Midwestern Gold

Where do we go from here?

2010-11-16T13:00:00.000-06:00

Recently, I'd explain that Midwestern Gold wasn't going anywhere.

That was only partially true.

Juggling multiple blogs and websites can be difficult; this is why I've decided to consolidate Midwestern Gold and my other blog, Cheap Pizza, as "series" in my website: KellyMRivard.com

This site will stay live, to serve as the official Midwestern Gold archives. I'm also sentimental, so Midwestern Gold stay live for those reasons, as well. I'll still be blogging about food, fuel, fiber, feed, farmers, fields, and flocks. It'll still, in essence, be Midwestern Gold. It'll just be part of my online activity in a larger scheme.

Now, in addition to my ag blogging, you'll have my work portfolio and other resources right at your fingertips.

So, don't think of it as the end of Midwestern Gold. Think of it as a new exciting chapter to something that is already fantastic. I'll be seeing you at KellyMRivard.com!

Taking a Break

2010-11-05T17:24:00.000-05:00

Change is a natural part of life. I find myself blogging about change fairly often. I feel like my life is a constantly shifting maze, and just when I think I've figured out the path, things switch. Never knowing what's around the next corner can be scary, even terrifying. Sometimes it's exhilarating.

Well, a big change became official today. As stated on Twitter earlier, Farmboy and I are no longer "Farmboy and I." While it was pretty out-of-the-blue, in the end it was a fairly mutual arrangement. We split on good terms. And while this time last week, I was expecting a diamond ring before I was expecting goodbyes, I don't regret any of it.

The problem with this is that Farmboy was so deeply-rooted in Midwestern Gold, that I need to reassess my perspective and regain my footing. This is a big change. We spent six wonderful years together, and have agreed that we'll still try and be the best friends we always have been.

So, there's my dose of personal life on Midwestern Gold.

Midwestern Gold is NOT, I repeat, is NOT going anywhere. Its author just needs some time to clear her head. Thank you so much to everyone who reads this, and to everyone who's offered so much support over Facebook, Twitter, and various other mediums. The support, love, and encouragement has been valuable through all of this, and very much appreciated.

Domino's Pizza Pays Homage to Farmers!

2010-10-31T21:22:00.001-05:00

Domino's Pizza has had an interesting go of it the last few years, from bad PR to completely changing their pizza recipe. (Hey, I liked the old pizza. I still like the new pizza, though. Then again, unless it's just downright BAD pizza, I love most pizza. Anyways...) Their latest campaign, however, caught my eye. It really, really spoke to me.

So there I am, sitting on the couch at Farmboy's apartment, watching TV, being a normal, lazy college kid on a Saturday afternoon. This commercial comes on. It's for Domino's. It's about how they took some customers to a focus group to discuss Domino's flagship product, pizza. Someone mentioned the cheese. Suddenly, the customers were alerted to the fact that they weren't at some corporate building; they were in a temporary building, on a dairy farm. One of the dairy farms that supplies the milk that goes directly into making the cheese that Domino's uses.

This caught my attention. I mean, how often does a major restaurant chain draw its ingredients all the way back to the source for the public? This is fantastic reputation management for Domino's Pizza, but is also a hat-tip to the hardworking men and women who supply the ingredients that go into your pizza.

It gets better. This campaign, all about getting to know where Domino's ingredients come from, actually has an interactive website devoted to it. It isn't just television commercials with heart-warming shots of happy dairy cows. There's an ONLINE GAME. Domino's Pizza encourages you to learn more about the farms where their ingredients come from, and give you rewards for doing so. In fact, there are multiple farms mentioned specifically by name. Mixed in with the interesting facts, explanations of ingredient-preparation processes, and chances to win coupons, there are GAMES.

GAMES. That you PLAY.

So...we have interactivity, appreciation for farmers, and food that I personally love (probably too much). I wish more companies acknowledged that their ingredients come from real farmers and ranchers, on real farms and ranches, across the continent.

Whether this works as a good marketing campaign for Domino's Pizza, I don't know. But as an agvocate and avid supporter of farmers and ranchers, this thing has me buzzing. I'd love to see Domino's Pizza include more of their ingredients in this campaign! Our amazingly diverse agricultural system contributes to this company in so many ways! Here's hoping this idea catches on in the greater public, so that more and more people can realize that behind their pizza, pasta, hot wings, bread sticks, steak, or whatever else, there were hard-working men and women who pulled long hours to produce the product from the very start.

Thank you, Domino's Pizza, for appreciating the farmers and ranchers who work tirelessly to provide your company (and your customers!) with safe, plentiful, and affordable ingredients. And thank you to the farmers and ranchers, too!

Want to experience Domino's Pizza's "Behind the Pizza" project yourself? Check it out here! You can also see their normal business website here.

What Is This All About?

2010-10-27T21:20:00.000-05:00

Agvocacy, the act of advocating for agriculture, is a big part of my life. It's become a big part of who I am. Despite that, I have plenty of friends and family members who have no connection or tie with America's farmers, except for that they've found through me.

They ask me why I do what I do. They don't necessarily understand why I have a passion for this agvocacy thing.

The answers vary, depending on what's timely and relevant.

Sometimes I say that my agvocacy work is to help people understand the life that Farmboy and his family leads. Sometimes I tell folks that it's a way to stay in touch with a lost part of my family's legacy. Sometimes I talk about how spreading the word about a vast, diverse agricultural industry can help consumers better understand and appreciate the various items that farms supply them with.

In the end, though...in the end, it's about one thing. One word.

People.

The people are what make this a passion. They're the cement that hold the industry together. I didn't really "get" it right away, when my agvocacy journey started. When I sent my first tweet on the #agchat stream, I didn't think of it as a means for enhancing my human experience.

I just thought I was connecting with people who had a common interest in agriculture. Am I glad I jumped into it? Yes. My life has changed drastically because of it. I have some direction. I have something to hold on to, to drive me. Studying in communications seems so much more valuable knowing that I can apply it to a field I am passionate about.

However, it wasn't until recently that I really got how pivotal the people are. There's always the consciousness that behind a Twitter handle or a Facebook profile or a blog, there is a real living, breathing, thinking, feeling person. You see glimpses of lives, picture of animals and fields and farm equipment and friends and family. You experience a snapshot view of their life as a whole.

It isn't until you step back and get a feel for the person behind the profiles, that it really becomes clear. It isn't necessarily the industry that keeps me coming back, tweeting and blogging about farmers and ranchers. It's the people in the industry. It's the farmers and the ranchers. And when I say "farmers and ranchers," I don't refer to them as people who just farm or just ranch. It's not just a job; it's who they are. There is no way to separate the job title and the person.

The realization of that true humanity doesn't arrive all at once, though. I've become aware of it in stages. You can claim to "get" the people who tweet and blog and poke and lurk and digg. But it takes time to truly realize the unique individuality and interactive potential of the millions of other users on here. These people are wives and husbands and children and sisters and brothers and friends.

Because of Twitter, I now have close friends scattered all over the U.S., and a few in Canada. I've sat in my dorm room in Illinois around midnight and complained about homework with a farmer pursuing an M.B.A....in Nebraska. It's one instance of the interactions that I would have once thought absurd. Now, they're normal. Now, they're a part of my everyday life, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

These people, they're special. They are the reason that this country keeps ticking. They're amazing. Now, they're sharing their stories online. And they have real, true, breath-taking, amazing stories.

If anyone ever tries to tell you that they agvocate for any other reason, call them out. They're wrong. They can talk cotton and cattle and corn all they like, but it comes down to one thing: people.

How Farming Helps Me Pass Math...

2010-10-23T04:37:00.000-05:00

I hate math. With a passion. With a burning, fiery fury. I avoid balancing my checkbook if I can and nine times out of ten if I don't have a calculator I am helpless to do any sort of arithmetic. (Yes, that was an intentional pun...if you can consider that a pun...)

Anyways...

Fact is, my brain just doesn't get along well with quantitative reasoning. I've made a point to establish resources to help me out when I need it. Farmboy helps me figure out gas mileage, because simple multiplication and division leaves me frustrated. Even numbers relating to agriculture leave me a little overwhelmed. You can tell me the bushels per acre on beans or corn, and I can say, "Wow, that's great!" or "Uh oh..." You can't, however, expect me to figure out any of the other calculations that BPA could be figured into. (For non-ag folks, grain is often measured in a unit known as a "bushel." In most regions, it's the standard of measurement. Sometimes it's measured in tons per acre, rather than bushels. However, I ignore that standard of measurement, because I'm used to bushels and I'm already confused enough by numbers without conversion playing a role in my life. This discussion is officially making me feel inadequate. Moving on.)

Where was I? Oh, yeah. Even ag-related numbers can leave me a little overwhelmed. Precisions is key in agriculture, from the exact distribution of fertilizer or pesticides, to the amount of feed used, to the population at planting. (The easiest way to explain "population" would be the density of seeds planted in a row. High population means thick, close-planted rows. Someone correct me if I have this incorrect.)

Obviously, there's a lot of jargon in addition to numbers.

Fact is, I hate numbers. And most days, even farming is unable to make numbers simple and fun for me.

However, in recent months, there's a set of numbers that I've become more interested in than I'd have ever expected. In fact, I just wrote a paper about these numbers, for my math class. And I'm sure that paper will be the only decent grade I get in this course for the rest of the term.

So, what do those numbers have to do with farming? Well, I quote about tracking statistics of Midwestern Gold. What is this blog about? Farming. And farmers. And corn. And agriculture in general. And if it weren't for my avid involvement in blogging, I'd probably have no desire to know what 2+9 is. (Yes, that is a random example...and it's 11, right?)

I thank farmers a lot on this blog, but today I'm going to thank them for something a little out of left field. Thank you farmers, for helping me pass my graduation-requirement math class. Because of you, I should (keyword, should) be one gen ed closer to my bachelor's degree.

Special thanks especially to my good buddy Darin Grimm, who often gets called Data Boy or Data Dude or "the numbers guy." Because half the time, Darin's the one getting desperate IMs and text messages when I can't figure out some simple problem in my own little noggin. Check out Darin's blog here...there's often numbers involved.

It's a Worldwide Affair

2010-10-13T20:16:00.001-05:00

I have yet to meet a human being who doesn't need food to survive.

It just doesn't exist. Every one of us needs nourishment. We all share the same general requirement for food to generate energy in our bodies. Not all understand or appreciate the food in their lives. The world is riddled by food-related problems...hunger, malnourishment, undernourishment, eating disorders, obesity, drought, famine...whether it's by quantities which are too large or too small, problems with food abound across the globe.

Doesn't that make things like whether or not you'd eat meat, whether your cattle are grass-finished or corn-raised...doesn't that make it seem petty to have such heated arguments over this?

American has the strongest agricultural presence in the world. It also has the most diverse array of growing systems and methodologies. It is a leader in production of thousands of different raw goods, food included. We should all be taking a step back and appreciating the diverse food system that the United States has to offer, and being grateful for the rights and the choices we have each day in regards to our nutrition.

These arguments about what's "better" are petty. We all have a right to choose how our food is produced and how much we're willing to pay in both time and money to have that food. Every system has its benefits and set-backs; pasture-raised, confinement, corn-fed, grass-fed, organic, "conventional," large, small...the fact is, we are lucky. We are part of a place where many, if not most, don't have to worry about where their next meal comes from. We don't often have the fear of starvation or malnutrition.

If we did, we wouldn't be taking sides about where our food comes from, who raised it, and how.

So, in honor of World Food Day, which is coming up on October 16, I suggest we all take a moment to appreciate the depth of our options, and the people who exercise their right to bring you healthy, plentiful, affordable food, in a variety of ways. Thank farmers and ranchers for their work. Thank grocers and butchers and processors for making the food system more accessible. We no longer have to raise our own food, if we don't want to. We don't have to butcher our own meat or cultivate our own gardens.

Many people do for hobbies, but that in and of itself speaks of how fortunate we are. What many people do just to survive, we have the ability to do "for fun."

Think about it.

Next time you read about malnutrition, starvation, obesity, eating disorders, world hunger, or shortages, remember how fortunate you are to have the choices we have. Because, in reality, food is both a source of and solution to many, many problems.

For more information regarding World Food Day, see here.

Endless Possibilities

2010-10-05T13:07:00.000-05:00

My parents are the proud new owners of approximately 22 acres in Iroquois County, Illinois. There's an 8 or 9 acre cornfield at one corner of the property, and the rest of it is woodland, natural clearings, and riverfront. They're having the abandoned house taken down, and are placing a modular home there. The new place should be ready for us by Christmas.

Now, other than the cornfield, that doesn't sound too agricultural, right?

Well, it is. 22 acres of woodland, clearings, and riverfront in rural Illinois just screams agriculture. And 22 acres is a lot of room for some empty-nesters who used to have a houseful of rowdy kids. They've discussed ideas about what to do with the land. Obviously, they have plenty of space! So here are some of the things they've tossed around:

Taking out the corn and starting on alfalfa. The soil here is sandy, which isn't always best for corn, but tends to be a nice soil type for alfafa.
Leaving in the corn.
Getting together a herd of goats, most likely boers and/or other meat breeds. Goats do great in woodland settings and can clear undergrowth well, so it'd be a method for forest control as well as a hobby and possible side-income.
Clearing a little extra land and finishing bottle-raised dairy steers. This is especially enticing to them, because bottle calves are more likely to be friendly and easy to handle, and this would mean that their grandchildren (my nieces and nephews) could participate in this activity. My siblings and I were lucky enough to stay in touch with where our food came from (it's easy to do when it comes from your own pasture/finishing lot), and I think it'd be great for them to once again offer this opportunity to the next generation. (Why dairy steers? It's hard to find bottle-raised beef cattle for cheap, and dairy farms always need an outlet for their male calves. It's a win-win, for us and for the farmers who work in dairy full-time.)
Chickens and/or ducks. My stepdad thinks they'd be fun. My mother and I are both pretty anti-poultry, though.
Renting out pasture land.
Previously, they'd considered working out the corn field and getting a contract with the state to return it to forested land. However, they'd possibly lose their agricultural zoning if they did that, and that's valuable for future plans!

