Why Agriculturists Shouldn’t Talk in Public

As college students, we often find ourselves in awkward conversations in public. Whether it be our hungover friends telling us drunken stories,  our roommates reminding us of the strange noises creeping into our rooms from the frat guys above us or how the college struggle is real because “adulting” is hard. There is no escaping it. There will always be awkward conversations and someone is always going to hear it. It may be the 3 year old picking his nose while staring at you over the booth or an old lady innocently trying to get her grocery shopping done. Either way, they heard you.

Of all the awkward conversations in the average college students have nothing can compare to those that college “farmers” have. In our learning days, we often get excited about the little things. How many calves were born that week (every gross detailed included). How many cows we had to palpitate that day. Or my personal favorite what semen other farmers are using to AI.

As I was sitting at dinner with some of my closest friends tonight, I noticed it. As I stuck my hand over the table, (to prove my arm was hardly long enough to reach the cervix of a Holstein cow) I realized how wrong it was to be having this conversation, with these words, in a public restaurant. But what was even weirder than discussing how my friend was now moving his farm towards sexed semen was how natural it came. For an hour, Austin and I discussed the differences between his dairy (Waldroup Farms in Lagrange, GA) and the dairy I currently am employed at while we shared experiences with my sorority sisters.

But even worse than that, I often find myself in these conversations with adults too. Meeting parents for the first time is always awkward, unless you are in the agriculture industry. As I met my best friends parents for the first time, they were thrilled to hear that I work at the University of Georgia Dairy. We were supposed to be planning a hog show but instead the conversation turned to our connections in the livestock industry and all of our many experiences in the livestock. As we talked we found ourselves laughing at my friends dad sharing how he had to have stool to reach into a Holstein cow during AI school.

Most people will say “you should never have conversations like that in public or with adults” but these “awkward” conversations are something I am beyond blessed with. No where in the world will you find the friends and the passion like that of what the agriculture industry has blessed me with.

Opportunity

If you were google the definition of the word opportunity you would get something along the lines of “A set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something.” The synonyms listed; chance, luck, or the right set of circumstances. But to me, opportunity means so much more.

Opportunity is agriculture. One of my favorite quotes of all times is by Thomas Edison and says, “Opportunity is often missed by people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” As a women in the agriculture industry I have learned that its not always pretty outfits and perfect hair (and ya’ll know how much I love my Lilly and Jacks). I often find myself walking through corn fields looking like a rodeo clown or in the calf barn covered in colostrum and in those moments, I have never been happier. Needless to say, your boy Thomas had it right. The opportunities in the agriculture industry may not be fashion forward or easy but every second is worth it.

Opportunity is feeding the world. Farmers work tirelessly day and night to raise crops and cattle and everything in between to make sure that we are clothed and fed. Farmers are not appreciated nearly enough. (Don’t forget to thank a farmer, duh!)

Opportunity is growing as a person. This can be anything from internships or student worker jobs to help gain knowledge about the industry to better yourself. Or it could also be finding yourself. I couldn’t tell you the many times I have caught myself riding down back roads staring into fields covered in cotton and sunsets. Farmland was Gods way of reminding us he loves us.

Opportunity is passion, success and dedication. A wise man (shout out to my dad) once said, “If you are looking for success, you must first find dedication.” While dedication is a very important key to success, I may have to argue this one (as always, sorry dad). I think if you are looking for success you must first find passion. You can be handed every opportunity in the world by “luck” or by “chance” and just throw it all away because your heart doesn’t have the passion for it.

Opportunity is what you make it. I have been given many opportunities in my life and I am very blessed. Granted some opportunities I passed up I do not regret it because it lead me to where I am today. I am currently working at a dairy for the summer and I am loving every minute of it. Yes, it is usually around 100 degrees outside (no joke) it is totally worth it because I am learning so much. I could be sitting by my pool at home listening to Jimmy Buffet but instead I am taking advantage of an opportunity and having a dang good time while I am doing it.

 

 

 

Why chipotle is not LYFE

Let’s face it, we have all seen the video of the young boy mocking, what seems to be a teenage girl, obsessing over chipotle. But what is all the rant and rave over a burrito bowl? They don’t even have cheese dip for goodness sake.

