I Believe in Agriculture

FOOD FIGHT!!

2012-02-13T15:36:00.000-08:00

One day will forever remain historic in my high school as the "Little Debbie Massacre." What started as a simple game of Turkey Bingo in the cafeteria, soon resembled the Apocalypse. In an instant, students started tossing Twinkies, smashing Swiss-Cake Rolls, and catapulting Cosmic-brownies- all the while, a Zebra Cake zipped past my head and hit someone in the face, students starting climbing on tables, screaming in the halls and creating a giant riot. It was awesome.
Nonetheless, today I find that the idea of a food fight has been redefined.
While I constantly find myself annoyed or amused by the chatter of social media about agriculture, I haven't said too much.
Still I find myself questioning the overall message that we convey:
If it is our mission as agriculturalists to produce food, not only for ourselves but for the growing hungry population then...

WHY ARE WE PITTING OURSELVES AGAINST EACH OTHER?!?

Non-GMO vs. GMO

Caged vs. Free-Range

'HUMANE'

Grass fed vs. Corn fed

ORGANIC vs. CONVENTIONAL

'Sustainable'

Antibiotics vs. Natural

'Local'

FAMILY FARM VS. CORPORATE FARM

No-till vs. Plow

...Vegetarians vs. "Normal" Meat-Eaters

This food fight between agriculturalists about- how, what and who is better is relentless!

* Why get upset with organic farming? They are also supporting the universal mission of providing a nutritious food supply, and helping alleviate hunger. Who knows whether or not it will be the end-all-solution to world hunger, but it is just another way of producing food.

* Why get upset at someone who doesn't like eating meat, or if there is a "vegetarian option"? They don't judge you because you don't like eating mushrooms, tomatoes or (heaven forbid)... peas. They support agriculture through their daily purchase of vegetables, fruits and soy foods.

* Why get upset with companies like Chipotle or McDonald's because of their decision to have cage-free/crate free animal products? They aren't eliminating or "bashing" agriculture! Why get so defensive about this topic, just because they disagree with the conventional way you farm. They are simply choosing a different farmer to supply their pork, eggs or chicken, which they agree with. Agriculture is changing, just as much as societal beliefs, as does fashion as does music. Its totally preferences.

A typical Facebook status, or link to such topics will conclude with a comment about : We must "EDUCATE" and inform "CONSUMERS" because "THEY" don't understand.

First of all, (last time I checked) we are ALL consumers. We all eat, so don't make this separation greater. Further more, it introduces an idea of "US vs. THEM." The mentality that people from a non agricultural background are uneducated and ignorant truly illustrates our own weakness. We are not perfect and we do not understand everything. Just because another person does not understand or view agriculture the same way you do doesn't make them stupid!

That person in class who prefers organic, or caged-free or rBST free-milk supports agriculture, just in a different way. They may not know what you know, and I bet they understand plenty of things you don't. Why make this a battle, competition or game of defense?

Agriculture is, and always has been an industry of collaboration to feed the world.

It's just silly.

NO LIMITS.

2011-07-20T20:23:00.000-07:00

Since I just spent a week up at an FFA camp, I thought I would change things up a little for this blog and give an FFA shout out/ challenge!

See that guy in that picture? The one on the left... kind of smiling... kind of confused...kind of awkward.

YEP... ME.

This is for sure, my first documented photograph wearing Official FFA Dress and to be completely honest, I never imagined my life being changed so much by a single organization. I'm pretty sure that this awkward sophomore would have never gained the confidence, passion or drive to live my life for others and serve the agricultural industry.

Quite often, I hear the words, "I don't know what I'm going to do when I'm done with FFA!"

I've got a simple response:

Live your life.

When that day comes to finally unzip, take off and hang up your FFA jacket for the last time (and trust me its kind of weird...) I sure hope that you don't hang up your future as well!

Everything you have learned, given, worked for and become would be IN VAIN, if you limited it to just being an FFA member. It is not just FFA... I'm talking everything you are involved with. Your special, individual life is so valuable and SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE is just waiting for you to be yourself, and be a part of their life. It may be a co-worker, college roommate, family member, future spouse or someone in another country...or in your classroom.