For me, this is exciting. The possibilities are endless. Agriculture, and farming as a whole, is a limitless industry. For two empty-nesters looking for a hobby that could serve as side income or source of food, farming is a great option. They have the land, and a little money for the start-up. They love the land, and my stepfather would much rather surround himself with animals and nature than people on most days.

This runs a little deeper than just "what my parents want to do with the property" for us kids. Up until I was 12, my family farmed. Even if I wasn't directly involved other than cleaning up steer poop, playing in the pastures, and occasionally bottle-feeding a calf, it's there. I remember it. I miss it. This would be like that coming full-circle. You never stop being a "farmer's daughter," and I'd have that chance again.

I can't put into words how beautiful, how natural, and how therapeutic the woods and the river at the new property are. But I can tell you, if I were a farm animal, I'd dang-well love to live there. And because the options are so numerous, who knows what animals will be lucky enough to call this place home? I'm looking forward to seeing what my parents end up doing.

A Diverse Food Supply

2010-10-01T12:38:00.001-05:00

This blog is, predominantly, about corn, especially in Illinois.

Occasionally it will branch out to include the industry that consumes the most corn: livestock.

Sometimes it branches out beyond just corn, and encompasses the midwestern grain industry, bringing in other commodities like soy and wheat.

I believe high fructose corn syrup is a sugar. I also believe it should be eaten with moderation and consciousness of its presence as a sugar. I don't think Mountain Dew Throwback is any better for me because it has cane sugar instead of corn sugar. They're both bad for me.

All of this, however, does not mean that I feel mass-production agriculture is the only food system in the United States. In fact, I'd go so far as to say my understanding of mass production agriculture has given me a deeper respect for "alternative" means of food production. I've had bacon from the "big companies." In fact, our local grocery store sells a brand called "Corn King" bacon that tends to fill my bacon cravings quite well. I've also had "specialty" bacon, pasture-raised by a small organic farmer in the area. (Let me tell you, it's nice to have an in with the local meat shop owner. I used to babysit his kids.)

I advocate for the corn industry, and mass production agriculture as a whole. However, first and foremost I support a diverse, well-rounded, and easily-accessible food supply in this country, and around the world. I've worked in nutrition, have read up on health food and organic and natural alternatives. I don't suggest any one is better than any other.

My concern is making sure that everyone is well-verse in their choices, and can make those choices accordingly. I dream of a world where our food producers can co-exist peacefully, without bashing others to further themselves. How often do we see organic producers and non-organic, going head-to-head and battling each other with "he said, she said" rhetoric, name-calling, and judgement?

It doesn't have to be that way. In fact, there's plenty of wonderful co-existence on Twitter. That's not to say there isn't tension, but there's plenty of wonderful examples of how people with very different methods and mentalities can get along, agree to disagree on some things, and collaborate when the time calls for it.

As a friend of mine, Ryan Goodman, said recently on his blog, Agriculture Proud:

I continually see this by people using labels of grain vs grass fed, big ag vs family farm, organic vs conventional. Many tend to use words like “inhumane” to scare people. Because of this constant bashing, consumers shiver at the mention of hormones, antibiotics, and grain-fed. Truth is we are all in the business of feeding people. We all work hard to fit different niche markets and this constant bickering is scaring consumers of food safety as a whole.

He hit the nail on the head here, at least in my eyes. We need to work together. We need to stop using smear campaigns, derogatory terms, and fear against each other.

No one single food system can meet all the wants and needs of a hungry planet, or even a hungry nation. No singular approach to food can satiate the desires of the United States. We need each other. Organic, non-organic, small-scale, large-scale, all-natural, antibiotic-free, or even that overused word of "conventional," we are all a part of a food system that continues to grow, adapt, and evolve to meet the needs and desires of this planet.

So, in short...I don't advocate that the entire agricultural world converts to the "large-scale" system that the corn industry is known for. I don't suggest that Old McDonald's farm gets shut down to make way for an ethanol plant. I also don't suggest that every person in the U.S. relies entirely on farmers markets for their food (although I do love me a good farmers market).

I'm saying, we need choice. We have no choice but to have choice. Because, let's face it, a homogenized system just wouldn't cut it.

Harsh Realities

2010-09-27T12:10:00.002-05:00

I spend a lot of time showing the bright side of farming; I insert humor, I try to exhibit the charming, magical side of farming that has me deep in love with rural Illinois. The reality of it, however, is that farming has a darker side. A scary side.

Over the nearly-6 years we've been dating, Farmboy has been careful to make sure I understand the dangers that are associated with farming. There's dangerous equipment, there's heights to be dealt with, there's a million and one risk factors for one's physical well-being. Farmboy has gotten nosebleeds because of soy bean dust, and I can't list the amount of times I've twisted ankles running through corn stalks or jumping down from tractors during harvest. Those are small examples, but ones that aren't often thought of. Safety has to be considered in every moment of operation on a farm.

Sometimes the physical danger gets more serious than that.

Over the weekend, Bossman looked at me and said, "So, did you hear about Dennis?" Well, Dennis is a distant cousin of mine. Truth be told, I know him primarily through Farmboy's family, because he's a good friend of Bossman's. Dennis has also had quite the rash of bad luck in the last few years. I was hoping, desperately, that what I hadn't heard about Dennis was, well, good news.

"No."

"Well, his combine burned to the ground." Instantly, I had a rush of questions. Was everyone alright? How bad was the damage? Did the field burn?

Apparently, the combine (and the half-tank of soy beans it was carrying) where the only things damaged. No people were hurt, but everyone got a very good scare. Dennis's son, Robert, was operating the machinery and escaped to safety in time. And, thank God, the winds were blowing into the part of the field that had already been harvested. Had the winds been blowing the other way, fire could have caught to the beans still standing.

Not only would Dennis have lost his combine, but an entire field's worth of product, that he'd planted and tended for the year. First, everyone is thankful that no one was hurt. Second, everyone is thankful that the field was left intact, for the most part. Third, there is thankfulness for good insurance. Dennis has already bought a new (to him) combine that will help him move on with his life after an especially scary experience for both himself and his son. While the fire was essentially no one's fault, both consciousness of safety measures and good luck kept everyone involved safe, and the field standing.

Agriculture is full of risks. Each year, people go out to work farm related jobs and never come back. Whether it's because of grain bin collapses, risks associated with machinery, or health complications related to the hard labor, sun exposure, elements, and stress, there's always something to be conscious of when maneuvering life on a farm. And every specialization has different risks. This is only one instance of how something can go wrong on a grain farm. New risks get brought in when you consider livestock, different crops and machinery, different methods, different locations, and different elemental situations.

Farmers and ranchers need to be safety experts. They have to have the safety of their employees in mind. They often have to be well-versed in how to keep guests safe on the farm, as well. If you're interested in seeing some conversation regarding farm safety, check out the #AgChat discussion archives for September 14, 2010. The discussion covered farm safety during harvest.

Thank you to Farmboy for snapping the pictures for me, and thank you to Dennis for letting me share the story of his combine.

As always, I'll tell all of you to stay safe and healthy throughout this year's harvest.

NOTE: Look in the near future for a post containing pictures of said combine. The realities are harsh, and safety is a very tangible concern on all farms. I hope this reminds my farming and ranching friends to keep safety first, and shows my non-agricultural friends the truth of just how conscientious and hard-working today's farmers and ranchers are.

To see pictures of Dennis's combine, click here.

What does it take to be an ag blogger?

2010-09-22T17:46:00.001-05:00

This is a tough world! The Internet is a big, scary place. It takes some real guts to do what ag bloggers do. It takes class and savvy! So, what does an ag blogger need to equip themselves for the mission of agovcating? Well, let's take a lesson from my very own Twitter account.

Agricultural bloggers need to be organized.

When blogging about agriculture, you need to have some idea of what you're talking about. You need to understand the operations you discuss.

You need to be practical. You need to know what is both possible and beneficial for your blog, for agriculture, for the people you represent. You need to be able to have realistic ideas. You should also be sure that you always have the right tools...being well-equipped is always practical.

You need to be willing to do what it takes to spread the message you want to spread. At any time. Ever.

You need to be sharp. If you don't know it, find it out. If you can't find it out, do the best you can to get by. Don't be afraid to admit what you don't know, but have confidence in what you do know. Always portray yourself as an intelligent and capable person!

You need to be both peaceful and composed. You can't be partaking in shenanigans all the time, that's just not classy. You need to portray the utmost professionalism on your blog.

That goes hand-in-hand with the fact that there should always be a level of seriousness...even in light-hearted posts. Blogging is serious business.

Maturity. Maturity is a huge factor. Agriculture needs mature, capable agvocates!

You need to be able to be your own problem-solver. The ability to figure things out on your own is valuable, both in the blogging world and in "real life." Problem-solving skills can go a long way in farming and ranching. They can be a huge asset in blogging.

You need to be cultured. Audiences like sophisticated people. Understand pop culture, and it doesn't hurt to have a feel for high society.

Okay.

If you learn anything from this post, it's this: have a sense of humor. Be yourself. Be willing to make fun of yourself. Blogging should not be high-stress; if it is, you're doing it wrong. There may be a high-stress post here and there, but blogging, as whole, is a hobby for 90% of the population. It's a way to get your voice out there on behalf of your cause. In my case, I'm blogging to show that agriculture is an industry full of unique, amazing, and wonderful people. I'm blogging to share my agriculture story, as only a dorky 20-something college kid can.

Do it your way. And don't be afraid to laugh.

I do want to end on a slightly more serious note, though.

A blogger should always, always be appreciative. To their readers, to their supporters, to the friends and family and significant others who may or may not get it. Always show appreciation to the people in your life. Things have been very stressful for me lately, between person life issues and the transition of coming back to college. I can't tell the people who support me, how much I appreciate them. I can try to, though. In fact, I've done it a few times via tweet.

So, with those takeaways for the post, I leave you with these:

Thanks guys. Keep it funny. Keep it real. Keep it you. And keep it appreciative. Good luck as everyone continues harvest!

Happy Plot Day!

2010-09-19T14:46:00.002-05:00

Long overdue, here is the promised video from plots day. I'm sorry the voiceover sounds a bit...subdued...for me. I recorded it at around 8 a.m., and I'm not a morning person. Thus, why I sound half asleep (because I was).

Anyways, Bossman and Farmboy and the rest of the harvest crew worked hard to harvest the plot. I need to double-check the nice Monsanto agronomist's name...apparently, he's had a fantastic working relationship with the Yohnka family for decades, and has come to be a trusted business associate and friend. Bossman's operation is the ideal example of a "small family farm" so seeing "big agri-business" like Monsanto working alongside them is a great example of what the true agricultural spirit is.

Plots like this are a partnership between a family's income and a business's ingenuity. It's where tradition meets innovation. If that doesn't scream "American Agriculture" then I don't know what does.

Sorry for shaky video and rough cutting; farm equipment isn't really conducive to a smooth video and time isn't really conducive to doing all the fancy stuff I'd like to. Add on the fact that both my still shot camera and my video camera died halfway through the day, this video was just NOT meant to go well.

Without further ado, here is my video about harvest corn variety research plots!

Here's the information shared in the on the video's YouTube posting:

Yohnka Farms of northern Illinois is a small family-run grain operation, consisting of one full-time farmer, his son who attends college most of the year, and his father, who helps primarily with harvest. Keith Yohnka is the definition of a "family farmer."

One of the many things they do on their farm to better agriculture, the environment, and the food system is run crop variety research plots. Keith works one-on-one with researchers from Monsanto to test out different varieties of corn and soy beans. These test plots help Monsanto decide which research varieties will go on to be sold.

Because of the data gathered on test plots like these, America's crops continue to become safer, more productive, and more resilient.

This is a great example of mutually-beneficial interaction between small family farmers and large companies like Monsanto. It stands as proof that agriculture is an open industry. Keith continues to work with Monsanto because Monsanto has always worked well with him; he is a loyal customer, and they continue to do their best to suit his needs as a small farmer.

Anyways, as harvest continues to grind on, I hope everyone stays safe, healthy, happy, and safe. Mostly safe. Safe. And healthy. I guess those go hand-in-hand.

From a farm girlfriend, occasional hired hand, offerer of moral support, food-bringer, and agvocate, best of luck to farmers and their families as they progress with Harvest 2010!

Plots Preview

2010-09-13T18:47:00.000-05:00

Well, Saturday we harvested research plots.

And I took video. And pictures. And I really, really, really intend to share them here.

This post, here, is my attempt to hold myself accountable for getting said video and pictures organized and edited accordingly.

So. Yes. If I don't get that taken care of in the next few days, leave lots of angry comments yelling at me. Please?

What Does Harvest Mean?

2010-09-06T20:56:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year.

The time where farmers are chomping at the bits to get in and harvest their corn and beans. At least, this year, it's that time. Normally "that time" comes quite a bit later. It isn't often that you see combines rolling through the fields of northern Illinois on Labor Day.

Today, it happened. In fact, farmers have been harvesting here in Illinois since as early as late August. That's early. I'm not even a farmer and I know that.

So, what does harvest mean? Well, for farmers, it means that the cycle of their livelihood has come full-circle. It's a time when they come alive, when sleep and food are secondary to the forces of nature that dictate when and where their crops are harvested.

For a farmer's girlfriend it means something totally different.

I love harvest. I love Farmboy. I don't love the necessary halt of regular, everyday, college kid life when the corn's moisture percentages get low enough, though. In the first few years, I had trouble adapting to the idea that "teenage life" as we know it does not exist during harvest. There were arguments, I was bull-headed, and he was just doing what he had to do. We adjusted, and we learned. Farmboy found ways to make me feel needed and appreciated, and I realized that some of the best times we ever had were spent just talking in a tractor while we watched the combine make passes.

Farmers can be hard to love. They're stubborn, they're difficult, and they don't like to talk about feelings or long-term plans. But, there's something about the way a farmer lights up when they realize that it's finally time to harvest. A farmer, a true farmer whose heart and soul is planted in the same land as his crops, will come to life. They live for this season.