For most people in urban areas, chipotle comes across as a restaurant portraying positive images and promoting sustainable agriculture. But for farmers and agriculture advocates it is a restaurant that is skewing information given to consumers and bashing farmer’s practices.  These are the mottos, beliefs, and advertising methods used by Chipotle described by an agriculturist’s prospective:

NO GMO. In the early months of 2015 Chipotle was the first restaurant to nationally announce that their menu was officially GMO free. For those who don’t know, a GMO is a genetically modified organism. GMO’s allow farmers to increase yields and feed more people with fewer farms. This scares consumers because of “super bugs” and resistance to diseases when in fact it has never been proven that GMO’s have caused death, increased allergies, or increased human resistant to antibiotics. There has been no proof of any harmful effects of GMO’s on humans or the environment. (I do not claim to be a GMO genius, for more information on GMOs see this link)

Cultivating a Better World. Chipotle claims that by using their farmers they are encouraging agriculturists to “cultivate a better world.” This goes along with another one of their mottos,  Food with integrity. For most of Chipotle’s consumers they think, “Wow, Chipotle really cares.” By no means am I saying Chipotle doesn’t care about what farmers are producing or what consumers are putting in their mouths but I am saying that the farmers they use for the food in the restaurants are not the only farmers that care about what you are eating and what is happening to the environment. Farmers work everyday to ensure that what they are producing is going provide for future generations and that their food is safe for their own families to eat.

Factory Farming. Chipotle not only has youtube videos and articles discussing factory farming they now even have a comedy TV show on Hulu. Within the first 3 minutes of the TV series they show a “farm” in a warehouse and they blow up a cow. As someone who has worked with beef and dairy cattle, swine, and poultry I have never seen something like this happen but consumers don’t realize that. Why? Today consumers are about 3 generations removed from the farm. This means the average elementary school student thinks that their food comes from Walmart or McDonalds and not the farm. Farms today, of course are going to look different from what they did 50 or 60 years ago because we are feeding a population with billions more people. The farms look different but they are actually more productive and practices used are more ethical. Farmers do care about the health of livestock and the consumers no matter what organizations like Chipotle or PETA say.

Sustainability. Multiple times as I flipped through the Chipotle website I ran across the word “sustainable.” But what is sustainability and who measures it? What I consider sustainable may not be what you consider sustainable. Farmers all over the United states are implementing new practices to become more sustainable. For example, rooftop gardens in urban areas such as New York and GMOs in rural areas are allowing farmers to use less pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers leave less green house gasses. Just because Chipotle doesn’t think that a farmer’s practices aren’t sustainable doesn’t mean that a farmer isn’t doing his or her best to protect the environment, his livestock, and the health of the consumers.

In America, the great thing is we have freedom of speech and we are entitled to our own opinion. As an agriculturist, I support sustainable agriculture and GMOs. Organizations like Chipotle and PETA make advocating for agriculture harder. It is our job as agriculturists to be able to handle conversations with supporters of these type organizations. I challenge each of you reading this to research GMO’s and make a difference in your local community.

 

 

French Manicures, Heels, and Agriculture.

As a woman in the agriculture industry its funny to hear some of the reason why we, as women, “can’t” do something. I think it is safe to say that women are no longer considered the minority in this industry because we are closing the gender gap. But agriculture is still considered a man’s industry so along with being a woman in a man’s industry there comes a few struggles and doubts. So laugh along with me as I share some of the things I have heard as a woman working in the agriculture industry.

1.  “You can’t feed cows in THAT outfit.” You would be surprised at some of the outfits I have successfully fed my livestock in. It has been done in heels and official dress all the way to flip flops and bikini tops. When the livestock needs tending to, it can’t always wait but you can always easily wash your clothes. There is nothing a little soap and water can’t fix so why be scared of getting dirty.
2. “Are those fake nails going to get in the way out there?” Ironically I had someone ask me this yesterday. No, as a matter of fact, my french manicure has nothing to do with my work ethic. If my nail breaks, sure its going to hurt but its not the end of the world and fill-ins are not that expensive but thank you for noticing that I got my nails done.
3. “Does she really think she can pick that up?” I may be a small girl but I promise I am stronger than I look. Showing livestock all through high school I was always in charge of buying feed and those 50 lbs feed bags didn’t load and unload themselves, I promise. Granted, I may not be able to do somethings guys can because of my size (yeah, being under 5 ft isn’t always a perk), it has nothing to do with the fact that I am a female. So, please, do not under estimate me.
4. “Why are you wasting your money on a degree if you’re JUST going to farm.” One of my favorite quotes is “The FFA is more than just cows, plows and sows.” This is also true in the agriculture industry. (Yes, I am aware you are thinking “what the heck did she just say”) The agriculture industry doesn’t just involve farming anymore. Of course one day I want to own and operate my own small farm but my future job in the agriculture industry fits somewhere between politics and sales. (Again, I’m sure you are like “wait, so she doesn’t want to get dirty?”) I want to protect farmers and educate consumers but that doesn’t mean I don’t have passion for agriculture and farming. Besides, farmers can have degrees too.
5. “You do know, working here means you’ll be wearing poop all the time, right?” Yes, I am aware that cows poop. I am also aware that it stinks. Your point? I am not afraid to get dirty. Just because I took the time to put on mascara this morning does not mean I can’t handle the cow feces on my jeans. (FYI pig poop is the worst so I don’t even want to hear it)