Bottom line- your life is made for more, and you have the power to change someones life by being you... and all they need is you.

Never limit the passions, things that make your heart race and the person you are to a JACKET. Never limit your life to 4 years in a jacket.

What did you learn this week?

"To be a leader...That I can make a difference..."

So what? Don't keep it in the FFA, don't leave it in high school, and don't keep it to yourself... live it. Not just for the next year or until you reach that one goal you've always wanted- make it your life.
Tell me: What is stopping you?

Different jacket, but I'm the same person with...

NO LIMITS.

** On that note: There are some limits you should obey like the...

Speed limit
Weight limit on an elevator
Fishing limit
Amount of 5-Hour Energy's you drink in 1 hour
Number of helium balloons you inhale... seriously you will GO BLIND!

It came from WHERE?!

2011-07-07T13:44:00.000-07:00

Q: Where does your milk come from?

A: The grocery store.

Too often, I have found myself or friends quickly victimizing or undermining the individual who would answer a question like this. We are so quick to say...

NO. It came from a farm!

...and make the person who we asked this trapping-question, feel like an idiot.

As agriculturalists, we definitely have passion:

Passion for what we do.
Passion for our lifestyle.
Passion for every aspect of the products/services we provide.

When people do not exactly understand or know it, it can be frustrating or disrupt a normal conversation. Nonetheless, we need to make sure that we are honest with ourselves in the questions we ask and the motivation behind it.

If we are asking questions like this to:

Share a laugh with our friends, or create a mockery about it at a conference (You know exactly what I'm talking about).
Prove individuals wrong.
Create a scene or make a visible statement.

Think about what you are doing...

Is this the "PASSION" and attitude you wanted to be labeled with?

Friends,
In everything we do, it is great to have passion -with out a doubt.

However it is important to show COMPASSION when we share it, voice it or talk about it.

Having a passion for something is so unique to each of us as individuals, so its incredibly unfair for us to assume that everyone else will understand it like you do.

Passion is great, but you can't share it unless you are compassionate towards those you share it with.

Now back to the beginning question about milk and the grocery store. Let's be honest with ourselves...

Honestly, how many of you get it right from the farm?

I bet few.

**Prove me wrong, and take a picture of you getting your milk for a bowl of cereal from a bulk tank...everyday.

Its great to be having conversations like this with consumers of all differing levels of background, education and age. But please, do not be that person who will write off someone as "ignorant" or an "idiot" for not knowing what are you passionate about.

Put yourself in the situation of talking with some one that is incredibly passionate about a topic that you are neither passionate nor knowledgeable about.

Don't create traps or ask questions- it makes you look like a complete...let's just say not compassionate.

What will you say?

I HAVE A QUESTION!!!!!!!!!

2011-06-07T20:20:00.000-07:00

The barn exploded with sound! However, it wasn't the typical, iconic "MMMMMOOOOO" of the cows. With eyes as wide as a kid on Christmas morning, the visitors in the milking parlour of Autumnwood Farm were full of questions...

Do they eat anything else besides hay?

How does the milker stay on?

What happens when they don't get milked?

How come they can't produce milk before having a calf?

Is that a COW?!?!

HOW MUCH MILK DO COWS MILK??

With smiles of their face, the Daninger family welcomed each and every question... no matter how "simple" or repetitive they were. A "growing need for agricultural literacy, advocacy and education" was the primary driver for Pat and Sharlene Daninger to begin the annual Farm-City Day at Autumnwood Farm. Since 1902, dairy farming has been a part of the very life and land that Autumnwood Farm still sits on today. It is quite different today than it was over 100 years ago as the farm has expanded to include their own micro-creamery and bottling facility. While the event started small, it has grown so much through the support of local farmers, growers, organizations and community members. While some "heard about it from a neighbor" and others "just love their milk", everyone had a reason to be there. The most common theme among young families was the fact that "my kids have never been on a farm!"