Obviously, this isn't all farmers. This is just the farmers I grew up around and have come to know and love. My experiences are limited to the grain farmers of the midwest. But, watching farmers, especially my Farmboy, preparing for harvest...it gives farming a new meaning. Every year, all the frustrations and stress and confusion that come from dating a farmer, it makes sense.

When I look at my Farmboy on a clear fall day, while he's out there doing what he loves...there's something special. He's most "himself" when he's on the farm bringing in the grain.

I'm sure none if this really means much to you, and I'm not sure what I could say to make it any clearer. Maybe you understand all too well, or maybe this goes completely over your head and makes me look batty. Either way, this is what harvest means to me. It's an annoying, wonderful, frustrating, moving, unbelievably busy, stressful, beautiful time of year.

And it's begun.

Cultivating Connections - ACFC10

2010-09-02T15:17:00.001-05:00

It's already Thursday. This week has been a whirlwind for me. Let me explain:

This week was the AgChat Foundation's Agvocacy 2.0 Conference. It. Was. FANTASTIC. It surpassed all of my spazzy college girl dreams in regards to pure, raw AWESOMENESS. There was some hardcore connectivity going on between folks who have never met in person. My conference (ACFC10) experience was significantly different than most, however. I was lucky to have a behind-the-scenes view of the goings-on while I took video for my internship.

I won't tell so much about the happenings of the conference. However, I'll talk about the feelings. As I stood there in opening session, watching people file through the door and register, I was overwhelmed with excitement at seeing so many great agvocates come together in one place. They came to learn, to share ideas, to expand their horizons, and re-establish their commitment to the common goal of connecting growers and raisers to eaters and wearers and users.

I worried about awkwardness; would the people I've known for over a year, still "feel" the same when we met in person? Would our relationships within the community grow and prosper, or would the "in-person" experience be disappointing?

There was very little awkwardness, and no disappointment. I feel, strongly, that the community grew stronger with every minute we spend together at the conference. What we did this week, as a community, could help agriculture as a whole, in more ways than we could imagine. Now, a group of even more able and better-equipped agvocates are out there, sharing their stories with refreshed zeal and a taste for the world of technologically-advanced communications.

My other big concern for the conference? My video. The one that I've had tweets and Facebook status updates and even a blog post about. The one that just about gave me an ulcer and put me close to a heart attack a few times. The one that had me tears at one point. Yeah, that video.

Turns out, my concerns were unfounded. It was a hit. I was still ridiculously anxious the ENTIRE TIME it played at the opening sessions, as well as for a while afterwards. I hate being around when people watch my work, so it was only natural for me to be nervous about it. Anyways, with the help of Amanda Sollman (@sollmana) and some research assistance from Michele Payn-Knoper (@mpaynknoper) and Darin Grimm (@kansfarmer), the video's final product is amazing. Enjoy:

For a larger version of the video, check it out on the AgChat YouTube Channel.

My "Day Jobs"

2010-08-26T12:44:00.001-05:00

Okay. This blog, it's a hobby. Which means that, when duty calls, it gets shelved, at least partially. I don't have to like it, but sometimes time is difficult to find to keep this baby as alive and exciting as I'd like.

Agriculture may be a passion, but right now, it's only a part of of my various activities. My summer "day job" is currently working in media and communications. I'm an in-house employee for a an e-commerce department. What that equates to, is that I work hard to generate and edit the text, video, audio, and pictures that convince you to buy a product. I also help keep our current and former customers engaged in our "community." That's technically a full-time job. (The picture of me is showing me running a camera at one of the big video shoots we've done over my three years here. I love the shoots, partially because it's a great experience and fun, but also because dress code is more in my realm of comfort. Hats and t-shirts, yay!)

I'm an intern hero around here. I've been told I'm good for office morale, at times. I'm shameless and goofy, so I'm willing to do what it takes to make this job even more fun than what it already is. I once ate several spoonfuls of loose oat bran powder. (I sneezed oat dust for weeks.) I've overdosed on fiber supplements, partially out of curiosity, partially on a dare, and even a little bit because we were in the mood for testing. I've used exercise bands to shoot stress balls across the hallway at co-workers. (Granted, it was a Friday, it was their last day, and the entire office was in a fairly slap-happy mood.) What it comes down to is that, I make my job as enjoyable as I can. Friday is my last day of the summer, and depending on where the winds take me, I may not be coming back. There have been a lot of good memories here. And while I'll miss some of the people, and the amazing mentor I've found here, it's also time to start pursuing my dreams.

So, the title says "dayjobs." Plural. I mean, this is my "full-time" job, but it's not the only thing that clogs up my time and puts Midwestern Gold on the back burner. (It doesn't help that August is the busiest month of the year for me.)

I do social media work on the side. I'm on staff for a great health and well-being blog, where I fill in the cracks in my schedule with here-and-there Twitter, Facebook, and WordPress work. I love it, because it goes hand-in-hand with the nutrition and agriculture work I've done in the past. It's not a big job, but it's fun, and has been a wonderful learning experience.

The last "dayjob" isn't a job at all. It's preparation for the big AgChat Foundation Conference coming up next week. There is so much work to do, and I'm not even one of the planning members! I'm producing a video to be shown at the conference, and even the social planning has become pretty intense. With all the excitement around, it seems like my schedule is filling up quickly. One of the things I'm most excited about is my place at the conference as the first ever AgChat Foundation intern! I'll be working on communications stuff, and will have some overflow after the conference to catch-up and finalize some stuff.

After that, it's back to school, and back to "normal" life. I'm thrilled to go back, and I never thought my summer vacation would be more stressful and cram-packed that the school year. I'll have time to blog again. I'll have a social life once more. And while I'll miss the country and my home and the open sky and the sunsets, I always have the reassurance that rural Illinois will always be waiting for me, just outside of the Chicago metro.

Hot Dogs & Udders: Our Dairy Dialogue

2010-08-19T15:40:00.001-05:00

(Note: This blog post is, essentially, a conversation between myself and Michele Payn-Knoper of Cause Matters, Corp. who was so kind as to take me to my first ever dairy farm while we worked on the task of video and audio editing.)

Kelly: I did something new yesterday. I went to a dairy farm. Now, for someone who went from beef, to non-farming, to rabbit raising, to 4-Her, to FFA chapter president, to suburbanite, to future farmer's wife, this was a long-awaited and VERY interesting experience. (And in case you were wondering, Farmboy and I are not engaged, I just like to assume things.) Anyways, good ol' Michele Payn-Knoper graciously offered to introduce me to the dairy farm where her cows are milked, as break from our video and audio training yesterday. It was a chance for me to try something new. And she got to do some video work (which she then edited and posted, all by herself!)

It was a blast. Right, Michele?

MPK: Sure thing! I find it really cool how much talent there is in the agvocacy community and was thrilled to find someone who could teach me to quickly master my Mac video programs - it was a bonus to be able to talk cows. And, it was a relief to find you really are who you claim to be, since we've had hundreds of conversations through #AgChat and never met in person. Folks, she really is short. LOL!

Kelly: So, we go to the dairy farm, and we started right off the bat in the parlor. I learned you have to enter quietly, something about the cows sometimes being near the door we walked in. I think? Maybe.

MPK: Umm, well - you don't want your milk splatted on the floor, do you? Seriously, cows like routine, habit and calm behavior from people who "know cows." You enter parlors slowly out of respect for their domain. That's how it's easy to see that cows are well cared for by farmers; they'd be skittish (a bit like horses) if they were not happy.

Kelly: We chatted with the girl that was milking, and then one of the partners in the farm, Kelly, came and met us. Of course I liked her because of her name! We went out into the waiting area where the cows patiently waited for their turn in the parlor. I got introduced to Panera, Michele’s show cow who just happens to be by the parlor! While Panera waited for her turn to go in, Michele and Kelly taught me about how a cow's dairy character (something about their fat and bones in most people's terms) will change throughout the lactation period. Then we went back into the parlor as the next round of cows, including Panera, lined up for milking.

MPK: Ahem! You forgot to mention that it's Paynacres Perfect Panera, my favorite cow - and that she's quite beautiful (and slightly spoiled). And the dam (that's mother, not a cuss word) of my favorite yearling Paynacres Perfect Pumpkin, who also provides a beautiful view from my office. Did I not explain the lovely openness of rib, her angularity and tremendous style enough?

Kelly: THEN THEY ASKED ME TO MILK HER. Panera. You know, the pretty working girl-slash-pageant queen. What?! I was handed a paper towel, and was told how to clean off the iodine that was put on the teats shortly before to kill any germs on the outside of the udder. (Did you know, cows have ONE udder, and four teats? Don't call the teats "udders" because you'll get made fun of. And don't compare them to hot dogs. (Apologies to Michele and Panera.) Then, I was walked step-by-step through the process of how to attach the milker thingy to the udder. And when I messed up a little bit, I had some creative language to express my concerns.

MPK: Hmph-my cow most certainly does not have hot dog teats. She has a lovely udder, particularly her fore udder and prominent veination. And didn't you forget the four quarters, median suspensory ligament, etc.? Never mind, I'll be happy if you simply know that cows have different udder quality - and of course, Panera's is delightful. And that there are several steps before and after milking that happens every time to ensure a safe, nutritious product. There's more cleaning that goes on in a milking parlor than about any kitchen I know.

Kelly: It got sorted out, though, and Panera was back to her usual work schedule. Even briefly touching a part of the equipment that the milk flows through, I realized how warm that milk really is when it comes out!

MPK: Yep, cows are about 101.5 degrees and their milk is even warmer, but plate coolers are an excellent example of food safety (chilling milk to 38 degrees) and environmentalism on a farm; the water is recycled from the plate cooler and given to the cows to drink. By the way, Panera was working in the parlor - the rest of the time she gets to lay around, eat and drink. Lucky girl! While dairy cows do eventually pay the sacrifice of becoming hamburger (and that's just a part of life), they have a great life while they're in a milking herd.

Kelly: Dairy farmer Kelly then went on to explain the breeding schedule. Their farm schedules calving in the spring and in the fall, so several of their cows have just recently gotten "dried off" to prepare for the birth of their young'uns. Dry cows are just cows who are on vacation for 60-80 days or so.

MPK: Sure wish I could have 60 days vacation to lounge around. On a serious note, some anti-ag groups try to make claims of cows being abused by calving in every year and then having milkers attached to them. Anyone who has ever breastfed should know the relief of being milked on a regular basis. As for claims of abuse - first off, giving milk is what dairy cows are meant for and secondly, show me a miserable cow and I'll show you one who doesn't milk. Kelly, given the work you had to put into milking a single cow and the interaction between farmer and cows, do you buy the whole abuse claim?

Kelly: The cows seemed incredibly happy, and it was neat the way they were so content, just walking right up into the parlor. Kind of made me jealous. I'd love to have a job where I ate, slept, and loafed around all day! "The girls" were obviously very well respected, and I think it's safe to say if you treat them right, they'll treat you right back (by giving a good product)!

Anyways, it was a fantastic experience, and it was really great to get "firsthand" experience with where milk comes from. It was just one example of the millions of unique farms out there. This was a family dairy, consisting of about 120 cows that are grazed rotationally. It really was a great example of a farm doing wonderful things, but this isn't the only system that works. Farming is a hugely diverse industry, and I'm lucky that I could grab a glimpse of a specialized part I wasn't familiar with! Thanks, Michele and Kelly! It sure was a great first time!

MPK: It was fun to share the dairy love. Kelly was happy to show their farm to you - as are most farmers, as long as biosecurity rules are followed and visitors have an open mind. Some studies have shown that 75% of people haven't been on farms in the last five years. That makes me sad - particularly as much as consumers talk about their food source. Kelly, don't you think the modern day practices in food production give you a different perspective?

Kelly: Definitely! The population is growing so ridiculously quick! Modern practices help us guarantee food for a growing world. Large or small and ranging across several different methods, "conventional" farms (I prefer "progressive") help secure safe, plentiful, and nutritious food for a constantly hungry population. I'm proud to have an inside few of the industry that fills that need.

Here's Michele's video of my first experience milking a cow:

Also check out the video on YouTube here.

What the Tweet is SXSW?

2010-08-16T18:11:00.001-05:00

Well, you see...

I may be a farm geek. But I'm just as much a communications geek. It wasn't until a year or so ago that I bridged the gap between my roots (ag) and my future (communications). Since then, I'd say I've gotten pretty involved in the progressive use of Internet communications in the agriculture world. After all, I run a blog and Twitter account completely devoted to agriculture. I spend a great deal of time volunteering with the AgChat Foundation. I'm attending a conference in two weeks to better equip myself for online agvocacy. I'm digging up internship applications and recommendations to try and break further into the professional world of ag comm.

It's only natural for me to leap at an opportunity to positively represent agriculture. When I was approached about brainstorming ideas for a major interactive communications conference known as South By Southwest (SXSW), I threw myself into it.

Granted, I was approached by LavaRow founder Nathan T. Wright just a few days before I was leaving for vacation, the same week that proposals were due. I didn't have a lot of time to do it, and I had no experience to make sure I did it right. However, I took the chance. With the guidance of Nathan, Becky McCray, and some of the media-savvy folks at the AgChat Foundation, my proposal got turned in in the nick of time. And, it was only natural for my proposal to focus on something which I'm passionate about: the AgChat Foundation.

Well, the proposal, "Agvocacy 2.0: Adding a Human Voice to the Farm" made it through initial review. Now, it's in the public voting stage. Now, ACF needs YOU to help it get to SXSW. Making it onto the agenda for this conference would be a huge step forward for agriculture, and a major milestone in agvocacy's recognition as a true, valuable cause.

For more information regarding SXSW, how to help, and why this is so important, check out this post on the AgChat Foundation blog. In a few easy steps, you can play your part in helping the AgChat Foundation work its way towards SXSW!

Keeping Busy, and a History Lesson!

2010-08-12T13:26:00.000-05:00

I've been pretty scarce lately, for many reasons. There's plenty of stress right now, between multiple jobs and my personal life. However, there's been plenty of good! I'll have to devote a pretty big chunk of time to catching you guys up once I have some.