Of course, I am not complaining about the struggles of being in this industry because honestly I don’t see myself fitting in anywhere else and there are many other women who seem to agree. Women need agriculture and agriculture needs women.  And as a plus, women do make agriculture look good.

Agriculture Awareness: It’s OUR Responsibility

As an agriculturist, everyday I am frustrated by the lack of knowledge the common person has on agriculture. Often as agriculturists we hear that we do a terrible job at advocating for agriculture. Wait, What? So is it really ALL the agriculturist fault that the lack of knowledge of agriculture is growing? Of course from time to time farmers get a little distracted by the calves who need to be bottle fed or the Vidalia Onion season deadline. But farmers are often opening their farms for tours, writing blogs, going into classrooms for agriculture education programs and even serving as lobbyists for agricultural issues.  Consumers are often blindsided by big organizations like PETA, The Humane Society of the United States, and other animal rights groups that they pay little attention to the word of the farmer. But as agriculturists we can’t let this stop us. Today is agriculture awareness day and as I look around my small campus I see so many different people sharing their passion and knowledge for agriculture. Don’t let days like today be the only time you share your passion for this industry. We must continue to spread our message until our voice is heard because We are agriculture and we feed the world. 

 

Why Agriculture and Relationships Go Hand-in-hand

Relationships are scary. I’ve watched and experienced many relationships, I thought were strong, fail. I’ve thought through many different ways to make sure that never happens to me and everytime I catch myself getting the same two answers everytime; God and agriculture. 

For many who aren’t involved in agriculture you are probably thinking you are crazy but for me it’s simple. In order to have a strong relationship you must have a strong relationship with Christ to build a strong foundation with your significant other. That one is pretty self explanatory. Agriculture is a strong passion of mine and some of my strongest and best friendships in my life are currently built on agriculture so why not let that flow over to my relationships. Agriculture can bring a lot to the table in relationships.

1. Talking agriculture.  Sure we may not always agree on GMO’s or the way to judge a stock show class but that is okay. That is okay because I don’t know everything about agriculture and I’m opened minded to learn more everyday. I will just appreciate the fact that you can intellectually hold a conversation about agriculture, heck most guys today couldn’t even define GMO! 
2. Livestock adventures. Some of my greatest memories with my family are on the farm or driving millions of miles singing Dixie Chicks pulling livestock trailers. I want to be able to continue that with someone who appreciates livestock and agriculture by my side.
3. Many memories to come. Like I said, some of my greatest memories come from agriculture. If you share a passion for agriculture you probably have had the same experiences. Those are experiences you never want to end so our relationship will be full of growing our relationship and our passion for agriculture. 

As I finish my second year of college I know I am no where near ready to settle down. I have a lot more exploring this crazy world to do. But as I watch my friends get married and have kids all over Facebook, I wonder what it’s going to be like when I reach that point in my life. As long as I keep God and Agriculture in my relationship I know that one day I’ll marry my best friend. 

Veganism and the Bible

As I sit in my bed reading my bible for my afternoon bible study I realize God always has the answers. Recently my Facebook timeline has been full of posts bashing agriculture and farmers. Most of these posts come from Vegans who are all about animal rights and welfare. Don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with being vegan, this is America and we are allowed to have opinions, but here is why I am not a vegan.

Of course a simple answer would be to say meat is GOOD! But a better answer? Because God said so. As I was reading my bible a few scriptures began to stick out to me. As an advocate for agriculture, I am always looking for ways to “defend” the industry that is constantly being blindsided. Of course the bible is up for interpretation but here is my interpretation of the scriptures that stood out to me.

