, what you want to wear, where you want to go. Whenever you have a choice to make, remember that you are able to make that choice because you live in a free nation, because men and women have died protecting the freedoms that we all hold so dear. Thank you to all who have served and to all who are serving. Words will never be able to express my gratitude.
Carpe Diem
Carpe Diem…Seize the Day. A simple saying that can have life changing effects. You see we can go through life just living, just getting by. Or we can live each moment to the fullest, take each and every opportunity we have and run with it…don’t you think that is a life that is more meaningful? Don’t you think that if we seize every moment, every opportunity our life will make more of an impact?
Carpe Diem can mean many different things to many different people. For some it may mean that we need to try new things whenever the opportunity presents itself. For some it may mean that we need to talk to people about the important things in life. For some it may mean that we need to slow down, truly enjoy the simple things in life. We each have a different meaning for the term Carpe Diem, and that’s okay, the important thing is that we live out its meaning.
The perfect example of this saying, in my mind, is probably my dad. My dad comes to mind specifically because he is always challenging me to go above and beyond. The drive that I have to succeed is because it is something that he, and my mom, have instilled in me. By watching my dad take advantage of every opportunity possible I have learned the importance of not passing on opportunities. It is sometimes scary, challenging, and to be honest sometimes I just want to say no or even give up. The relationships that my dad has in the world of agriculture have opened so many doors; they have allowed him to take advantage of so many opportunities. For anyone involved in agriculture, there are so many doors that we can choose to open or just walk by. Unfortunately, especially in the younger generation, it is becoming so common to close the door on opportunities, or not even open them for fear of failure. When opportunities come knocking on the door of our life it can be scary, but exciting at the same time. If we would all just seize the opportunities handed to us, think of the impact we could make.
Our time is limited, but the impact we can have on all those around us is limitless. We have to take advantage of every opportunity possible. Stop walking by an open door. Open the door and seize the day…Carpe Diem
Infinite Potential
This past week thousands of students from across the United States traveled to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. I have made that amazing trip several times myself, but was unable to make the trip this year. That trip is one that changes your life. For those who have the extreme honor and privilege to compete on a team, you partake in an experience that will forever change your life.
The hours of practice, sleepless nights leading up to the big day, homework neglected, social life forgotten…all for the moment of truth. But what exactly is the moment of truth?
Is it the moment when you finally get first in the nation? Is it the moment when you realize that you didn’t do as well as you thought? Is it the moment when you are surrounded by thousands and thousands of Blue and Gold jackets and feel such an amazing sense of pride?
Does the moment of truth define who you are? I believe that how you react to the moment of truth helps to define who you are, but is not a moment that forever defines the impact you will have on this world. At the time you might not realize the impact that this event has on your life, but years down the road when you get the chance to reflect how you do…that is when it all comes into perspective.
For those of us involved in agriculture, and even those who are not, we can learn so much from the members of this incredible organization. We learn that hard work always pays off, no matter what the outcome is. We learn that pride in your organization is something that cannot be explained. We learn that to be passionate about something is a feeling that changes everything. We learn that anyone, no matter how old, can make an impact.
I didn’t have the opportunity to attend the National FFA Convention this year, but I still learned a lot from all of those who made that life changing journey. National FFA 2010…Infinite Potential.
It Takes Dedication
The summer of 2007 was supposed to be an exciting summer for our family. My grandparents were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and we had been planning for over a year for this joyous occasion. We invited friends from all around the nation, ordered all the food, and had everything in order. Then the unexpected happened…my grandma became deathly ill a week before the big celebration. Doctors told us to cancel the big celebration and to start praying.
This was nothing new for our family. Grandpa and grandma had their share of difficulties over the years, but what we learned through it all is that…it takes dedication.
On the day that we were supposed to have their big celebration, we had a smaller get together at the hospital in Fargo. We brought grandpa up from the nursing home and from the moment he got there ‘til the moment he left he stayed at one place…by grandma’s bed side. He stood by the bed, held her hand, and gazed into her eyes for the whole day…it takes dedication.
That is probably one of the greatest lessons I learned from my grandpa and grandma…it takes dedication. They taught me, my whole family, and probably everyone they came in contact with…it takes dedication. It takes dedication to raise a family, survive farming mishaps, an elevator fire, and a long list of other things. The crazy thing is that they never complained about it.
The legacy that my grandma and grandpa have created is one that includes a lot of dedication. The one thing I want you to take away from this blog entry is that life…takes dedication. Success…takes dedication. Love…takes dedication. Agriculture…takes dedication. But if there’s one thing that I know it is this: the dedication you put into whatever you do is well worth it. My grandpa and grandma were able to celebrate 50 years of life and love together because they understood…it takes dedication.