Last week was the Kankakee County Fair. As a former 4-H county officer, the fair was a time I dropped everything to mix work and play. I used to get no sleep during the fair, and would spend just as much time working hard as I did enjoying myself. It was usually fun, but this year was different. Aging out of 4-H meant I got to actually enjoy the fair as most people do. I came for a few livestock shows, enjoyed some fried food, and watched some of the grandstand attractions. I DID get to spend a little time enjoying some real-life agvocate efforts, too!

This week is the Gladiolus Festival. In my hometown of Momence, IL, we have this festival every year during the second weekend in August. (It's always the week after fair, which means I am one busy girl during August!) Now, I know it sounds like a festival devoted to a tall, stalk-like flower isn't very agricultural...but, it is! (As a past Gladiolus Queen runner-up, I had to learn this stuff!)

Northern Illinois used to be a leading grower of Gladiolas. (Note: a single flower is a "Gladiolus flower" or a "Gladiola." In the plural, they are "Gladiolas" or "Gladiolus flowers." You have a Gladiola, or some Gladiolas. The flowers, as a group, are known as the "Gladiolus" group. Isn't the English language fun?!) Generally, we just refer to them as "glads." I love glads, they're my favorite flower, for sentimental and aesthetic reasons.

Because of the prominence of glads as a leading local agricultural product, the festival began in 1938. In 1939, the Glad Fest Association formed to better facilitate planning and organization of the festival. While land devoted to glad growing did shrink over time, the festival has remained fairly strong. (One local girl even said, "Glad Fest is better than Christmas!")

Glad Fest is deeply sentimental to my family. Daddy was the Vice President of the Glad Fest Assocation, and I spent many summers as a kid doing hard physical work to prepare the town for this wonderful event. Knowing how much work goes into something like this has made it only more special to me.

I mean, I've had a blessed view of the Glad Fest for my entire life. I have never not been in a Glad Fest parade, since birth. Last year, I got to be Cinderella on a float entitled "Dreams Come True in Gladland." Farmboy was even dressed as Prince Charming, pulling the float on his antique tractor. This year, we're "Boot Scootin' to Gladland," complete with a float decorated like a saloon. I'm marched with honor guards and marching bands. I've ridden on floats galore. I've gotten advance admission to the carnival. For several years, I got to experience my favorite time of year, as an insider!

Aren't festivals with obscure, long-lost ties to agriculture AWESOME?!

Agvocacy...with a "Bang!"

2010-08-07T18:52:00.003-05:00

Creativity is a necessity to getting any message out. You have to communicate it in a good way. You have to grab attention, and hang on to it for dear life. You know you get points for originality. You get commended for flare. Well, sometimes you just need something that "pops" to spread your message. And sometimes, a "pop" isn't enough. You need a crash. Or a bang. Or even fire.

Each year, the Kankakee County Fair holds a school bus figure 8 derby. Whatever buses are still running at the end of the derby race then completely demo in a classic demolition derby style. The video below took place after the race. The blue and gray bus has the words "All Roads Lead to Ag" on it. The side facing us is painted to look like a city skyline. On the other side, there's a countryside scene with tractors and cows and even a grain elevator. The idea is to point out that no matter where you live, urban or rural, ag is part of everyday life, and we'd be lost with out it.

That bus was sponsored and decorated by the River Valley FFA chapter. You can't see it here, but they had a full-detail hand-painted version of the FFA emblem on the back. (The painter in me was INCREDIBLY impressed.) Now, I've said this plenty of times before, but I had the honor of being the President of that FFA chapter during its fledgling year. First off, the kids grow up too face. I remember bossing them around at community service events and taking pictures of them shoving their faces in bales of hay at agronomy contest. Most of all, though, I'm proud of how far the River Valley FFA legacy has come since that first dysfunctional meeting in the fall of 2007. (By dysfunctional, I REALLY, REALLY mean dysfunctional. Parli pro didn't exist, we were all either wearing work clothes or sweat pants, there were four seniors and about 20-something freshman...)

Anyways.

This is a great example of agvocacy. It's the passion and drive of a bunch of upstanding, agriculturally-minded kids, personified in a school bus that gets beaten into a dented up mess. But, it got a message out. The announcer even took a few minutes to tell the backstory of the bus and the "All Roads Lead to Ag" message. However many people were there (I have no clue...) heard first-person about how agriculture influences their everyday life.

Now THAT is agvocacy.

So, I'll stop boring you, and let you get on to watching the buses ram into each other. (By the way...for the second year in a row, the River Valley FFA bus was the longest standing in the post-race demo derby. Also, it got second place for its decorations/paint scheme.)

A Rare View

2010-08-03T11:34:00.002-05:00

Saturday evening, Farmboy was changing the oil on his truck. While we waited for that, we decided to grab some footage for a special side-project I'm working on. This required climbing to the top of one of the grain bins, him going inside, and yelling stuff at me.

It already sounds like a romantic Saturday evening, doesn't it?

Well, there were some special moments. Like, the moment when you turn around and get to see, really see, the area you live in. I see corn fields every day when I'm home from school. I drive past them, I work in them during harvest. Corn fields are common, yes. But turning around to see the corn lit up with the last of the sunlight, right before dusk, with a fog rolling in from the west? It's beautiful. The video does not do it justice.

My favorite part? I would have taken it completely for granted. I had just climbed up to the top of that bin and waited for Farmboy to climb in. However, he had to go back down and turn on the inside light of the bin, which left me standing up there, and also meant I was standing up there bored and nervous from my occasional fear of heights.

So, thanks, Farmboy, for letting me appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.

A #Moo-velous Milestone

2010-08-02T08:47:00.001-05:00

A year ago today, something happened that would change the way I viewed the Internet. I wasn't directly a part of it, but it stirred something up that built momentum into what we now consider the "agvocacy" movement.

One year ago today, Twitter mooed.

And that mooing is what brought me into this whole thing.

You see, I joined Twitter at the recommendation of both my boss and a professor. I figured I'd get on, follow a few people who had something decent to say, then let my Twitter existence melt back into oblivion when the novelty wore off.

Nope. I found the farmers. In specific, I found @FarmerHaley. Then @RayLinDairy. I believe I started connecting with them one by one, until I was following @JeffFowle and @agchick and @GilmerDairy and so many others. I loved what they said, but more than anything, I liked the way I was welcomed in. Granted, most of the "big names" had a lot fewer followers then, but the fact that they willingly engaged with you when you tried to communicate with them made a huge difference.

I was invited to write a piece for a local Farm Bureau newspaper. What did I write it on? "E-griculture." (At the time, "agvocacy" wasn't quite completely coined, so I went with something a bit cheesier and more obvious.) I got in contact with Mike (@FarmerHaley) and Ray (@RayLinDairy) via e-mail and met with Tricia (@agchick) in person to talk about the use of Twitter for agricultural advocacy.

As I did interviews and research, the article turned from being just Twitter in general, to being mainly focused on the day Twitter #moo-ed. This happened before I came around, but as I learned about the epic campaign spearheaded by Ray and Mike, the more I realized how dedicated these folks really were. I mean, two modest farmers decided they wanted to get #moo trending on Twitter to raise awareness of the poor outlook for the dairy industry.

Because Twitter mooed, I got hooked.

So, here I am, blogging, because two guys wanted to make a statement. They organized their community and got #moo to trend. When they took another stand, trending #oink to teach people that H1N1 does not mean pork is dangerous, I took part. In fact, I was out of town with friends and insisted on being at a computer to #oink.

I guess you could say the rest is history. I got sucked in and haven't found a reason to leave. In fact, I could go so far as to say this all validated my goals to work in agriculture. Now that ag is on the Internet, two of my greatest passions have combined! So, thanks to #moo, you guys are stuck with me.

Want to know one of my favorite things about #moo? It happened on Mike's 29th birthday. That's one heck of a birthday party. If #moo happened exactly one year ago today, that must mean that today is Mike's 30th birthday. Happy birthday, Mike Haley! Enjoy your day, and thanks for being one of the founders of online agvocacy as we know it.

Counting Blessings

2010-07-27T16:36:00.000-05:00

I knew I wanted a big post for my 100th Midwestern Gold entry. I knew I wanted something that people could really grab on to and take with them. I figured it would be gimmicky (since that's the sort of personality I have). I held off because I needed an idea. I never thought the idea would be handed to me, neatly packaged, in a hysterical mess.

This isn't going to be a fun, gimmicky post.

Farmboy and I have been dating for almost six years. Over that time, his family has become my family, and vice-versa. While out playing with my niece and nephew at the park, I got a phone call from Farmboy.

His dad, who I usually refer to as Bossman, was being admitted into the hospital. Apparently, an achy knee turned out to be a symptom of a blood clot in his leg.

Given my family history, I'm terrified of loss. Losing a parent at age 12 can leave you fairly paranoid. I'm awfully anxious about losing loved ones, and if anything happened to Bossman, it would feel like history repeating itself. And to me, a blood clot seemed horribly close to the heart attack that stole my Daddy from me. I can only really sum up the feelings as "fear."

Farmboy's father laid in that hospital bed, yet his family devoted a great chunk of their attention to making sure I was the one put at ease. That sort of feeling sticks with you. I'm sure to them, keeping me fairly calm was a coping mechanism. I eventually settled down over time, and am actually for the most part alright today. Stressed? Yes. This is the second scary experience I've had with a father figure this year (my stepfather was in and out of the hospital all winter with something they never could diagnose). I went to work, I continued my business as normally as I could. But, I did spend the day thinking.

One of the big conversations we had last night while we sat around in the hospital room was the fact that farmers are often stubborn; Bossman could have gone in much earlier to have his knee checked out, but it's easy for a man in their upper-40's to dismiss aches and pains. There was too much to do and not enough hours in the day to stop and go to the doctor. We talked about close calls local farmers had had that should have killed them, and didn't. We talked about what needed to be done on the farm, but wouldn't be right away. We talked about the 4-H crops judging Bossman wouldn't be doing this weekend because of his ailment. We talked about the peach trees they planted at the farmhouse, and how Farmboy was thoughtful enough to bring the first two ripe peaches to the hospital as an encouragement for his parents.

It was tense. It was terrifying. I know I was a fairly obvious wreck. We talked because silence meant you had a chance to think. We chatted about things that had to be said, but also to maintain the thin veil of casual reaction over the natural fear of the situation.

Scares like this, they make you think.

Bossman could have continued to ignore the knee pain, and continued to do too much. He could have continually stretched himself too thin. He could have pushed that clot to the breaking point and cost himself his life. He could have, but he didn't. That's a huge blessing. Now, when I close this computer, I'll be hopping in the truck with Farmboy to spend the evening at the hospital with his family. We'll all talk and laugh and enjoy ourselves. We won't talk about how scared we all were, especially me. We won't recount the thoughts we had of what could have happened. We will, however, most likely talk about good things. Blessings.

Ode to a Farm Truck

2010-07-19T15:18:00.011-05:00

There's something about a much-loved, hard-worked, weight-pulling farm truck. You know, those pickup trucks that a farm would be at a loss without. Some double as soccer-mom-vans, taxis, picnic tables, benches, offices, and school buses. Some are for farm use only. Some are first cars, some are old favorites, and some are family heirlooms.

I'll start by saying, I'm truck-neutral. I was raised around Fords, I'm dating a Chevy, my brother's a Dodge, my stepfather is a Jeep, and I've seen some really nice foreign-made trucks out there. A good work truck is a good work truck, and the rivalry is, in many ways, based on the farm community's need to ALWAYS have something to tease someone about. (Just like a good tractor is a good tractor!)

Farmboy's truck is a perfect example of the history a single automobile can have. It's a '96 Chevy Silverado 1500. It's an extended cab, short-bed machine that has lived multiple lives through multiple family members. Bought new by Bossman (Farmboy's dad), it was his primary car. They took it on family vacations, hauled a camper behind it, and worked it hard on the farm. That truck earned its keep several times over. When Farmboy's sister got her license, the Silverado (which I refer to as Betsy) became hers.

Now, Farmboy and I started dating before either of us could drive. Our first two years of dating required his sister driving us everywhere. Even before we could drive, we had good memories in that truck. By the time we we graduated high school, Besty had reached 200,000 miles.

It was the day after our senior prom. We were going on a day-trip to Indiana. It was quite the family affair. After we hit that milestone, Farmboy even called Bossman to celebrate. I actually think he called his sister, too. All owners of Betsy, current and previous, celebrated her longevity. Betsy is still kicking, even after two

years of going back and forth from college. (As of today, Betsy sits above 227,000.)

In fact, Betsy has helped move my overabundance of girly belongings to and from college a few times.

Betsy obviously isn't the only farm truck I'm in love with. There's Old Smokey, the '95 GMC Sierra (diesel) that shakes when you push it past 50. The seat won't move, so I have to have a pillow behind my back to drive it. The first time I hauled seed corn was in the back of that truck. (That first run was nerve-wracking. Now, it's not so bad to have thousands of dollars worth of something in the bed of the truck...acclimation is a wonderful thing.)

The crown jewel of Bossman's fleet of farmy trucks is the one I currently call "The Beast." The Beast is both a family vehicle and a work horse. That truck has earned its keep already, it's a 2008. The Beast has a crew cab that sits size comfortably. It's got an 8-foot bed. The hood of that truck is eye-level to me. If

you want to learn about proper fine-handling of a large truck, try to take one of those things through the drive-through at Mickey D's. If you don't do it, you have a bunch of hungry, angry farmers wondering where their Big Mac's are while they're trying to harvest on empty stomachs. If you do it, but ding something up, you got a bunch of hungry, angry farmers wondering why you couldn't go through the drive-through without breaking anything. (Or, you'll have some good-natured, not-angry farmers who will just laugh at the fact that you're crying.)

This is just one family. Their fleet of farm trucks are easily a pivotal part to productivity. These trucks are personal vehicles, business investments, and the safe carrier of precious cargo. Much like the work horses of the old days, farmers would be lost without the trucks that make everyday tasks easier. So, next time you're driving down the road and you send up behind that pickup truck with hay or seed in the back, don't just think of it as an inconvenience. Chances are that truck is very important to someone, and to their business.

So, what about you guys? Do you value your farm trucks as something more than just a piece of farm equipment? Do you have any especially interesting stories about old farm trucks? Leave a comment sharing, it may get featured in a future post about farm trucks. (I know have more stories to share!)

