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!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
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!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Speechless
Speechless…for once in my life I can honestly say I am speechless. While searching for the latest ag news 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.
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.
Monday, June 20, 2011
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!
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!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
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!
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!
Monday, June 13, 2011
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!
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!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
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.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
A Price Worth Paying
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!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
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!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
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.
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