A Team, An Industry Worth Fighting For

Friday was a big day. Yes it was my birthday, but more importantly the Bison beat Georgia Southern in the semi-final game...next stop, Frisco!! It was so fun to spend my birthday cheering for the Bison with thousands of other dedicated fans. I don't think anyone who walked out of the FargoDome had much of a voice left, but no one cared. We got to watch an incredible football game and will get to watch the Bison fight for another FCS Championship!

The unique thing about Bison fans, perhaps sports fans in general, is their dedication to their team...good times and bad. True fans stick with their team through the tough times: injured player, a season plagued by more losses than wins; no matter what true fans remain dedicated to their team. Yes, it would be easier to cheer for a more successful team and, let's be honest, you probably wouldn't get harassed as much if you would quit wearing that jersey in public, but those aren't characteristics of a die-hard fan.

I think the same goes for the individuals in the agriculture industry. Besides sports fans, our industry is made up of the most dedicated people I know. Individuals who will get up several times during the night in the middle of winter to check on cows and calves during calving season. Individuals who will seed around the clock to make sure their crop gets in the ground. Individuals who will combine through the night  to get the crop off before the rain. Individuals who wake up at 4 o'clock in the morning to drive their kids to town so they can ride the bus to a 4-H or FFA judging contest. These are just a few of countless examples of the dedicated individuals who are part of our great industry.

Just like sports fans, the individuals in our industry are there through the good times and bad. When it hasn't rained in weeks, when prices aren't the best, when the tractor breaks down, when hail destroys an entire field...they don't give up. They may get discouraged, but they never quit fighting. They understand that life is full of challenges, and sometimes it can feel like an uphill climb, but they know that their industry is something worth fighting for. No matter what the circumstances, people in agriculture don't give up.

All I wanted for my birthday was a Bison victory...my wish came true!!

I'm proud to be a Bison fan and there's no question I'm proud to be a part of the agriculture industry! Win or lose, I hope you will remain a true Bison fan. And despite the challenges you may have faced this year, remember...agriculture is an industry worth fighting for!

Until next week,