We're Moving!

2010-07-15T12:54:00.004-05:00

Not literally. But, we do have a new "home." By that, I mean within the new few days, you won't be able to access us through http://illinois-corn.blogspot.com anymore. (That link is still currently active for a transition period, but will most likely stop working sometime soon.)

Now, Midwestern Gold officially resides at MidwesternGold.com! This is a huge step for Midwestern Gold, and represents something of a "growing up." That's not to say I'll lose any of my fun or goofy perspective. No, I'll still be just as silly and shameless as ever before.

During the next few days, my widgets/features here on Midwestern Gold will be a little temperamental. We're still settling into the new home, so be patient with us!

I'm pretty excited about this, although in the grand scheme it's relatively small move. Midwestern Gold is very special to me, and seeing how far it's come from its first post as an internship experiment makes me very proud. So, as Midwestern Gold continues to see improvement and growth, I'll do my best to continue to post interesting, fun, emotional, diverse, and engaging content.

So, as I wrap this up, I have this question. Please comment in response:

What do you want to see on Midwestern Gold? What do you want to change? What can I do better, or what am I already doing well at? I'm writing for you guys, so I want to hear what you have to say. Do you like the new look? What widgets or features do you think we need? What subjects would YOU like me to post about?

Let me have it!

Agvocacy in Action

2010-07-14T10:13:00.005-05:00

I'm a whole lot of things. I'm a painter, I'm a girl, I'm a writer, I'm a sister, I'm a friend, I'm an artist, I'm a girlfriend, I'm a student, I'm a car-owner, I'm a lover of baby animals, I'm a fan of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches...but I'm not necessarily an organizer. I guess I can be, if the mood strikes me, but overall I am a doer, not really a planner.

Well, last night, something I've been planning for weeks, came together. It happened. And I think it went well. For a while now I've been working with the local Corn Grower group, Farm Bureau, and Extension program to put together "Cultivating Communications." And I am incredibly pleased with the end product.

My gracious, awesome, enjoyable guest speaker, Ray Prock, did a wonderful job of running through some of the why's and how's of social media agovocacy.

I don't know how many of the 12 people who showed up will turn around and start agvocating. I don't know how many will be joining our wonderful online community and reaching out to folks. I don't know who even listened that much.

I know our audience had some good questions. I know I enjoyed talking with the folks that showed up. I know I really enjoyed eating dinner with Ray (who had the pleasure of meeting Farmboy and his family). Overall, it was a great experience. I would have loved for more people to show up, but I'm not disappointed by last night, at all.

If even one of those people turn around and join Twitter or Facebook, if one of them seizes an opportunity to talk to someone about ag, Ray and I did our jobs last night. (Ray did most of the work last night. I'm still amazed that I managed to pull it together, being a non-organizer.)

This post is short, and vague. I think most of all, I just needed a place to put my gratitude for everyone that helped pull last night together. I think I wanted to post about how blessed I feel for the fact that Cultivating Communications even happened. So, thank you to everyone. The Kankakee County Corn Growers, the Kankakee County Farm Bureau, the University of Illinois Extension (Kankakee County), and Ray. Thank you to Farmboy for dealing with my minor planning-related panic attacks, as well as my ego-trips when I hit a milestone for planning. Thank you for my AgChat friends for being supportive and interested.

I know, in the large scheme, this little get-together was a small deal. But for someone like me, it's been a great experience. So, I can't state my gratitude enough.

Now, I get to enjoy a few days "off" from "big" stuff. I get to relax, spend a few days with only my jobs to stress me out, and act my age.

So, to everyone in the AgChat community, and everyone here in Kankakee County, thanks for being awesome. You've all become a pretty huge part of my life, in the best possible way.

(NOTE: Also, BIG thanks to Darin Grimm, Mike Haley, and Janice Person for helping me keep my head on straight through the various stages of stress, panic, planning, efficiency, disorganization, and excitement. To my in-area folks...thank you to Keith, Lisa, Laura, Farmboy/Tim, Chad, and Beth. I don't know if any of you will read this, but THANK YOU.)

City Friends Make Me Smile

2010-07-12T09:29:00.003-05:00

The town I live in is nothing special. It's got about 3,000 people. For northern Illinois, this is tiny. For rural midwest, this is a middle-of-the-road size. When my family finally moves, we'll be living in a town of 400 people. That's a whole new brand of small.

To some of my city slicker friends (two of which went on vacation with Farmboy and I this last weekend), my hometown seems like some enchanted, down-home, straight-out-of-a-book quaint rural town. In some ways it is, but there are plenty of things that keep it pretty far away from that stereotype. However, the novelty they found in driving through my native area and being surrounded by woods, fields, hills, and open skies made me smile.

We met at my house and left the car their brought sitting safely in my driveway while we swept off across the eastern Midwest to a theme park in Ohio. The amazement they showed at the seven-foot-tall corn, the rusty barrels where we burn our garbage, the fact that my dog could run loose in the yard without breaking city laws...it was amusing.

If you ever want to refresh your love of the country and the outdoors, take some well-meaning city slickers to a corn field. Show them hawks circling overhead and cardinals perched right outside your very window. The pair of city kids (actually suburban kids, but to me those are fairly synonymous) were amused at the way Farmboy and I commented on fields we passed. ("Was that a strip-tilled wheat field with 30-inch rows?! I don't understand!" and "Look at the heat stress on that corn. Sure hope that's silage corn...")

Overall, it was just a nice experience. After my friends packed their car and left for the suburbs, I was left with the warm and fuzzy feeling that I had given them something new and interesting. Now, they're asking when they can come back for a bonfire, or to go fishing on the river, or go out to the farm. This is such a different world to them, a world they never knew. A world they never thought they'd be interested in.

And that is why my city friends make me smile.

It's a Two-Way Street

2010-07-06T21:11:00.009-05:00

(Disclaimer: This post is not an attack against anyone. It is meant to highlight the importance of two-way communication, especially when there is a cause involved, such as agricultural outreach and education. In fact, I hope that everyone who reads this can take something away from it. Thank you.)

The importance of engaging an audience is something that seems fairly natural to me. My formal education is in a refined sort of Internet communication. My hobbies involve the visual and textual outreach to others. My passion involves sharing stories and perspectives about the world's oldest industry.

So, I get it. Audience matters. Engagement matters. You have to stir up folks, you have to elicit some response. Get them to respond. The more responses you have, the more material you have to write about later. Dialogue is valuable. Interacting matters. Shouting into the darkness, hoping someone might absorb something from you, is hardly serving a purpose.

You have to get involved. You become a part of a community, rather than a silent billboard praying for someone to notice it.

Being able to react and learn from your audience is a vital part of any social media campaign. Understanding that the audience has just as much to teach you is vital. Sometimes, it's valuable to note that you won't be right about everything. Sometimes, it's valuable to agree to disagree.

Regardless, you can't simply release drivel and try to pass it off as the absolute, 100% truth. You can't say something, then ignore the dissent that comes to it. If your audience doesn't like what you have to say, you have to be willing to listen, learn, and back up your point. Or agree that you may be wrong. This rings true in agriculture.

In every industry, you get those folks who just refuse to share dialogue. They say their piece and pass off their opinions as fact. They refuse to accept that there are multiple means to the same end (i.e. creating quality raw goods for the public, albeit food, fiber, or pre-fuel materials). Then, they argue. This happens in agricultural outreach just as much as any other trade.

A perfect example of this is a question that arose in AgChat this evening. It had to do with the idea of monoculture. It questioned why monoculture was considered bad. Regardless of the crop, a field that is made up of a single crop is an instance of monoculture. For some reason, folks did not think of "monoculture" when they thought of strawberry fields, beet fields, basil fields...

(For clarification, layman's terms for monoculture is a field that is ONE TYPE of plant only, i.e. a corn field, a soybean field, a tomato field, a Gladiolus field, a parsley field, a wheat field, etc.)

"Monoculture" seemed to imply evil, soulless, endless stands of corn and soybeans. "Foods" that shouldn't be eaten. While some folks productively listened and acknowledged that there was a sort of stigma regarding monoculture (even though it is the primary means for growing ANY crop, even specialty crops), some skirted the topic. Some simply said that "diversity is key." They never said what it was key to, or what "diversity" implied. I can't help but imagine that a single field that's a discombobulated mess of various crops ceases to be a field; it becomes a meadow. Or a jungle.

The simple fact was, folks were trained to think that monoculture, especially in corn and soybeans, was evil. Many realized the oddity of the language use when others pointed out that the vast majority of all crops are raised in monoculture systems. Flowers (I particularly am familiar with Gladiolus flowers), herbs, grains, fruit trees...they're all unique forms of monoculture.

Regardless of the logic that monoculture systems are not inherently evil, some folks just kept spewing that diversity is key. They didn't recognize that there were merits to a monoculture growing system. They weren't even willing to consider the likelihood of any alternative but their own.

This stance, this habit, is the downfall of social media outreach. What good is it to "reach out" to others if your only activity is to talk down to others and ignore their feedback? Feedback is one of the pillars of communication.

Flexibility and dialogue are the keys to getting a point across. Acceptance and tolerance are vital to maintaining a strong community. Cooperation and understanding in tandem is the only means to reach the ultimate goal of creating a diverse array of quality good across several different methods and mentalities.

Whatever you do, don't shout into the dark. Don't spout information and/or opinions, and expect people to listen. Don't assume that there's value in your content, when you have no proof that someone will find it valuable. Make it valuable. Give it a path to follow. Create communication.

WITH THIS IN MIND...

What do you do to guarantee that you aren't simply shouting into the darkness? How do you share your story and views in a productive way, that encourages interaction and dialogue? I'm curious. I'd like to know. Share your stories, interact with each other. I think it's valuable for us all to learn from each other, so let's try out this "commenter community" idea. Let's go.

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-02T14:40:00.004-05:00

You guys remember that video I posted a while about the old saying, "Knee high by the Fourth of July?" You know, this one. Well, I decided that I needed to head back to that specific spot of that specific field, and do an update on just how much higher than "knee high" the corn really is.

Behold. Me, in corn. With leaves in my face.

Happy 4th of July, everyone! Have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend. And when you eat all of those great seasonal/special occasions/cookout foods, be sure to remember the men and women who work hard to bring it to you!

(My supportive and hard-working cameraman requests that I give him due credit. Thank you for your riveting cinemographic work, Farmboy! You're a wonderful production assistant!)

Also, don't forget that most modern explosives contain corn...including those fireworks!

An "Ag-Tastic" Weekend

2010-06-28T19:43:00.010-05:00

My weekends are usually pretty busy. The combination of an active social life, community involvement, a huge family, and about a million different hobbies and interests means that my "free" time is hardly ever actually free. This weekend, it was chock full. In fact, Saturday was devoted almost entirely to advocating agriculture. You know, that wonderful thing we've come to call "agvocacy."

(Fair warning, this post is a long one, but I think it'll be interesting.)

What did I do? Well, I hit the Kankakee Farmer's Market wearing a green polo with the words "Illinois 4-H Ambassador" on the front. I spent six hours at the marketplace running a special booth featured because it was Agriculture Appreciation Day there. I represented the local Extension office as a volunteer.

I talked about 4-H, yeah. I talked about nutrition labs and family programs and rural beautification projects. Most of all, I

encouraged dialogue.

At the local foods breakfast (also hosted at the farmer's market because of the special event), I discussed things like organic vs. natural, the merits of both conventional mass-production methods and a smaller organic model, the local specialty crops, and the idea of industry unity. It was great to sit at a table full of people, only two of which I knew, and discuss things with an open mind and a respectful spirit.

I also got to experience the wonder of friendly llamas (which are rare in my experience) and a spit-roasted pig. If you want good pork, you REALLY need to cook the pig in one piece, because it was to die for. Anyways...

At my booth, I shared the value of Extension programs. Many of these programs find interesting ways to incorporate food raising into food consuming. The nutrition programs through our Extension always seem to run hand-in-hand with agricultural programs. The Extension is a valuable tool to keeping agriculture awareness alive in our area. This is especially important because north-eastern Illinois is always at risk of being swallowed by Chicago and its suburbs. Urban sprawl is dangerous and our area is showing a trend towards it. Keeping the public aware of our county's most prevalent industry can be considered insurance for the next generation of farmers.

So, six hours in the sun and a couple hundred interested citizens later, I was sporting a classy polo shirt tanline (seen in the most previous picture). By late afternoon, I was in the car on the way downstate to hit the Normal Cornbelters minor league game with Farmboy and his sister.

Now, I love the Illinois countryside. I love driving through the wind farms around Dwight and Towanda. I love that the gentle hills add contour to the land, yet somehow you can still see for miles. Overall, I just love it. It was a nice relaxing trip, during which Farmboy and I casually noted to each other that a certain corn field was tasseling or guessed how soon a wheat field would be harvested.

We're farm-geeks, I know.

Anyways, after that pleasant ride, Farmboy, his sister and I hit the Cornbelters game.

You want to talk about a fun way to teach people about agriculture? This is probably the best I could think of. The stadium, the sponsor signs, the scoreboard, the jumbotron...they all shared agriculture's message. Heck, there was corn growing in the lawn past the outfield. In between innings, fun facts were shared via the sound system and scoreboard screen. Looking over the schedule of events, there were a handful of days that I really would love to attend. Costume contest nights, College Student nights, Farm Tribute Night...it was fabulous.

(We were behind this group of leather-clad bikers, who were hysterical. And the publicity people were really engaging! And I caught a t-shirt when they threw them into the crowd. And Farmboy's sister and I admired the work of art that is the baseball player in uniform...)

I'd been mildly interested in the Cornbelters before. Now, I'm hooked. I bought a shirt and am anxiously awaiting the day they make Corny (the mascot) stuffed animals!

So, long story short, I had a wonderful Saturday full of agricultural outreach. It just goes to show that there are a million different ways to teach the world about where their food, fiber, and fuel come from. Hopefully you all can have as much fun experiencing agvocacy as I did over the weekend.