Miraculous World of Agriculture
The other day as I was driving I looked out my window and was absolutely amazed. It seemed like just yesterday that I was driving by these same fields and praying for a good crop, praying that the tiny seedlings would yield an abundant harvest. Some of the fields I drove by had already been harvested and some fields of corn, soybeans and sunflowers still remain. What a miracle! To think that a tiny seed will go in the ground and emerge looking completely different…emerge to do incredible things! The world of agriculture is full of miracles like this one; miracles that we all too often take for granted, if we just look around us we will see that agriculture offers us so much, all we have to do is take the time to notice it.
So often I find that I drive by fields on the side of the road and acknowledge they are there, but lately I’ve been asking myself…do I really notice them? Do I really understand the importance that every single plant in that field has; do I understand their worth? Do I truly embrace the miracles of agriculture?
Farmers plant millions of tiny seeds each year, and those tiny seeds grow to make a significant impact on the lives of many. It has got me thinking, if a tiny seed can make that big of an impact why can’t I? I am ready to leave my footprint in the field of agriculture, and I am tired of sitting on the sidelines waiting for somebody else to make that impact.
Farmers cannot sit around waiting to plant the seeds or harvest them, business people cannot sit around waiting for the sales to come to them, and agriscientists certainly cannot sit around waiting for the next big discovery to just appear in their labs. And I certainly cannot sit around waiting for someone else to tell people about the miracles of agriculture! My question for you…how will you make an impact in the miraculous world of agriculture?!
Living Life
Growing up on the farm has been by far one of the most influential things to have happened in my life.I honestly believe that the lessons that I have learned growing up on the farm wouldn’t have been learned anywhere else. And that these lessons will be a solid foundation as I continue on in life.
Farm life teaches you the importance of hard work and determination. Farm life teaches you to respect others and to always thank God for what he has blessed you with. Farm life teaches you that you have to work hard and that there are rewards if you have the patience to wait for them. Farm life teaches you that each and every one of us has unique talents and we each serve a different purpose. Farm life teaches you that worrying is inevitable but pointless since we are not in control. Farm life teaches you to think outside of the box...what works for one person won’t always work for the other. Farm life teaches you to never take life for-granted.
In our home we have a large picture with a poem by Bonnie Mohr. The poem is called Living Life and I would like to share it with you and challenge you to really think about what the poem says. There is a lot of truth in it, for those involved in agriculture and those who are not.
"Life is not a race - but indeed a journey. Be Honest. Work Hard. Be Choosy. Say "thank you", and "great job" to someone each day. Go to church, take time for prayer. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. Let your handshake mean more than pen and paper. Love your life and what you've been given, it is not accidental ~ search for your purpose and do it as best you can. Dreaming does matter. It allows you to become that which you inspire to be. Laugh often. Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them. Some of the best things really are free. Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming. Forgive, it frees the soul. Take time for yourself ~ Plan for longevity. Recognize the special people you've been blessed to know. Live for today, enjoy the moment.
How will you live your life? How will you be remembered by those around you? How will the lessons you have learned (whether on the farm or not) allow you to live a better life? How will your life be defined? Each of us has a unique purpose in this life, but the big question is this: how do we live our life while trying to fulfill our purpose? How is our life going to make a difference in the lives of those around us. Will the difference we make be a positive one? Think about it…
Big Iron
More than 800 exhibits will be on display at the 2010 Big Iron. In addition to various agriculture exhibits, the annual farm show will include training sessions, demonstrations and so much more!
Here at RRFN we have a very exciting line-up of speakers at our Issues and Events Center. Here is a glimpse at our exciting week ahead...
To kick off the week Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will be discussing agriculture issues and will then participate in a question and answer session. Market seminars will occur each day at 1:30. We will be hearing from Virg Robinson of PHI Marketing, Andy Schissler of Roach Ag Marketing, Ray Grabanski of Progressive Ag Marketing, Steve Wagner of Country Hedging and many more! Land values seminars will also occur everyday at 2:30.
Agriculture is full of many exciting opportunites. The events at Big Iron showcase the latest in ag technologies, as well as, work to show what other opportunities are being developed. Big Iron is definitely the place to be for anyone involved in agriculture. Whether you desire to view the latest in farm equipment or, our hope, participate in the events occuring at our Issues and Events Center, Big Iron is the place for you.
