Our task at hand

The other day I was wandering around the SLO Farmer's Market, and I stumbled across something that made me think a bit deeper. As I walked down the street, in between two of my friends, we discovered a band playing near by. We decided that it would be a fun idea to sit on the side walk, eat our dinner, and listen to the band. While we watched, I noticed a small group of very young children dancing in front of the band. In particular there was a brother and sister, probably not more than a year and a half apart in age, that were chasing each other in circles. They did not have a care in the world, no stress on their shoulders, no student fees to worry about, and no homework to get done before an 8am class in the morning. I got to thinking what a lovely life style young children have. I remember being deathly afraid of coming to college. I had so much to worry about, or so I thought. I am in my third quarter of college, the last quarter of my first year here. It seems like move in day was yesterday, but at the same time I have grown so much.
This recollection of my time spent at the farmer's market really describes more about me as a person. I am reflective and I am aware. This leads me to a situation that occurred yesterday while I was sitting in my dorm room. As a National Beef Ambassador it is my job to communicate about our industry. I do this through blogging, Twitter, and Facebook. However, yesterday I was in an especially informative mood. I get Google alerts sent to my email about beef. I decided to open an article, and discovered that it was a negative article from USA Today regarding government regulations in the beef industry. I read the article, posted a positive comment correcting the myths in the article, and went about my day. About an hour later I checked back on the article and found that someone had directly commented in response to my comment. They seemed very upset that I was so positive and pointed out my bias toward agriculture. They also suggested a book for me to read and I suggested a website. I went to Amazon and ordered the book right then!
Agriculture Communicators must listen to others. It is important to understand the point of view other than your own. We must stand solid to our part in inspiring others about agriculture and the benefits of agriculture!
Go team!

The FIELD of Journalism

What is the definition of leadership? To me it can be summed up in several words. Leadership encompasses someone that is outstanding in their field. Yet, what is the definition of agriculture leadership? This is someone out standing in their field. The same words, but a totally different meaning. The majority of people lack the knowledge of where their food comes from or how it is produced. Really, what the majority of people lack is the knowledge of agriculture. Agriculture is everywhere around you. In your homes, on your backs, below your feet, and even in your stomach. The latter is the most obviously recognized form of agriculture. However, the clothes you wear, the sheets that you sleep in, and the ground that you stand on can all be attributed to agriculture. Why am I telling you these things? Because I am an agriculture communicator. I have been out standing in my field every since my tiny little feet hit the soil beneath me. Notice I did not say dirt. No, my feet first walked on the nutrient soil in the garden that my father so diligently worked to produce when I was younger. My mother exposed me to the life of a "chicken lady", as she so proudly referred to herself as, at a very young age. She gave me the responsibility of carrying two eggs home when I was at the ripe age of about a year and a half. Of course, I was so over-joyed with this task, that I clapped my hands together. The result was nothing less of an egg yoke bath, followed by several salty tears that rolled down my little red cheeks. This is my first and most valued memory of my childhood.

You may ask me if I have a bias in agriculture. I will honestly tell you that I have a HUGE bias in agriculture. It's my life, my love, my home, and my future career. Naturally when anyone may challenge something someone loves in a negative way that person will get defensive. I find it very hard to act professional when someone challenges my love of agriculture. People do this very easily by not having a basic understanding of what my life revolves around. Truthfully, their lives revolve around it too.
I am taking the Journalism 205 class at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to strengthen my understanding of how to successfully relay important information to others. I practice this already with my position as a National Beef Ambassador! I am heavily involved in social media networking, blogging, and public speaking! I am excited for this class so that I can better learn the FIELD of agriculture journalism!