The Hurtful Side of Farming

2010-06-24T12:52:00.005-05:00

"You have enemies? Good. It means you've stood up for something sometime in your life." - Winston Churchill

No one likes having enemies. No one likes being disliked or judged. However, when you work in an area as controversial as agriculture, it's bound to happen. It's especially likely when you're willing to put yourself in the public eye.

Today's modern agricultural producers face a lot of attacks. Not all are blatantly and openly hostile (although those are many). And not all of these attacks come from strangers.

As I skimmed my Twitter feeder following lunch today, I saw a friend expressing the frustration and hurt that comes with having an animal rights extremist in her family. I felt for her, especially since she's a teenager who's just getting her feet under her in regards to farming. Taking that sort of a ridicule from a family member is hard, especially when you're a teenager.

Situations like this aren't that uncommon. I've written plenty of times about how my suburban college peers don't always know how to feel about my involvement in agriculture. Some of it is because they don't understand why a little girl like me would want to play in the dirt and wear gross clothes. They don't get that there's a lot more to it than that. Others don't understand because they assume I'm some sort of bad person for it. I've broken through a few of these. Many of them don't realize I support agriculture as a whole industry. They don't know that I love my local farmers' markets and that I support local food. They don't know that I spend just as much time working in nutrition and health. They don't know the whole story.

Regardless of whether you're a conventional grower who feeds 119 people or a tiny organic grower than feeds 30, you face some sort of attack. It comes from within the industry. It comes from outside of the industry. It comes from all over.

Farming isn't all sunshine and open spaces and being one with the outdoors. It isn't all hard manual labor and back-breaking days (although there's a lot of physical exhaustion involved). The toughness applies to more than just the physical strain. The patience and anxiety aren't all spent on things like weather and markets.

Farmers everywhere have to deal with the ridicule of the people who disagree with them. No other industry faces this sort of animosity on as large a scale.

As someone who loves the industry in all of its faces, it breaks my heart. So, give a farmer a hug. Most likely, they've had to deal with some downright mean folks in the past, because of the job they love.

Too Much of a Good Thing

2010-06-22T10:24:00.006-05:00

(NOTE: This is partially normal blog post...partially rant about bad weather...enjoy.)

Rain keeps coming up on here, and it's for a good reason. Rain gives life, and rain takes life away.

A few days ago, I drove past our southernmost field. It was awful. While corn only a few miles away is flourishing, easily reaching my shoulders now, the corn in this field was a sickly lime green color and maybe averaged a foot in height. The leaves were translucent and murky brown water sat over most of the field. My heart broke a little bit.

This is a perfect example of too much of a good thing being a bad thing. Seeing it broke my heart. There's always a chance that a hot, dry summer could dry things up enough to help it recover, but would the dryness be at the cost of other crops (or even corn fields) that could need that rain later on?

Despite how wet things already are here, there are more storms coming. In fact, there's a big scary one coming right at us on the radar. Great. I don't think we've had a day straight without rain in...weeks. This isn't the rainforest. This is the prairie. We're supposed to average about a storm a week, not a storm a day.

In the last month, we've had six or so tornadoes within 20 minutes of my home. Entire rural towns have gotten destroyed. This is the cost we pay for living in a fertile area with regular rainfall. The weather is unpredictable, often dangerous. Rain in Illinois tends to bring it's nasty friends "wind" and "lightning."

Yes, too much of a good thing is a bad thing. A very bad thing. At least when it comes to Illinois storms.

Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to head off to talk to my mother about the possibility of the basement flooding (again). To my Illinois folks, please hang in there and stay safe through this rough, wet, windy, soggy summer.

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T23:23:00.004-05:00

Earlier today, I set out to write a post about all the things I'd learned from my father over the years. Then I realized, there's no realistic way to sum that up in a single blog post, or a hundred blog posts. My father has taught me so much, and continues to. My Father's Day situation is a little different than most 20-year-olds. I spent the day celebrating my stepfather (who is awesome), but also missing my dad.

It's a fairly well known fact that my father passed away when I was younger. He suffered from a major heart attack while baling hay at the cattle farm that he and my uncle used to run. He was 46, and I was 12. The first 12 years of my life were rich with life lessons he taught in his rough-around-the-edges way. The following eight years, amazingly, have still been blessed with things that only a father could teach.

So, my Father's Day has been bittersweet (especially since yesterday, Saturday, the day before Father's Day, was the anniversary of his passing). However, as I prepare to head off for the night, I find myself reflecting on how blessed I am in the long run.

I'll never have another "normal" Father's Day. That doesn't mean they're all bad. It's a day to appreciate Dad's all over. So, whether you're young, old, in-between, male, female, only child, part of a big family, or even a father yourself...think about Dad. Thank him for the lessons he's taught. Appreciate him for the things you may not understand just yet.

Thanks, Daddy!

And thank you to all of the other dads out there who spend every day crafting tomorrow's leaders. Thanks to the dads who apply band-aids and wisdom, fix toys and hurt feelings, and work tirelessly to provide a living. Happy Father's Day, and I hope you all had good days.

(Note: I know this isn't very agriculture specific, beyond the fact that my dad was a farmer. But, in the long run, we all have dads. Farmers have dads. Many farmers are dads. So...this affects everyone!)

Friday Farm Photo!

2010-06-18T09:00:00.005-05:00

Happy Friday! It's been horribly busy around these parts, what with both my family and farmboy's moving to different houses at the end of the summer. It's a pretty hectic summer! I've been making the best of it gathering video, but the pictures have been a little lacking. (I hope to spend some of the weekend editing video, so I can have one up to post next week!)

Anyways, this week's photo is of yours truly. Actually, it's of my hands. And a bunny. Knowing how to properly handle what you raise is key in being a good producer. Whether it's how to properly and safely haul grain or how to lead an agitated steer from one place to another, you've got to know your stuff. Even little livestock, like rabbits, have do's and don't's of handling. Here, I'm "bunny whispering" to a 4-week-old New Zealand white. For kits this size, holding up properly on their back is relaxing.

So, next time you're hauling grain that could feed or fuel the world, or moving pastures, think of me. And my tiny, adorable baby bunny. Because proper handling can be safe, effective AND cute.

(And yes, rabbits ARE livestock. So, shush.)

Knee High by the...wait...

2010-06-15T11:01:00.003-05:00

Disclaimer: I know the term is outdated. It's a joke. I took this last Friday while I was out galavanting about the countryside. I haven't had time to edit the REAL video I plan on posting here. So, as a peace offering in response to my absence, here's a video of me taking cheap shots at my tiny stature. Enjoy.

To see the original YouTube posting, see here.

Get Lost

2010-06-10T20:59:00.005-05:00

Seriously. Get lost. I don't mean that as an insult or a request to be left alone. I mean that in the most literal sense that I could.

Get lost.

I had the wonderful chance to bury myself in the sights of rural Illinois. I was driving back from a meeting down in Bloomington on Thursday. Driving through Dwight, I decided to meander around some backroads to see how bad the town was still torn up from the tornado that went through last weekend.

I saw some damage, but wasn't able to find the area that got hit the worst. My heart goes out to the folks in Dwight and Streator, and maybe it's best I didn't find what I was looking for. I'm sure I would have ended up fairly upset.

In my wonderings, though, I ended up north-east of Dwight. I figured that, to the best of my knowledge, if I headed south and east, I'd find the road I'd originally been on. It's not all that hard to get around in the Illinois country. (Of course, when my farmboy found out that I was "lost," he was a nervous wreck. He called me every five minutes to see if I'd gotten back to route 1-17 yet.)

As unpleasant as it was for Tim, I enjoyed myself. It was an impromptu crop-scouting trip. (The wheat fields west of here are starting to get that golden tinge to them. Other than a few wet spots and wind-damaged areas, most of the corn had a rich green color. Beans are still young.) It was a chance to admire the world I grew up in. I spent part of the time on the phone with a friend, and he said, "I bet you're probably just driving through corn and bean fields." Well, yeah, I was, but there was so much more to see than that.

Barns, windmills, houses, woods, ponds, waterways. They're all a part of the rural landscape that make it beautiful. Each mile is unique. I'm sure that most people don't understand this sentiment, but as I took the scenic route back to 1-17, I felt blessed. Have you ever just watched the way young corn plants move in the breeze? Or the way wheat seems to ripple like water?

This was especially well-timed, because earlier this week I moved out of my dorm room and back home for the summer. This unlikely situation allowed me to fully soak up the beauty of the landscape, of my native rural area, unlike I would have otherwise. I did eventually get back to the state highway I'd been on. I got home in one piece. (I'm sure Tim didn't think I'd get back alright, though.) And when I pulled into my driveway later that evening, after stopping by the farmhouse for a while, I was amazed by the amazing sunset that lit up my backyard.

There isn't much of a lesson here. There isn't some deep moral. It's just a show of appreciation. I live in a beautiful place. Illinois has simple, wonderful, inspiring sights tucked away in the protected pockets of its countryside. So, I think everyone needs to take a little time to get lost. You might end up really appreciating it.

Corn is Beautiful

2010-06-07T16:17:00.005-05:00

I had no idea what I was going to blog about today. In fact, I think I had subconsciously decided not to, since I'm so swamped with college. Well, a link popped up in my Twitter feed today that caught my attention. The tweet was by Mike Howie, a great member of Twitter's farming community and a great generator of content. (I know I've retweeted him plenty, and have come to really appreciate his presence in my stream.)

The link itself led to a great blog post, which included sound files to audio recordings done in a corn field. It gave me goosebumps, since the sounds definitely reminded me of my childhood. Summer days used to be spent in the back yard, and the cornfield that borders that yard every other year in rotation with beans feels like it's played an integral part.

So, without further ado, here's the link. I have to say, I love this blog. It's a new discovery, but a great one nonetheless. Enjoy!

Also, to reach Mike Howie on Twitter, check out his page here.

Friday FLOOD Photos

2010-06-04T15:12:00.009-05:00

It's Friday, which means I should post some sort of picture (or even a video). Well, I have pictures today. They're farm-related, yes, but they're actually of the flooded aftermath of a freakishly-violent thunderstorm. As I've stated before, Monday (Memorial Day) was my birthday. Our plans got wrecked, but I ended up going out and scouting fields with my farmboy.

In two and a half hours, we got massive amounts of rain. Near my home, gauges said 3.2 inches. Down near the south-most fields, it was much higher than that (we don't know an exact measurement). Here are some pictures of me and Tim's flooded field adventure!

We drove through some pretty deep standing water. North-south roads seemed bad at first, but things got pretty sticky later when we turned and tried taking some east-west roads.

This scenic "pond" is actually one of farmboy's family's fields. Somewhere under the water, there are baby corn plants.

Things got a little dicey for a while. We had some pretty nasty waterflow over the roads. This temporary river made farmboy more than a little nervous.

Here's a close-up of the rapids at one side of the crossing in the last picture. Corn debris like stalks and cobs were washed over into this ditch and helped contribute to water build-up on the road.

Amazingly, most of this water has drained off. Unfortunately, storms continue to rake Illinois without mercy, so folks who haven't been able to finish planting yet are a bit hard-pressed for time and opportunity. Here's hoping we have a few hot, dry, windy days to get the guys back into the fields to finish off Planting Season 2010 and continue maintenance such as spraying and nutrient application.

Happy weekend, everyone!

For more pictures of the flooding, see here.

College Life and Farmers

2010-06-03T13:55:00.004-05:00

So, Midwestern Gold has been dead lately. I have a good reason for that. One word: college.

On our school's trimester class schedule, classes are rapid-fire and often end up being more rigorous. With the shortened schedule, big projects are more likely to overlap. Well, it's week ten (last week of the term before finals) and things are crazy.

I managed to survive an all-nighter last night. (In the last 24 hours, I have gotten an hour and a half of sleep. And the only reason I got that was because I dozed off at my computer!) Oddly enough, I'm in a pretty great mood today.

This may sound rough, but I know during many times of the year, farmers do this on a regular basis. I don't mean the crazy-big projects and preparing for finals. I mean pushing yourself to the limit and managing stress. Ever talked to a livestock farmer or rancher during calving/lambing/foaling/whatever season? Animals have a knack for giving birth at really random hours of the night. And the needs of the pregnant females, mothers, and newborn animals often come before any needs or desires of the people who raise them.

What about grain farmers during planting and harvest? Many times, insurance agreements require crops to be planted before a certain date, plus growing season usually calls for planting within a certain time-frame. This means putting seeds in the ground, regardless of how much (or little) sleep you've gotten. Harvest is even worse. When elevator lines and storage space and weather and moisture all play a vital role in your income, things like sleep and food take a back seat to just getting the job done.

So, my stress may be tough on me, but there are people who deal with this sort of wear-and-tear on a fairly regular basis, so that you and I can enjoy safe, bountiful food, fiber, and fuel. As I pull my hair out and miss meals and sleep to try and survive the term with good grades, I think about that. I don't want this stress, but I do want my degree. Farmers and ranchers everywhere willingly deal with it because of their passion for their trade, their animals, their crops, their environment, and you.

Happy Memorial Day!

2010-05-31T09:28:00.004-05:00

Today is a day to celebrate and remember all the men and women who have given their everything to serve the United States. I've been blessed that most of the military people I care about have made it through Hell and back in one piece, but it's important to never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country. Thank you to all who have served. God bless.

I'm going to keep this brief, since Memorial Day generally has different meanings to different people. Memorial Day has a long history for me because of my involvement in Momence Honor Guard, as well as the fact that my second-oldest brother is on career in the U.S. Navy (SeaBees). Two of my best friends are in the military, as well as some other folks that I've known and cared about for a long time. I can never thank them enough for the sacrifices they've made.

So, seeing has Memorial Day is a big deal for me, I was more than a little moved when I saw this. Check it out. Mike Haley shared it yesterday. Seriously, go look. It's completely worth your while, and over 1,000 other people agree.

I should go. In addition to it being Memorial Day, it's also my 20th birthday. Family plans and a busy day call.

Thank Goodness It's Friday!

2010-05-28T00:48:00.007-05:00

That time of the week, again, folks. Normally I'd pop up a picture of a happy animal or plant or some red-colored machinery. Or I'd just not post, if I can't find a picture. This week, I'm taking a different approach. A few weeks back a friend of mine shared this video, and I think a lot of folks could use something to smile about.