Please be sure to join the RRFN team as we participate in the 30th Big Iron Farm Show- September 14th, 15th and 16th. We hope to see you there!
Exciting Journey
Summer has come to an end and I am busy with classes at NDSU. And much to my surprise I have already learned, a lot! Did you know that the top ten jobs in 2010 did not exist in 2004? Did you know that students are currently being prepared for jobs that don't yet exist? These are just two, of many, surprising things I have learned in the first few weeks of school.
Some may argue that these facts are scary, but I disagree with them. What's scary about new opportunities? As a student these two facts excite me! These two facts mean that the opportunities I will encounter have unknown potential.
The future of agriculture and our world is an exciting one and we need to embrace it not hide from it. Frank Herbert once said "The begining of knowledge is the discovery of something we do not understand." I encourage you to watch the video below. The facts presented are incredibly mind boggling and really make you think. No one can really grasp what the future holds but that is what makes this journey exciting!
Lessons Learned
Yesterday after work I headed straight to the field. I always love helping on the farm and combining is one of my favorite things to do. Yesterday my two older brothers, Jason and Justin, and I were in charge of running the combines. As we went around and around I got to thinking about how awesome it is to be out in the field with my brothers; even better was the fact that my mom, dad and sister in-law Amanda were also busy helping to keep everything on track. I feel truly blessed to have grown up in a family who loves to be together and who are passionate about agriculture.
Growing up on a family farm I understood from an early age the importance of what we do. I also learned that every job is important, whether that means making the guys supper, cleaning the house, or running a combine; each job is vital to the success of our operation.
When I was younger the lessons I learned were different that those I'm learning today. When I was younger I learned: the floor of a combine is an excellent napping place, the guys love when you make cookies, and if you go with dad for the day he just might take you to the cafe for breakfast. Now I'm learning: the floors of the combine are a lot smaller than they used to be, the guys still love it when you make cookies, and the rewards for hard work are well worth it.
I guess what I'm trying to get at is this: I have learned so much by being a part of my family's farm. The more time I spend in the field the more I learn and the more I love what we do. Life is about learning lessons. Sometimes we learn from the mistakes we make and sometimes we learn from the mistakes others have made. But the most important thing is that we learn something. I'm sure that when I head to the field after work today I will learn another lesson...and that's just fine with me. I could spend the rest of my life in the field, and I'm sure there'd still be lessons to learn!
Strong Roots. Strong Yields
I attended the Asgrow/DEKALB dealer kickoff meeting, and I saw a DEKALB sign that said: Strong Roots. Strong Yields. The more I think about it, the more I realize that this sign is appropriate for not only DEKALB but for agriculture as a whole.
Those involved in production agriculture understand the importance of having strong roots in order to ensure that they can gain the highest yield potential possible. Those involved with agri-science understand that in order for advancement to occur they must have a strong foundation to build off of, if they wish to make substantial changes. For those in the agribusiness field it is all about relationships. Strong relationships help to ensure that customers are happy with the product and service, and that they are excited to return in the future. No matter what part of agriculture; the success all comes down to having strong roots; a strong foundation.
Growing up on the farm I have realized how important this is; whether it had to deal with crops or cattle. If my dad didn't take the time to make sure the ground was ready to be planted, the tiny seed would never develop into a high yielding plant. If my dad didn't take the time to find the best products, our operation might not be as successful. If my dad didn't take the time to care for the cattle we probably wouldn't have a 400 head herd. My point is this...farmers and ranchers set great examples for their children. In addition to building solid operations, they build strong foundations for their kids to learn from. As kids we might not always make the best decisions, but no matter what we know that we can always go back to those deep roots.
I can honestly say that without my mom and dad teaching me the importance of hard work and responsibility I wouldn't be the person I am today. And they aren't the only ones who have taught me this; it is everyone involved in agriculture. No matter where I go I can see this motto lived out. It's in the fields I drive by, the cattle shows I go to, the businesses I enter, the latest developments I hear about...every aspect of agriculture show me how important strong roots are.
Strong Roots. Strong Yields. It's more than just a saying on a DEKALB sign...it's a motto for the agricultural industry!
Unique Story
We all have a story, our stories are unique and diverse but our stories all have one thing in common...agriculture. Whether your tie to agriculture comes from growing up on a farm or ranch, or if the only connection you have to agriculture is the food you eat; it really doesn't matter.
All of our stories rely heavily on the story agriculture has written, the unfortunate thing about this is that all too often people don't realize the impact agriculture has on their lives. The even more unfortunate thing is that those directly tied to agriculture are partially to blame.