I attended this event last year because I just happened to be in the cities around the same time... and I was conveniently in the same situation this year! As a high school student I was exposed to agricultural education through classes and FFA. Nonetheless, I believe that the Farm-City Day is agricultural education at its finest. Whether you are 4 or 40, where else can you get a firsthand experience of how your milk goes from "grass to glass" than visiting a dairy farm? Firsthand, they met the people behind their products. Although the event was just one day, I firmly believe that the experience that each and every visitor had will extend throughout their life. Aside from a warm day in June, Autumnwood Farm creates connections with consumers through their own newsletter highlighting the events on their farm, and even personal stories about their cows.

Days like this often make me wonder...

What am I doing to promote agriculture ?

Who else shares the story of agriculture like this ?

Are the experiences I have in agriculture shared with those disconnected ?

The Daninger family has embraced their passion for agriculture, and they are NOT selfish about it! Too often, I find myself only sharing my experience in agriculture with those who actually are engaged in agriculture simply because they "get it" and others would be confused. Families and farms like Autumnwood Farm remind me of how open we must be to those around us.

- Share your story - Share your passion - Share your life -

Through that, you can change a life.

One more thing... their chocolate milk is to die for. =)

I'll let their website sell itself... CLICK HERE!!

Goals Shmoals

2011-05-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day @ my house = CLEANING.

As I was uncovering the piles of mail I have received throughout the school year, I found an unopened envelope that had my penmanship all over it. I quickly opened it up to find that it was a letter I had written to myself in the summer of 2009 at a State FFA Camp I was working at. In the letter were some basic "What are you doing with your life?!" statements and questions.

On the back, however were...

My Top Three Goals

To place 1st in the State for the Sheep Production Proficiency and advance to Nationals
To run for and be selected as the Minnesota FFA National Officer Candidate
To work for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service as a D.V.M - Veterinarian.

As I looked them over, I became immediately disheartened. At this point in my life, I have not accomplished any of these goals, nor am I in the position to accomplish them! More like "My Top Three Fails!"

Here's what happened...

I placed 3rd.
I ran twice and was not selected.
I am not studying Pre-Veterinary Medicine anymore.

I began to think even more and realized the error behind my thoughts. I'll admit, when I didn't achieve those first two goals it was tough, especially because they were two things that meant A LOT to me at the time. The third goal, after deciding within my first semester of classes, I began to feel embarrassed when I would have teachers, friends and family members ask me about "So how's Mr. Vet doing?"

Above all, here is the truth that a good friend of mine helped me realize.

VISION

Courtesy of http://www.visualphotos.com/

This is a GOAL.

One way I like to think about is like looking through a telescope. Say, you are standing on land and your sights are focused on this island you see before you! You set the goal to reach this island, and you never take your eyes off of it... constantly focused, doing whatever you can to reach it. You set sail, enduring weather, bumpy waves and avoiding the number of obstructions along the way.

However, for some reason a current prevents you from reaching the island. The current takes you away, and suddenly there is nothing but the vast expanse of blue water before you. You take down your telescope and see, once again, nothing but an endless amount of blue water reaching to where the earth appears to end.

It is GREAT to have goals, but I believe that with goals it is more important to have a vision. Out goals are A PART of our vision. Whether or not we "achieve" or "meet" a goal, it should not stop us from reaching our vision.

This is VISION.

Although I did not reach the above three goals, it will not stop me from keeping my life focused on my vision. My vision is to serve others through agriculture. Whether it is through my local FFA chapter, in an agricultural business or even at an international level- I will continuously strive to serve and improve people's lives.
Create goals. Strive for your goals, but don't be discouraged by not accomplishing them.
Look towards your vision.

What is your vision?

Got _____ ?

2011-05-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

MELLK... ( Midwestern )

MAHLK... ( Valley Girl )

MUKE... ( British )

MILK... (The rest of the world )

No matter how you say it, drink it, or have it with- it's delicious.

So, it has been ages since I last posted- in fact too long. Nearly 6 months!! Anyway, now that I have finished up school I do intend to get back on track. So lets get to it.

A new TV show came across my radar tonight on ABC called "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution." The premise is to analyze food service in metropolitan school districts, identify issues, eliminate "processed crap", and create awareness for students and parents. In this particular episode he takes the time to discuss milk- especially flavored milk. He speaks up at a school meeting and criticizes them for serving chocolate milk, and even fills an entire school bus up with sugar to demonstrate how much sugar kids get from drinking milk. "Over 20 grams!!!"