Genesis 8:1 “But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters ended.”

Yes, this verse is talking about Noah and the Ark, but if you read carefully you notice the wording. God differentiates between the “wild animals” and the “livestock.” Later in Genesis, God tells Noah that the animals, bird and fish would be for him and his family to eat. These animals produce milk that is consumable for humans and their bodies acquire meat. The meat we get from livestock supplies us with protein and energy. God made everything with a purpose, and I believe His purpose when creating livestock was to feed His children.

Exodus 33:3 “Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey.”

Of course we can’t talk about veganism without discussing dairy, but honey too? Honey comes from animals therefore is “not consumable” by vegans. Vegans refrain from anything that exploits animals. Because bees are used in the process of making honey vegans do not consume it. This verse shows the importance of milk and honey to communities. Milk is a necessity for life for animals and for humans. Milk was used for nutritional value for children and adults while honey was used for medicinal purposes and still is today. Today, many people will eat a spoonful of local honey to rid or any sinuses or allergies. Milk is encouraged by most to help fight diseases, add calcium to your diet, and to give you protein.

Luke 15:23 “Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.”

Often the bible says you should not eat the fat of an animal, but never does it say you should not eat the meat. The Bible often discusses the consumption of meat. Many times in the bible killing of animals is discussed as a sacrifice to God, but in this verse the eating of meat is used as a means pleasure or enjoyment. Vegans are concerned with the treatment of animals in the slaughterhouses, but as the agriculture industry has advanced people like Temple Grandin have created more humane ways for livestock to be treated up until the time of slaughter.

2 Timothy 2:6 “The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.”

Farmers work hard every day in order make to sure that the people in our society are fed. First they must make sure that the crops or livestock they are raising fit into the demands of the society. Then they must make sure that everything is perfect from the moment the seed is in the ground or the hooves hit the floor. They are constantly making sure that what they are doing is going to be efficient in the long run for future generations. A farmers job is 24/7 365 days a year but in return they are bashed on social media and undercover footage is being filmed and taken out of context. Farmers have one of the hardest jobs on the planet. In this verse I believe that it is saying that someone who works selflessly the way a farmer does to make sure that almost 400 million people are being fed then they deserve some sort of requital.

As our society grows we become more and more distanced from the bible and the farm. Remember if you are ever unsure about something, God always has the answer. Never doubt Him and all that he can do. I by no means claim to be a perfect Christian or even the best writer but I am sure of two things 1) God is the creator of all things and he created everything with a purpose and 2) Agriculture is necessary for survival in this world. So remember as you lay your head down tonight, thank God for everything he does and thank a farmer for all his hard work.

 

 

 

 

How Agriculture Organizations got it all RIGHT

Recently, a blog was posted bashing the National FFA and the code of ethics the organization runs by. To say the article got it all wrong would be an understatement. Being apart of the FFA for all four years of high school was one of the best things. Not only did I get to meet some very awesome people but I also got to develop myself as a professional in a career that I enjoy. After graduating I knew that leaving the industry and such an amazing organization would be hard so I declared my major as Agriculture Education and joined another amazing organization, Sigma Alpha. Sigma Alpha is a professional sorority that promotes its members in all facets of agriculture. Though I am not an active member of the FFA, I will always uphold the ideals of an FFA member. Sigma Alpha has been my home away from the FFA and I would say that they go hand in hand, here is how.

Friends who always have your back

Friends who always are there for you are the friends you should keep around. All the friends I have made through Sigma Alpha and the FFA have been wonderful but the best part, sharing a passion for agriculture. Sure anyone can be a true friend but not anyone would stay up late hours fitting calves with you or planning a hog show in the late hours of the night. These friends have helped me grow as an agriculturist and I couldn’t thank them enough.

Oh, the places you will go

Whether it be to Indianapolis, Indiana or St. Louis Missouri these organizations always have me traveling. Before joining the FFA I had only been to a few other states. Now, I have flown on my first plane with my Sigma Alpha sisters and have traveled to over 7 states. While in the different states we were just visiting but learning about the agriculture in each state.

And the people you will meet

Through both organizations I have been honored to meet such wonderful agriculturists. Attending many conventions I have got to speak with representatives at places like Monsanto and Bayer Crop Science about internships and possible job opportunities I could possibly have in the future. I have got to meet people like Zippy Duvall, Nathan Deal, and my personal favorite Gary Black, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture. Being apart of the organization I have been able to meet these people and make an impression so that one day I can be in their shoes as well.