It's been a rough week on the livestock front following some controversial stuff in Ohio. Not going into details, but since all of agriculture is interconnected, what hurts livestock producers also hurts crop producers. So, in honor of the crop-livestock relationship, here is the video:

This video was recorded by Mike Haley, who's actually had pictures featured on Friday's before. He's actually been mentioned in this blog numerous times, for several reasons. I deeply respect Mike, for his dedication to the cause of reaching out and teaching. He's incredibly dedicated to what he does, both in his career as a farmer and his role as an agriculture advocate.
Hopefully Mike's video gives you something to smile about this Friday. I've seen it several times and it still makes me crack a grin. For the YouTube version for this video, click here. To Find Mike on Twitter, check out his profile here.
Have a safe, fun Memorial Day Weekend. Don't forget the reason for this long weekend. Be thankful for all the men and women who have served this country bravely. Never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the ideals on which this nation stands.

Now More Than Ever

2010-05-26T22:02:00.009-05:00

I grew up in an enchanted place. A tiny town, where everyone knew each other. A place where, when someone faced a hard time, the community united to make things a little easier. A magical world where morals and respect came first. When my father passed away during hay season of 2002, my family was in need of nothing. My mother, myself, and my three older siblings had the warmth of a blessed community to find comfort in.

Now that I'm grown, some disenchantment has struck me. I've come to realize not everyone in my rural hometown is a saint. The magic has worn off, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's opened doors to a reality that is, in some ways, not as good, but in others, better. I may have woken up to some of the harsher realities of the world, but I can't help but feel like that makes the good parts shine brighter.

I think that's the reason I don't ever want to live anywhere but the country. The community seems to matter more there. The world doesn't have to be such an anonymous place. There may be dark spots and scars, but the majority of the time, it's hope and warmth that greets you there.

In light of awful events at a dairy in Ohio, I feel like it's more important than ever to exemplify the mentality of the community. Agriculture needs unity now more than ever. There are so many reasons for folks to support each other, rather than to harbor hostility.

For one, the market relies on a fairly-equal balance between different sects. Once upon a time, organic growers were a rare minority feeding a small market. Now, in many ways, they're neck-and-neck with the conventional folks. The market status quo may be working to a point, but in many ways the interactions are harsh. There is hostility among the groups, and judgement. This saddens me.

On a local level, there's a sense of neighborhood. I remember a conventional dairy farmer commenting on the fact that both her and her organic dairy neighbor benefited from their friendship when one of the organic cows fell ill. The cow needed medicine, but couldn't be part of the milking herd anymore after receiving it. The organic farmer was able to place the cow somewhere, rather than cull it from the herd. The conventional farmer got a new milk cow, and the organic farmer had the peace of mind that went with the cow going to a place where it would be cared for properly.

That is all great. That neighbor mentality has gotten me through some pretty tough stuff in the past. However, when agriculture issues abound at the national level, the local community isn't as powerful.

I'm not going to go on and on about my emotions regarding the Ohio dairy video. Yeah, I'm shocked. I'm mad. I cried a little for the cows. But enough people have written posts about that. My intention for this post is deeper.

Since my involvement with the Internet agricultural community began, I've been an advocate of ending the "us vs. them" mentality. Even if folks disagree on growing methods, nutrition, chemical use, equipment, etc., they can still respect each other as farmers and ranchers. They can debate without starting fights and disagree while still supporting each other. I know, because I make a conscious effort to fit into that peaceful-disagreement camp. There are many people who I greatly enjoy knowing and interacting with, whose views are dramatically different from mine.

A few co-workers fit into this category. Some friends. Many acquaintances who I may know well or barely at all. Regardless, they're all people, and they're all members of my community. Similarly, all farmers and ranchers, regardless of herd size or acreage, growing methods or preferences, are all a part of the agriculture community.

Now more than ever, agriculture needs its community. Throw aside cliques and forget hostility. Whether you have 7 acres, 700, or 7,000...recognize the fact that we're all a part of the beautiful minority that feeds America and the world. As groups aim to hurt agriculture in major ways, it's time to toss aside industry stereotypes and titles. Whether you farm as a "hobby" or have a farm large enough to be considered a "factory," pro-veganism rhetoric and inner-industry hostility can hurt us all.

Right now, it's time to rally. Will you be considered one of the bright, hopeful, welcoming members of the community? Or will you be one of those dark spots?

Social Media Extravaganza

2010-05-26T00:53:00.006-05:00

I have about a million and one half-way ideas for posts. I've sat down to write several posts lately only to get halfway through and scrap them. To try and scrap the rut I've fallen into, I'm doing a sort of "update" on social media-related things relating to myself and agriculture.

FIRST OFF...

The hand-off that I recently warned about? It's no longer happening. Somewhere along the line, someone decided that Midwestern Gold ought to keep me as its author. So, for all of you poor saps that read this for some odd reason, you're stuck with me. This is exciting, and I've been ecstatic about keeping Midwestern Gold since I found out a little while ago.

SECONDLY...

Midwestern Gold was featured on a blog that is quickly growing in popularity. Agriculture Proud is run by my friend Ryan Goodman, who can be found here on Twitter. The idea is to showcase members of the ag community who show their pride and dedication.

Well, Midwestern Gold made the cut and we got featured there. The post was written relatively soon after my announcement of the no-longer-upcoming transition, so it states that there will be a chance in authors. That is no longer happening. I would, however, be thrilled to feature guest writers now and then. Perhaps Ryan or some of my Illinois Corn pals would like to step up to the plate?

OTHER BIG NEWS...

Some of you may have heard or seen that I'm planning a social media clinic for local farmers. It's to be held on July 13th at the Kankakee County Extension Office in Bourbonnais, IL. If you feel like making the trip, let me know. I can get you more information.

Anyways, said program needs a name. Something catchy and relevant but not too obvious or cheesy. It's easier said than done. I need to get this done relatively soon so that I can get press releases to all the right people.

Curious as to what will happen? Well, I will talk. And our guest speaker will talk. Who is our special guest speaker? Why, it's the lovely Ray Prock, Jr. If you don't know who he is, you should. He's from California. He's a dairy farmer. He's awesome, and he knows his stuff when it comes to Internet communications. Check him out on Twitter. If you doubt his ability to use social media, just look at his follower count. It speaks for itself. Needless to say, I'm blessed and honored that he'll be joining us at the clinic.

I'd like to thank Kankakee County Corn Growers for agreeing to sponsor this initially, and Kankakee County Farm Bureau for hopping on board later on. I've had the pleasure of working personally with both groups in the past and am thrilled to be joining them again for this great cause.

Alright. That's it for the random odds-n-ends update. Maybe if I try real hard I'll get a "real" post up later today.

Addressing Myths & Reaching Out

2010-05-25T15:19:00.005-05:00

I'm no expert on farming. I'm just a country kid who has a love for it. I've been immersed in it my whole life across varying degrees. I've grown to know and understand it, even if at times I don't know all the intricacies. I am, however, proud to be a part of the system that feeds the world. Here at school, in the suburbs, I try to make a habit of sharing that knowledge.

I've brought a few of my city friends out to the farm before. I've even brought some friends from Europe out to see the farm. The guests always enjoyed it, although it wasn't until later than they got the real insight on how big this thing we call agriculture is. It's hard to cover such a broad topic in a single sitting.

So what are some of the common myths I dispel here at school? There are plenty.

Isn't corn bad?

Seems like a dumb question, but, yeah. I was asked this. Knowing that I work with Illinois Corn, the person seemed shocked that I would do such a thing! Corn is killing the Earth, after all! And it's various uses are all bad. Ethanol is bad, corn-based foods are bad, feeding it to animals is bad...

I think I had to physically grab my jaw and pick it up off the floor when I was told this. You see, I'm pretty familiar with corn, and I didn't know any of these things! Anyways, once I recovered from the shock, I asked the person where they heard all of this. They couldn't really reference where their knowledge came from. I'm not really surprised about that one.

"Don't farmers only work, like, 3 months out of the year?"

I thought the person in question was kidding when they said this. I think I might have actually laughed. Once again, when I recovered from the shock of realizing they were serious, I asked them why they thought this. They said that farmers only had to plant and harvest, right?

They didn't stop to realize that "farmers" are also livestock producers...unless you can raise beef from a seed now. Also, they didn't realize that many farmers raise more than one type of product that would require different attention throughout the growing season. I then went on to explain that I know plenty of farmers that actually have seasonal winter jobs that they do during the off season in addition to their farm administration work, such as snow-plowing.

"Aren't farmers kind of...?"

I didn't let this person finish their question. Before they were even finished, I said, "Dumb?" Upon realizing this was, in fact, what they were going to say, I frowned. The person in question knows Tim, (my farmboy as I often refer to him as on Twitter and in this blog). Well, Tim is working on his bachelor's degree in Agronomy, the study of plants and soils in relation to agriculture.

Some of the smartest people I know are farmer folk. Many of them are my heroes. How many people do you know that have to know as much as they can about as many things as farmers do? Exactly. Heck, I know one guy out in California that seems to raise everything. It's like every time I talk to him I find out about some new animal or plant he's somehow involved in. He's a smart guy, and I'm pretty sure he could tell you anything you want to know about anything he works with. He's also pretty tech-savvy. He's managed to teach me a thing or two (or many) about social media. Some of you may have figured it out by now, but I'm talking about Jeff Fowle. Check out his Twitter profile here.

In Closing...

Every moment can be a teaching moment. I'm faced by these moments fairly often, as a rural-born minority here at my school. My co-workers, supervisors, peers, classmates, professors, friends...most of them don't know agriculture. They haven't spent their lives watching it, surrounded by it.

So, my challenge to you is this: sometime this week, find one person to reach out to who might not understand it. In most cases, the public isn't purposely hostile, they're misinformed. It's our job to patiently, gently educate them on what happens and why. The best defense is a good offense, and agriculture needs some backing-up these days. Well, make your offensive plan an outreach one. I'd love to hear people's stories regarding this.

Happy Friday!

2010-05-21T11:51:00.004-05:00

I have a VERY SPECIAL treat for you for today's Farm Photo! It was sent to my cell phone directly from my very own farmboy, Tim Yohnka. I mean, it covers a very important topic of agriculture. Besides, sometimes, it happens to all of us.

Poo. Yup. It happens to all of us. This poo happens to be very nitrogen-rich rabbit poo that will be added into a compost heap. It will then be used in Bosslady's personal garden and sometimes given away as gifts. (Yes. People in the country will accept poo as a gift.)

I'll have you know this poo comes from some pretty special rabbits with some hefty show credentials. This is grand champion rabbit poo.

Waste management is an especially important aspect of farm management. This poo gets put to good use. In fact, most manure is somehow planned into management practices.

So, as you enjoy this picture of rabbit manure in the back of a pickup truck on a rainy day, think about it: poo happens. The big question is how will you (or your farm) deal with it!

Thanks, Farmers!

2010-05-20T12:11:00.006-05:00

I'm a workaholic at times. I got out of class early today, and instead of enjoying my extra hour of freedom, I came into work early. In fact, I brought my lunch into work with me. Want to hear about? Good, because you're going to anyways.

It's a turkey sandwich. Nothing special. It's got some lettuce on it, and turkey, and mayonnaise. (The little packet the mayo came in made a point to say it's REAL mayo.) Oh, and it's on some sourdough roll-type dealio. It's delicious.

Well, being a semi-nerd in regards to farming, I sat and thought about all of the products in this one simple little sammich. Wheat, obviously, for the bread. Also, I think bread also calls for milk and eggs, although I'm not sure about the milk. Eggs, I do know. (I'm not much of a baker, so I can't be certain about the bread as a whole.) Mayo, which is made of eggs and vegetable oil. The lettuce is fairly straight-forward. The turkey is where things get interesting.

Turkey is a meat. Which means it comes from an animal. That animal had to eat things. Now, I'm not a bird person. I like the parrots in the pet stores but most poultry animals terrify me. There's something about a chicken's eyes that make them look...blood-thirsty. Oh, and there's that one time I got chased by a wild turkey in the Ozarks. Anyways, the moral of the story is that I don't really know much about what a turkey eats.

When I Googled it, the most straight-forward thing I could find was a sight for children 3 to 6 years old. It talked about how when you sit down to eat a turkey, it's fun to know what the turkey ate before it became your meal. (To some city folks, that might sound morbid. To us farm kids, it's just common sense. Especially if you ever spent any freezing winter days feeding whatever animal it is you intend to eat.) According to this site, domestic turkeys generally eat a blend of corn, soybeans and wheat with addition vitamins and minerals maintained throughout stages of growth.

So, this one little sandwich was made possible by farmers who raise the following: corn, soybeans, wheat, milk, eggs, turkey, and lettuce. Holy cow. (If you added some ham and/or bacon and roast beef, it'd be a club sandwich. And this blog post would suddenly become a LOT longer.)

Think about it. Think about your meals, however simple they are. This sandwich has four ingredients, but is made possible by the work of many, many different farmers scattered across the U.S. So, all I can really say is, "Thanks, Farmers!" Your endless hard work has made this turkey sandwich taste even better.

Rain on the Brain

2010-05-19T14:46:00.001-05:00

This time of year, I'm stuck in a bit of a conundrum. I love sunny days like today, although I hate them when I can't actually enjoy them. Sitting in classrooms and offices makes beautiful weather a bit...teasing. Someone actually text me earlier today to note how gorgeous the weather is, and my exact response was, "It's mocking me."

Mike Haley of Ohio and I were going back and forth (via Google Buzz) about our respective weather situations. He's waiting for sunshine. The selfish college kid in me wishes it were raining, or at least cloudy and gross. I offered to "trade weather" with Mike.

Then, of course, the voice of reason had to come out in the form of Janice Person of Tennessee. Of course, if I had the gloomy weather I wanted (so that the sunshine and mid-70's temps would stop mocking me) the farmers all over Illinois would be in risk of flooding. Well, duh. My little joke about trading weather with Ohio suddenly seemed a lot less...funny.