Those directly tied to agriculture understand how important agriculture is, but so often we fail to tell others. We often get frustrated because animal rights and environmental groups are gaining ground with the uniformed public, but to be honest we have no one to blame but ourselves. If we just took the time to inform the general public about the importance of agriculture in their life we wouldn't have to worry so much about these groups gaining more and more support. We must inform the general public about the amazing story of agriculture. But when telling agriculture's story we must remember one thing...keep it simple!
Young children and those who aren't as connected with agriculture don't always understand our technical language. In fact most of them get pretty lost when we use words like acres, bushels, etc. They relate better to "I raised enough wheat to produce 87,600 loaves of bread" versus "I raised 1,200 bushels of wheat." Yes, it takes a little bit of time to figure out just how many loaves of bread could be produced with "x" amount of bushels, but the results will resonate with people on a much louder level.
By taking the time to talk with others about agriculture you may actually learn something about the unique story agriculture has written. For instance you may come to find out that in one year a dairy cow will produce 1,500 gallons or 6,000 quarts of milk. Or that a hive of bees flies 55,000 miles to produce one pound of honey. These are facts that people not directly involved with agriculture understand, can relate to. The world of agriculture has its own unique story. But what are we doing to make sure that story is heard loud and clear?
Changes
At our farm we are currently working on building a new calving barn; a project that has completely changed the look of our farm yard. The barn that used to be there is long gone and as more and more gravel trucks come and go it changes even more. In a few weeks the construction of the new building will be complete and it will become a permanent part of our operation.
Tearing down an old farm building doesn't seem very significant, but in reality it is. While that old barn was still useable it wasn't as functional as the new barn will be. This concept is something those directly involved with agriculture understand very well.
Those dedicated to the expansion of agriculture understand the importance of taking the "old" and making it better, more functional. Whether it is the business, science or production side of agriculture, the changes they make completely change the look of the agricultural industry. And these changes also help farmers, ranchers, scientists and business people do their jobs better. The tractors, seed, chemical, antibiotics and software we use today will be completely different five years down the road. The reason: those involved with agriculture today are working to make changes that will make these products more functional in the future.
I am excited to see how are farm looks after the construction is complete. And while the construction won't take years, its impact on our operation will last for a long time. The technology we will use five years from now is being developed right now. Our job is to be patient as we wait for the seed, chemical, software and antibiotics that will change the way we view agriculture.
Organizations Make Huge Impact
This past year I served the North Dakota FFA Association as the Southeast Region Vice President, and I had a great time getting to know FFA members across the state. One of the biggest tasks our team faced this year was putting on the 2010 North Dakota State FFA Convention, June 7-11. During the week I had the opportunity to visit with numerous FFA members and hear all about their involvement with agriculture. The following week, June 14-16, I was able to attend the Foster County Fair and watch as 4-H members exhibited numerous static projects and livestock. Finally, on June 21 I had the opportunity to attend the opening night session of the 4-H Extension Youth Conference in Fargo. I was able to hear keynote speaker Irene Fernando, Co-Executive Director of Students Today Leaders Forever, and hear her challenge the nearly 100 members in attendance. The great thing about all of the FFA and 4-H members I have met with over the past two weeks is their dedication to agriculture. These students are being prepared for jobs in the field of agriculture and are gaining valuable life experiences that will help them no matter what career they pursue...and they're excited about it! In order for agriculture to continue to grow, expand we need young people who are excited and have new, innovative ideas. It is our job to continue encouraging young people to pursue opportunities in agriculture. Whether that means encouraging them to be involved in FFA or 4-H, showing them the impact agriculture has had on our life, or simply talking to them about the wonderful opportunities agriculture has to offer, we have a responsibility to inform them. I hope that more young people will realize all that agriculture has to offer so that organizations like FFA and 4-H can continue to make an impact; not only on members but all those involved in agriculture.
I Love My Job!
"The strength of radio is its immediacy." One of the first things I heard upon starting my internship with RRFN. At first I didn't think much about what Mike said that first day, but the longer I work here the more I realize the importance of what he told me that first day. I have realized the importance of getting the facts, and getting them fast! I have been a part of the RRFN team for a little more than a month, and I have learned so much in that short time. Having the privilege to learn for the best in the business is truly a blessing and I enjoy each day on the job. Randy always says he loves his job because he gets to play radio everyday...I agree with him 110%! When I tell people I drive nearly four hours for work everyday they often look at me like I'm crazy, but I love what I'm doing so much that those four hours in the car seem insignificant.