Educational Opportunities

In the FFA my SAE, supervised agricultural experience, was agriculture education. With this I got to create my own lesson plans and go into the classroom and talk to students about all different aspects of agriculture. Now as a Sigma Alpha sister we get to do the same thing. Sigma Alpha’s national Philanthropy is agriculture in the classroom. We visit schools all over Tift county and talk to students about agriculture. This is important because many students don’t know where there food is coming from and they are the future of agriculture.

Working hands on with Livestock

PETA swears that raising livestock for slaughter is the worst thing anyone could do. Coming from someone who showed livestock all through high school I know that is an incorrect statement. Because of the opportunities I was given through the FFA with showing livestock I am better educated on how to raise livestock for production, I am more responsible, and if one day I do become a production farmer I know who to feed the world without abusing animals to do it. Sigma Alpha has also given me the opportunity to educated the public by working hands on with agriculture and visiting farms to see exactly how different farms are ran.

I am UDDERLY in love with these organizations  

I could go on and on about how great both organizations are but until you actually experience yourself, you will never understand. If you aren’t involved with an agricultural organization I encourage you to. This will allow you to gain the knowledge you need to truly understand what is being said about the agriculture industry. With social media on the rise, the farmer is always going to be the target. Unfortunately, the farmers voice is unheard. It is our job to advocate for them and to educate the public on how much of an impact that agriculture has on your day to do life. Let your voices shine!

 

 

What Sorority Should You have Rushed?

As I lay in bed after a long day, like any other typical sorority girl, I scroll through Twitter, Facebook, and of course Instagram all before falling asleep. I am constantly finding myself on TSM’s blog pages reading posts like “Top 10 Sororities to Rush in 2016” or “What Sorority You Really Should Have Rushed?” Tonight, instead of closing the article and going on with my scrolling I found myself smiling, almost giggling at my phone.

After spending the past two days in a show barn at my college’s different livestock shows hosted this weekend I realized being in the agriculture industry the word “Sorority” doesn’t sit very well with people. Growing up in the FFA and now being an active member in other agricultural organizations such as the Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers I never would have pictured myself joining a sorority. That was until I was introduced to Sigma Alpha.

Sigma Alpha is a professional agricultural sorority that promotes women pursing careers in the agriculture industry. Sigma Alpha’s national philanthropy is Agriculture in the Classroom. Sigma Alpha has helped me connect with other girls who want to further not only themselves but also a society as a whole through their passion for agriculture. I now have a group of sisters who will sit with me for 8 hours planning a hog show that hasn’t even been approved by the executive board members, or painting cow shirts for our next agriculture in the classroom event.

So, I find my self here laughing at my phone and thinking: No, my sorority will never be the “Top Sorority to Rush” in any year and my sorority will always be the only sorority I should have rushed no matter what TSM’s quizzes say. Not every sorority is the right sorority for everyone. As rush week comes up for most schools here in the south I encourage everyone to consider a sorority that’s right for them not what sorority everyone else is rushing. Happy rushing!

The Journey Begins Here

August 15, 2009 I walked into something that would soon change my life. I walked into my first agriculture class. In that moment I knew that this is where I was meant to be. Just the atmosphere and people around me was so intriguing. I quickly joined and got as active as I could in the FFA. I did everything I could, from CDE’s to showing livestock. I spent the next four years of high school shaving pigs and preparing speeches. For me FFA was my home away from home. There would be times where my Advisors literally had to kick me out of their classrooms for wanting to stay later and study for CDE’s or work on things like POA’s. At times my mom even thought that pantyhose had become apart of my everyday wardrobe.

Graduation day came way too fast. It was like the last four years had just vanished in the blink of an eye. With my Blue and Gold FFA cords hanging around my neck on top of my black gown I realized something to myself that I had said a million times but it didn’t sink in until graduation day; This was the last time I would ever wear something blue and gold as a student. My life as an FFA member has come to a complete stop and I wasn’t even ready. It felt like I had just gotten started. In that moment I realized I didn’t want to give up the FFA and I didn’t have to! For years I told myself, “I want to teach agriculture,” but graduation day was when I knew that wasn’t going to just be a dream much longer. It doesn’t end for me now that I walked across the 50 yard line at the W. Claire Harris Stadium, the Journey begins here!