Time to drop in my 2 cents:

1. If you don't want your kids to drink chocolate milk- don't drink it! Kids aren't forced to drink chocolate milk, but they do prefer it over the plain milk next to it in the lunch line.

2. Pop, soda and other soft drinks are the #1 source of sugar in a child's diet! In fact, what Mr. Oliver seemed to forget is that over half of those "20g" of sugar, are naturally occurring sugars in milk. Lactose, for example, is a sugar!

3. Flavored or not- according to the American Dietetic Association - children who drink milk consume more nutrients and have a lower BMI (body mass index) than their peers that don't drink milk at all!

4. 8oz. of flavored milk has as much...

Vitamin A as 2 hard boiled eggs!

Potassium as 1 banana!

Calcium as 10 cups of raw spinach!

Phosphorus as 1 cup of red kidney beans!
Vitamin D as 3/4 oz. of cooked salmon!

Riboflavin as 1/3 cup of whole almonds!

5. Chocolate milk may not be the BEST decision when it comes to a daily consumption for students, when compared to plain milk. However- lets not eliminate it from our diets! Studies show that chocolate milk is the best drink for athletes to have, especially after a workout. Its a powerhouse of nutrients, and a great food to have at all times of the day.

So my point: do drink milk - do research - do not believe everything on TV -

*Oh one other thing that was kind of funny was this Oliver guy had a problem with milkshakes. So- he takes strawberries, yogurt and ice and blends it together... and argues with a restaurant owner on how this is a "milkshake." Sorry buddy, but look it up any other place, and you've gotta have ice-cream, milk and fruit/chocolate... you just made a smoothie.

** The actions he took with the school district resulted in him eventually being disallowed to enter the school and he even attempted to enter the school, but was escorted out by police.

***A healthy diet is important, and all things must be eaten in moderation- no matter how "healthy" or "unhealthy" they are.

CHECK THIS OUT:

http://www.whymilk.com/pdfs/Flavored-Milk-Top-5-Reasons.pdf

-THAT'S ALL FOLKS.

Connections

2010-12-31T09:14:00.000-08:00

Wow- It has definitely been too long since my last post! Finals preparation consumed my entire month of December, so I'll blame it on that.

Each Fall on the St.Paul campus of the University of Minnesota campus the leaves turn red, and conversations turn sour about professors, homework or classes.

Of these... ONE still sticks in my head. "Apparently there is a "dead" zone in Louisiana, and I'm supposed to care? We live in Minnesota, this doesn't matter."

I have never taken AGRO 1101- Biology of Plant Food Systems, but many students that are agricultural majors can take it as an alternative to the General Biology requirement. To my knowledge, one of the first topics the students cover is related to the impacts of agriculture on algal blooms and eutrophication in the Gulf of Mexico. As noted earlier, I have seen it on Facebook, and heard it in conversations about the "irrelevance" of this topic for agriculture students in Minnesota.

Let's bridge this gap, and reveal some quick facts and my own personal beliefs on the topic.

It is SO relevant

A trite statement like "it doesn't matter", simply belittles a problem that is much closer to home than we may think.
FACT: This phenomenon is not exclusive to the Gulf of Mexico. Dead zones occur worldwide, but it is SO relevant to us in the United States to discuss the Gulf of Mexico because it is connected to our land, the Mississippi River empties into it and it is part of our recreation & fisheries industry.

Whether you are from: Minnesota or Massachusetts, New Mexico or New Jersey, you can see Alaska from your house or Cuba- it matters. Speaking of New Jersey, did you know the Gulf of Mexico dead zone is the size of New Jersey? Sometimes (I think all the time) opening our mind to a new perspective, idea that is different than our own mental set is good. If we spent the rest of our lives stuck in the snowglobe of small-town USA (or even St Paul), we would never care about anything other than where we came from. You can still survive like this, no doubt. However, complacent attitudes will never seek to take action, make change and work towards improvement. This whole idea isn't about the dead zone, but about a general attitude in our culture.

What is agriculture's role?

