Experience It!

Over the past few weeks, I have had wonderful opportunities to learn more about the agriculture industry. I have had the chance to follow an agribusiness professional, create a youtube video, as well as intern at the CA/NV Cattlemen's/Cattlewomen's Convention in Sparks, NV. These three things have not only kept me busy over the past month, but they have also inspired me to want more. As a youth in this industry, I can learn all I can to teach others to promote agriculture. Spending the day with a young woman from Harris Ranch Beef Company allowed me to learn more about the meat aspect of the beef industry. We traveled to different markets that she sells meat to, and I got the opportunity to learn more about sales. Making the video for my communication class was a great first-time experience. I targeted a theme of beef safety and now not only will my video be online for consumers to view, but it will also help fund the National Beef Ambassador Program. The last event that I was able to experience, I actually just got home from. I traveled to Sparks, NV this past week to intern at the state Cattlemen's/Cattlewomen's Convention. It was a great opportunity to make connections and interact with people in the cattle industry. Knowledge is power, and there was so much power in knowledge at that conference. I'd like to take this time to thank the farmers and ranchers that put food on our tables each day, because without agriculture, where would we be?

Agriculture Leaders

As a freshman in college, I have recently looked back on my experiences in 4-H and FFA in my younger years. Growing up on a ranch and always living with the background of a country life, it never dawned on me when I was younger that others didn't get the same experience I did. Well, sure there was the fact that I didn't get to go over to so-and-so's house to play or do homework with them because I lived too far away, but I also had nature's finest all to myself right in my own backyard. I would find myself walking the cow-trails, or herding the sheep, or wandering through the barnyard just to see what I could find in moments of boredom. These everyday pleasures have surely left me for now as I sit on the third floor of my brick dorm building.
However, I have to remember why I am here, on the third floor of a brick dorm building. I am here to develop my passion and pursue a career in what I find most interesting to me. Agriculture has always been a part of my life, however; now it is my duty to educate those who have not always had a playful hog, or docile steer to turn to in times of loneliness. It is my duty as a member of the agriculture team to positively advocate the industry on a whole, so that those who are unfamiliar with our industry may better understand it. There are several ways a young person can do this. Whether it be through 4-H or FFA, or through different agricultural programs such as the Beef Ambassador Program or the Young Cattlemens Committee, we can all choose to make a positive difference for the betterment of tomorrow.
Having served in many offices in 4-H and FFA, and pursuing my passion for agriculture by showing livestock at the county fair, as well as serving on several agricultural based committees I have only seen a small part of what I can do to make a difference. My biggest wish in the agricultural industry is for every single person involved to make at least on positive action each day. Just imagine how many lives we could touch by informing others and empowering them with our knowledge. I know it would make my day brighter if I could continue to make a difference in the lives of others with small, positive actions. Let's all take action by being involved in this industry of agriculture. Let's all be agricultural leaders!