To say that agriculture has not been blamed for the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico would be a lie. A recent documentary released about the dead zone, Troubled Waters, presents some interesting points about Minnesota agriculture's role in the development of hypoxic water. If you haven't seen it yet- do it. The University of Minnesota, for example has several places and venues to watch this. Again- as stated in my previous blog "Seek to understand, then to be understood"
It is no coincidence that the mighty Mississippi River is the central hub of the Midwest agricultural industry, as well as several others. This water body allows trade, irrigation and a natural movement of sediment, fish and other invertebrates. St Paul, Minneapolis, St.Louis, Quad Cities, Memphis and New Orleans are all major metropolitan areas located along the rivers for this very reason. Now back to my original theme about agriculture's role... I'll keep it quick.

Agriculture is not a perfect system or industry. Fertilizers: nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, ammonia, liquid manure ... they are all commonly applied to fields. Guess what? Sometimes these compounds are applied excessively, or with out precision and the result is a higher concentration of nutrients in the soil than the corn or soybean plant needs. These compounds, especially in a tile drainage system, will mix with water and runoff into the nearest river system- which more than likely will end up in the Mississippi River. On top of that, before and after harvest large quantities of soil are lifted into the air and displaced. While "no till" practices aim to prevent this erosion of soil, it is not conventional in the industry. This sediment, joins the fertilizer on it's trip down the river and meets up with other sources from across the United States, where it sequesters, promotes algal blooms and degrades the oxygen content of the Gulf of Mexico
* It is encouraging to know that our industry is realizing the gravity of such practices, and the effects it has on the environment as well as our image. We are making changes.

CONNECT

FACT: This Mississippi River Basin is composed of 31 states. This issue is not just directed towards Minnesota, but every state that has a river that flows in the Mississippi (Ohio River, Missouri River) That's over half of the Lower-48! We are all apart of and connected to this problem.

This issue is not solely because of agriculture. For example: Think about the number of impermeable surfaces we have created in our cities, especially in metropolitan areas mentioned earlier. These high traffic cities have completely removed the natural landscape and introduced extensive impermeable surfaces that promote the concentration and speed of contaminated water (gasoline, industrial waste, pesticides,trash, septic waste, sediment) in storm drains that empty directly into the Mississippi River. Additionally, the building of dams has disrupted the river ecosystem by deliberately raising and lowering water to unnatural levels, creating unnatural lakes, changing water temperatures and blocks the flow of sediments and nutrients resulting in eutrophication.
It's not an industry problem- it's OUR problem.
Finally: In my own mind, every issue is universal and deserves some type of understanding by each of us- otherwise we will not learn from our, or other's mistakes. It's a part of being a citizen of the United States, and the global population.

**TRY IT

Create your own belief statement about the Dead Zone in the Gulf of Mexico (or any issue). Let's say you "believe that agriculture is not to blame for __________" Then, write a paragraph, or just research and find 5 sources that prove your belief wrong. This isn't a test to change our values, because our values must be upheld, especially in agriculture. It is a merely a way to gain an understanding of an outside view. LEARN from it.

If you have questions, concerns, suggestions for future blogs or simply disagree- just post a comment below! Thanks-

Seek first to understand, then to be understood.

2010-11-30T08:06:00.000-08:00

OK, this is something that has been kind of grinding my gears more lately. In fact, a conversation I had earlier today seemed to mirror conversations I have had with friends before. It goes a little like this...

Friend: Agriculture is getting a pretty bad wrap lately... people just don't understand!
Me: Yeah, it gets pretty frustrating when people don't realize the consequences of their actions for an entire industry.
Friend: But its not us, it's people in the news, people making movies... PETA, HSUS.. And Food Inc. That is just terrible! They need to leave us alone.
Me: Terrible? What about Food Inc. is terrible? I thought they brought up some really interesting points.
Friend: Oh, I don't know. I've never seen it, but I've heard it is pretty bad...

Ok... dialogue ended. Here is my challenge:
1. Watch Food Inc. and write down things, comments, statistics, images that strike you.
2. Watch Food Inc. again, and this time put aside the biased ideas you may have. (Yes, this movie is biased, as are all documentaries. But watch it with a clear mind.)
3. What's the point...?
( If not Food Inc. I encourage you to research groups like HSUS, PeTA, GreenPeace or current legislation like the FDA Ban on Antibiotics or propositions including language about animal agriculture.)

... Friends, we need to take a step forward in our advocacy for agriculture. It is EASIER for us to say:
- You are wrong!
- You don't understand!
- You are ridiculous!

Dumb & Dumber: One of my favorite movies... POINT- Open your ears!

... Than to take time to CHALLENGE ourselves. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. It doesn't matter what statistics, how many generations an "average" Joe is removed from the farm, or how "efficient" it is if WE DON'T LISTEN TO THOSE ASKING QUESTIONS.

We as agriculturalists, advocates and the future of agriculture must take the high road and challenge ourselves to learn more about those who are questioning the industry that we pour our lives into. I know, from experience, that it I can be quick to label a person's comment or question about agriculture as more of an ATTACK. Yes, there are radical anti-agriculture, anti-animal, anti-meat people out there that are very passionate about what they believe in. Reality check- They are not a majority, but merely a minority.

So... who do we focus our energy on if not PeTA, or HSUS or GreenPeace?

We must focus on the majority!

The largest number of people that are curious about our food, farming and ethics are your neighbors, college class mates, church members and friends. They are part of the majority of people that may not have a direct connection to agriculture and may not have the strongest opinion of agriculture. They can easily be shaped by the information given, shared and presented to them.

Who will shape them?

You decide.

"Seek first to understand, then to be understood"

~ Stephen Covey "7 Habits for Highly Effective Teens"

Ha! I actually learned something from that book I read in high school!!!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-21T17:22:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day marks a number of events and traditions in American history since 1863:

- It is a day to remember those who first settled the land of America and gave thanks for the plentiful harvest that helped them survive.

- It is a time to remember the number of blessings in each of our own lives: family, friends, food, a home, education, love and God.

- It is the picturesque "Norman Rockewell" moment to share with family members and friends, and enjoy delicious food like a golden turkey to be carved, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, sweet corn, cranberry salad and pumpkin pie!

- It is a lazy afternoon to sit around and watch the Detroit Lions, once again, lose a Thanksgiving Day football game.

- It is an early morning to watch movies all day long, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and play games.

It is a day that, while marked with several traditions, is different every year , yet a memorable time.

The most iconic thing about Thanksgiving, in my mind, is the food and the turkey. Most American households are filled with the growing aroma of turkey on Thanksgiving Day, but more recently the traditional turkey is being tossed for a tofu alternative in some households. TOFURKEY. In short, it is a mass of soy protein molded into the shape of a turkey breast to be eaten as an alternative to turkey.

I am not ignorant that some people prefer to not eat meat, or they may be allergic to consuming animal protein. I respect that.

However, when I hear people such as Ellen DeGeneres openly encouraging people to "Adopt-A-Turkey" instead of eating one that has "suffered and tortured on a factory farm", then you lose me.

Is eating tofu wrong? NO. In fact, tofu is the result of an agricultural commodity that is quite popular in the Midwest, soybeans. So, people that eat tofu are still supporting the agricultural industry. But, what bothers me is those who chose to remove meat from their dinner table because of the "suffering" that occurs on farms, and because they are against animal agriculture.

Let's get some ideas out here:

FIRST OF ALL... It is true. In the agricultural industry, there are farmers who do not respect their livestock or care for them in a manner that is unethical. These people should be punished according to the law and understand the gravity of their actions.

SECOND... In spite of my previous statement, it is so important to know that agriculture is an industry where caring for animals is our ethical obligation and our priority. Everyday, especially during Thanksgiving, farmers give thanks for the animals, crops and land that provide for their livelihood and for ensuring the health of each person on this planet. Support your turkey farmers!

This is me with one of my turkeys that I have been caring for since May. Why did I buy them? Not only because I love raising animals, but because of the nutritional value they would add to my family's Thanksgiving dinner. I am thankful for each of the animals that I raise because of the joy I get from caring for them, as well as the nourishment they provide for my family as well as others.

FINALLY... just my own 2 cents... If you are considering "adopting", put your money towards helping and saving the life of a child.

Happy Thanksgiving, and thank a farmer for the food they have been providing our planet with for over 2,000 years!

Lord, bless the land You've given me,
And may I always know
As I tend each crop and creature
You're the One who helps them grow.

Grant me the strength and wisdom
Please protect me from harm,
And thank You
For Your gracious gift-
The blessing of a farm.

AMEN.

Locavoresaurus

2010-11-12T12:34:00.000-08:00

In 2007 Oxford Dictionary released it's annual:

Words of the Year

The 2007, Word of the Year was... Locavore!

Uh... what?

Locavore just edged out...

previvor... "a person who has not been diagnosed with a form of cancer but has survived a genetic predisposition for cancer"
colony collapse disorder... "a still-unexplained phenomenon resulting in the widespread disappearance of honeybees from beehives, first observed in late 2006"
tase... "to stun with a Tazer"
cougar... apparently, this is more than a cat. "an older woman who romantically pursues younger men"

While cougar would have won my vote, locavore took the majority vote.

locavore: A person whose diet consists principally of locally grown or produced foods.

locavoresaurus: A dinosaur that whose diet consists principally of locally grown or produced dinos.

While there is no such thing as a "local" eating dinosaur (I like to have some fun), there is a new creature and movement emerging across the United States that focuses on eating "local" foods. A couple of reasons for locavores to chose this diet is:

It is environmentally friendly.
They trust local, family farmers.
It is fresh and tastes better.

My first and foremost point: There is nothing WRONG with consuming local foods! We each have our own preferences in what we wear, where we live, what jobs we pursue- so it is no surprise that we will differ in the food we consume! However, some of the undertones associated with local foods do worry me so I am just going to throw out some of my own thoughts on agricultural production as a whole and local foods.

Environmentally Friendly

In order for a product to be considered "local", it must travel LESS THAN 400 miles from its origin to the marketplace. Locavores are concerned about the environment and the negative externalities associated with agricultural production and shipping: fuel emissions, pesticide applications, water quality & air quality. By purchasing legitimate, local food you will definitely make an impact on fuel emissions. Carbon and other fuel emissions are a tough thing to eliminate from our lives, and even something as simple as transporting food, turning on a light or driving home- will have an impact on the environment in some way. What must be understood is that we as agriculturalists care about the environment too. We see that caring for the environment is important to our consumers as well.

Farmers are the original stewards of the land, practicing best management techniques to ensure protection of the environment, including precious water resources here in Minnesota and around the country.

Technology advancements have allowed us to minimize the amount of land we use and develop and maximize our production of food. Technology helps us be more tactful in our application of nutrients and conservative in applying pesticides.

Heck! Agriculturalists have even implemented technology that captures and breaks down the notorious methane gas AKA- livestock manure odor AKA-fart.

Trust and the Family Farm

I can quite easily relate to how buying food "locally" or at a farmers market would impact my view of agriculture, having none previously. By purchasing local foods, I can see it as supporting the local economy, small business owners and farms. Additionally, when buying foods at a farmers market, I don't just see the "Chaquita" banana sticker, or the "DelMonte" label. I see the face of the person responsible for my food. The food that I will eat, and rely on to live and maintain a healthy life. We as agriculturalists need to continuously work to share our story, our voice and our face with the consumers we provide for. Large, corporate, conglomerate- what ever you want to call it- are not always viewed positively by consumers. It is SO important to know that all food: vegetables, fruits, grains, meat, dairy and even the sweet stuff- is grown and produced with the same integrity; Family farm or Corporate farm. By 2050, 9 billion people will be in need of food. Not just for a day. For their life. So theoretically, that is 8,212,500,000,000 meals for a year. Agriculture cannot be divided, we must have one voice. All forms of producing food is good, as long as the integrity of rural values and ethics are upheld.

Check out this great video by Syngenta: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IthhvVwEHDA

MMM-MM-MMM-M Good.

I don't' have too much to say... It is to each of us, our own preference. I won't judge you for liking the taste of local food vs. other food as long as you don't judge me for not liking the taste of mushrooms!

Seeya!

...its kind of funny. Every time I typed "locavore" I got the red squiggly line underneath it because it is "not a word", but I added it to the dictionary because it got really annoying clicking "ignore."

Our Voice, Our Vision

2010-11-08T19:18:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, I once again found myself in a similar setting: A conference with students interested in agriculture, leadership and networking. As the caravan of Dodge mini-vans (we ride in style) left from the University of Minnesota, I began creating my game plan to make this conference "the best."

What was I looking for?

Quite simply, my own selfish desire to find an internship for the summer, get my name out their with industry leaders and make some friends. I was set to make my voice heard, and my vision a reality.

However, the Agriculture Future of America conference was like no other experience I have had.I began to realize that in the number of workshops, conferences and conventions I had previously attended, I had the COMPLETELY wrong mindset. At the opening session the theme "Our Voice, Our Vision" was introduced as well as a number of speakers. It struck me when Russ Weathers, AFA President, said,

Networking is more than finding the connections for yourself, it is about helping others find their own future in agriculture. You are doing them as much of a service as for yourself.

I thought I had everything figured out, but it was in that moment that I decided to make this conference the best I could make it for others. Not only did I strive to share my own passions and personality with others, but I made it my priority to understand everyone else.

I believed that I was going to find MY voice and MY vision, and that everyone else would find THEIR voice and THEIR vision. We would figure it out for ourselves. I was so wrong. The future of agriculture will not change or be dependent on my voice, or your vision. The future of agriculture is depending on OUR voice and OUR vision. We must seek to help each other out, collaborate ideas, listen to each other and share with another our voice and vision. To take it to the next level, we must take it upon ourselves to listen to each other's voice and vision for agriculture. Do we differ? Yes. Can we always agree? No. Will agriculture need more than one person? YES.

Agriculture is so much more than me,Kirby, just some kid from Southwestern Minnesota who grew up on a farm and desires to serve others through agriculture...

It is Jackson - a young dairy farmer from Indiana who desires to take his knowledge back to the farm. He is a great friend to everyone he meets, and has a noble mission to share what he loves with those of all backgrounds.

Agriculture is Maria- a small town girl from South Dakota that impacted the lives of high school students through her service as a State FFA Officer, and strives to make a difference on the Farm Bill.

The future of agriculture is the vision of Jessica- not your typical girl. Although her background in agriculture is different, she has an inspiring vision to change the face of agricultural development in the Third-World and the people who live in poverty.

Agriculture is the voice of Tyler- a bright hearted, young entrepreneur and salesman. His voice will echo not only through his quick-lip in auctioning, but in his calming, confident and caring voice.

I believe the future of agriculture is within each of us, and it is our duty to share it and make it something we can all be proud of. It is our voice, our vision, our future.

* I must note: I was challenged by Michele Payn-Knoper from Cause Matters Corp. to make my,

" Weekly, 1 hour difference in agriculture." I know that this may not do much, but my intent is to begin sharing the story of agriculture, as well as my own story, through this blog. I previously blogged as an MN FFA state officer, but I haven't say down to download my thoughts in a while, so we shall see where this goes!

I found this very helpful in my own pursuit to understand others, and help them fulfill their mission in life... So here is the challenge: Make your conversations EXTRA-ordinary. Whenever you are in a setting where you are meeting new people, the "4 Essentials" are covered.

- Name

- Hometown

- School

- Major

... So your majoring in Ag Economics! ... Ok cool.. So.. how about that foot..ball game..?

NO!

Each of us is made for more in our lives. There is something deep down inside of each of us that gives more strength to our thoughts, heart in our actions and passion in our words. It is what makes us tick.

I find myself more often asking...

So what is it that you would love to do?

What would be one of the most fulfilling things for you to do in life?

Where does your passion come from, what inspires you to live your mission?

Maybe its cheesy, our something you just don't simply care about. But hey, it works for me and I couldn't be happier. The next step is then to think about their interests and identify people or experience in your own life that can help them reach their potential. For example, I plan on sending some information about an International Agriculture Experience to Jessica, because I think it would be a great opportunity for her to further explore her passion.

Until next time- ciao. The upcoming posts will begin to dive into more agricultural facts, stories and experiences in the livestock industry.