I know, I write about rain a lot. I don't think I could ever write enough about rain! It's always in the back of a farmer or rancher's mind. It's the perfect drying-up weather. Weather like this means the guys back home can finish drilling beans, and I can sit here at school knowing we're all caught up.

So, while I may not get to enjoy the perfect day that's sitting outside the windows, laughing at me, I know that all over the area work is getting done. Men and women are manning the tractors to get down to business that it's been too wet to do.

To top things off, it's a bit of a race; there's rain in the forecast for tomorrow, and depending on inches, it could put planting and spraying on the back burner again.

Have a good one, everyone. I'm going to attend to the long day ahead of me and hope that between my various meetings, appointments, and obligations, I can get at least a little time to lay in the sunshine on the quad.

(To find Mike Haley on Twitter, see @FarmerHaley. To find Janice Person, see @JPlovesCOTTON.)

A Whole Different Type of "Tough"

2010-05-18T15:23:00.000-05:00

Life gets tough. That's just the way it goes. I know this just as well as anyone. Everyone copes different ways, but sometimes the only thing to do is to keep going. You can't quit, you can't stop. I've seen this life lesson lived out over and over again in different ways, but I've come to realize that this was a lesson I learned from farmers.

Running parallel to my last post (mainly in regards to the "stubborn" factor) I'd like to highlight the ability for everyday, average farmers to make ends meet. As often as you hear about families selling out, closing up, and moving into town, more and more there are stories about the tenacity of a family farm to stand fast on their ground and stare adversity in the eye.

Every farmer has a story of that bad year, the year that almost put the farm out of business. Sometimes, in a string of bad years, or even just one bad storm. A few weeks ago I spent some time sitting buddy-seat with a farmer as he planted corn. We got to reminiscing, and listening to the stories of how they made it through the toughest years was more than a little inspiring.

It's fairly well-known that I'm a huge Garth Brooks fan. On his album No Fences there is a song called "Wolves." It looks at the sadder side of this stick-to-it attitude. I won't post the lyrics here, but it can really shed light on the emotions that don't get talked about.

Imagine it this way: you work hard, harder than most. You do what you can to make ends meet, but sometimes it just doesn't seem to be enough. You have dreams, and a family, and your family has dreams. You have kids to raise and a whole bushel-full of other obligations. What do you do when the bank says there isn't enough money? How do you deal with the idea of losing the lifeblood of your income (and lifestyle)?

You pray like there is no tomorrow, even as you sit in a tractor or pull all-nighters working for a trucking company on the side.

It's so easy to see farmers and ranchers being brave. It's easy to see them doing whatever it takes to hang on. Behind the John Wayne-esque bravery that "outsiders" would see, there is fear. There is faith. There is hope and terror and a long list of what-if's.

If you've ever talked to a farmer who's buying land or negotiating contracts, it's terrifying. When your currency tends to run in the tens-of-thousands and hundreds-of-thousands, it's high-stakes. The "big checkbook" comes with a lot of careful maintenance and a healthy, fearful respect.

Farmers have taught me many life lessons, but this is probably the most valuable. Never give up, but don't shut down. It's alright to feel things like fear and doubt, but don't ever let that stop you from gaining what you want (or need) or keeping what you already had. When it comes down to it, farmers and ranchers have to be tough. "Tough times don't last, tough people do," according to my high school algebra teacher. Agriculturalists just need to be a whole different type of "tough."

Farmer Identity

2010-05-17T16:50:00.000-05:00

I catch myself making generalizations a lot. I crack jokes about the "farm folks" and such, but there really is a type of stereotype around farmers. What are some of the stereotypical characteristics that "all" farmers have? And why do people assume they are this way?

Well, I for one have experience with farmers being stubborn. I date a farmer, my father was a born-and-bred farmer, I deal with farmers all the time. Most are headstrong, don't-tell-me-my-business type guys. This doesn't mean they're jerks, necessarily. They're just masters of tenacity, and don't let others boss them around. (Most of them, however, will take kindly to suggestions if given in the right way.)

To counter-balance, most farmers that I know are polite. At least, when they have to be. The male farmers I know generally know how to open a door for a lady, and the lady farmers I know can really clean up and be proper when occasion calls. (While I'm not necessarily a farmER, I have been told I'm a farmGIRL. Over the weekend, I made the comment that I am not a "lady" and I got very seriously reprimanded about how well I clean up and behave when I need to!)

Farmers are outspoken. This isn't always a bad thing. They're just frank. They'll say it like it is. They stand up for what they believe in and aren't shy about it by any means. One of my favorite people when it comes to being outspoken is a farmer by the name of Tricia Braid Terry. She is not afraid to say what's on her mind. Tricia is one of my personal heroes as far as bravery goes.

Of course, a farmer needs to be hard-working. This is just a basic "duh" item on the list. You can't be a farmer and be lazy. Even a lazy farmer works harder than most average Americans.

But what about the things that farmers are NOT?

Well, they're not dumb. Farmers need to know everything there is to know about everything they raise, animal and plant alike. A lot of farmers also work second (and sometimes even third) jobs to make ends meet. That creates more knowledge for farmers to know. Farmers also need to have great problem-solving and mechanical skills, since they usually end up doing their own emergency-servicing in the fields when equipment breaks down.

Farmers sure aren't vindictive as a whole. There are bad eggs in every group. In fact, there are farmers who will go out there and undercut another farmer for rent, thus stealing their rented farmland. However, the farmer population as a group is not out there to get anyone. They don't seek to kill the Earth. They don't want to take over the business world or put each other out of business.

Farmers aren't alike. They have plenty in common, yeah. But overall, no two farmers are exactly the same. They use different methods of growing, thinking, problem-solving, planning, and marketing. They grow organic or conventional, some even grow both. (I work for a commercial farm that does both.)

I was going to have some witty, moral-of-the-story type closing, but I lost it. I completely forgot what I was going to write here. It was all there, mapped out in my head, then I switched over to TweetDeck and saw that MACE THORNTON OF THE AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION is following me. And you know what? It's his birthday. Happy Birthday, Mace.

Looking Back

2010-05-13T14:25:00.000-05:00

I was half-way through a decent post about the livestock-crop connection when suddenly I realized, my time with Midwestern Gold is almost up. It hasn't been a heavily publicized fact, but this blog is part of an internship with Illinois Corn.

The content is 100% me, so I don't want anything to think after all these months of reading Midwestern Gold, it was all a lie. I was given free reign and have always posted based on my opinion and feelings at the time. I'm sure the people watching me at the IL Corn office have rolled their eyes more than once when I've ignored a suggestion for a post. But, that was the idea of the blog.

Let a young person who knows and loves both agriculture and online communications combine the two and share their views.

I've learned a lot from running Midwestern Gold. I've made some interesting friends and learned a lot of great new information. This blog has also further verified my career wishes. If I can, I'd like to work in agriculture. My degree may not be in agricultural communications, but someday, I'd like to think I could be a useful part of the ag world.

Now, I'm not done with Midwestern Gold. It's not closing tomorrow or the day after. It's going to be given over the experienced and dedicated hands. Someone in the Illinois Corn office with more talent, education, and experience than me will most likely write much better posts with more interesting information. Sometime at the end of May, perhaps the start of June, I'll be saying goodbye, at least as the full-time blogger.

(I'm sure if I ask real nicely they might let me guest-blog now and then.)

MG has put a lot of things in perspective for me. It's shown me how large agriculture is on the world scheme and how individualized it is on the home front. Every plant of every row of every acre of every field of every farm is different, and every farmer is different. Every rancher is different. (Oh, I also learned the difference between a farmer and rancher. I think.)

Farmers are feeding the world. I feel so lucky to have gotten this wonderful learning experience. I'm going to miss Midwestern Gold, but overall I'm thankful that I was given the chance to share my perspective. For this little country girl, it's been the best kind of adventure.

Now that I'm doing being all sentimental and such, I'll bid you goodnight. I have homework and a social life to attend to, and a Friday Farm Photo to pick out for tomorrow!

Blogging About Agriculture

2010-05-12T21:49:00.000-05:00

I mention fairly often that I go to school in the suburbs. Here, it takes a lot of effort to stay reconnected with agriculture. My normal mode for keeping in touch with my farm girl side is digital communications: texting, phone calls on the cell, and the Internet. It's not always easy to feel like I know what's going on. So how do I blog about it? How do I keep Midwestern Gold going when I spend so much time away?

Well, agriculture ties to everything.

Within a foot of me, I figured there are 23 different objects that could contain corn. They may not necessarily contain corn, but it could be used in their production in the future. Corn plastic, corn fiber, corn fuel...just five feet away, my plastic rolling drawer holds my food. Many contain corn. Some even contain animals that ate corn, like chicken and beef.

That's just corn. I don't even need to mention the widespread uses of soybean products and byproducts in everyday life. All I have to say is the word "cotton" and about a million different things come to mind. What about products that probably wouldn't contain agricultural products? The workers who made them, ran the equipment, tested the quality and developed the original design...they all had to eat something. If it weren't for farmers and ranchers, we'd have nothing, because we'd be too hungry to make anything. Down the line, everything every created by man needed some sort of energy, even if it's the granola bar that some worker had at break time during a hard day of creating who knows what.

Agriculture is everywhere. For that reason, I can sit in a dorm room in a city that feels a million miles away from a farm...and still find something to write about.

Thoughts like this make me proud to be a part of this world. Hopefully this gets you thinking.

What is it About the Country...?

2010-05-11T13:12:00.000-05:00

The other night, I found myself engaging in an interesting conversation with Tricia Braid Terry and Stacy Schutz. There was a pretty big thunderstorm rolling in, stretching from central Illinois (where those ladies live) all the way up to the Chicago suburbs (where I'm going to school). Now, if you know anything about Illinois geography, Illinois is one heck of a long state in regards to north-south stretch. That was one huge storm system! (For the record, it's still circling northern Illinois. Lake-effect wind patterns like to make some systems linger up here.)

We were talking about how we were excited about the storm. Sure, there are downs to it. It puts a halt on planting plans, and increases the risk of low germination rates and the need for replant. But there's something about a good thunderstorm that most country folks can appreciate. Maybe it was the fact that I grew up with a clear view to the west. Watching those spring and summer storms roll in from the west is something I did a lot as a kid. There's something powerful, awe-inspiring, and impressive about the weather. I've talked about rain here a lot, but not thunder and lightning. Those storms, the ones you can hear pounding in the distance long before it hits you, is something only rural people can really appreciate.

I mean, my suburban/urban friends here hear the storm rolling in and think about things like their cars getting dirty (since city rain leaves a film, rather than cleans the car) and the fact that they'll have to walk in the rain. (Granted, I hate walking through cold rain. I have no problem with warm summer rain, though!)

When I think city rain, I think bad smells and a nasty outlook. When I think country rain, I think the fresh smell of wet soil, wet plants, and a good light show.

What else is there about the country that I love? I summed it up in my 3 S's statement last night on Twitter:

@kmrivard: @StacySchutz @agchick 3 S's I miss most from home: Storms, sunsets, and stars. They just aren't the same in the burbs.

(@StacySchutz is obviously Stacy Schutz. @agchick is Tricia Braid Terry.)

It's true. There are things about nature that I get to appreciate, that many city slickers don't get to. A slow summer evening watching a red and gold midwestern sunset? Sounds fabulous. And there is something special about sitting next to a bonfire with a ceiling of endless, brilliant stars overhead. The clear night sky as seen from my back yard is one of my favorite views.

I guess to sum this up, I'm lucky. I get to lead a charmed life full of natural wonder and peaceful moments. Next time you see storm clouds sitting on the western horizon, or you settle on your back porch to enjoy the most beautiful sunset the world has ever offered, or you look up at a sky full of diamond-like stars, think of the poor city folks.

They don't get to see the world like we do. Happy country living, folks. I'm in my final countdown until summer, when these sights, sounds, and smells will be my daily reality again for three months.

Sleep? What's That?

2010-05-10T01:17:00.000-05:00

It's 1:17 a.m. That's a weird time to be blogging about corn, right?

Well, oddly enough, it's not. Because there are farmers all over the country who are still in tractors planting. And at the end of the growing season, most farmers will operate on little-to-no sleep to make sure the crops get out of the field in time to meat elevator requirements and quotas.

So far this planting season, I've been called on to keep four different farmers "company" during late nights. Two were phone conversations. One was in person. And the last, right now, is happening via Twitter. Apparently the creative combination of auto-steer and Blackberry makes this both possible and efficient.

This post may not make a lot of sense. It's 1:22 a.m. now, I don't expect it to make sense. It's brief and to the point: farmers lose sleep to make sure you eat. So, thank farmers. Thank them a lot.

As not tired as I am right now, I should get some sleep. So, I'm hitting the hay. Goodnight, and safe wishes to all the men and women pulling all-nighters this planting season!

Guess What Day It Is!

2010-05-07T13:02:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday!

Planting season is well under way for various crops. The ones I've heard talked (and complained) most about have been soybeans and corn. Obviously, these are two pretty huge commodities, so that's no surprise. Today's picture comes from my last trip home about two weeks ago.

I've posted before about the weight that rain holds for agriculture. Rain, and its timing, can make or break and operation. Well, rain during planting isn't always the best thing. Well, you can imagine the stress we felt when we were standing outside working on the finishing touches of a bent sprayer boom, when the first drops began to fall. The thunder began to roll. Humidity sunk in, and you could see the rain coming towards us. It's not that uncommon, really. In Illinois, summer storms happen like this all the time. The sky is an odd color, sometimes gray-green, sometimes gray-yellow, sometimes just plain scary-black, and you see the curtain of rain coming towards you.

Well, we got the equipment that needed to be inside put away, and sat in the shed for a while listening to the rain pounding on the roof. Lucky for us, all of the corn was already in the ground. If I've heard correctly from back home, it doesn't sound like we'll need any replanting.

The scene of rain coming in isn't that big of a deal when you're working on machinery right outside of the shop. It's another story when you're in the field.

So, this spring, keep local farmers in your thoughts. They're working hard, many pulling all-nighters, to make sure that crops get in the ground.

Simple Moments

2010-05-06T18:06:00.000-05:00

For those of you who haven't made the connection, the "Tim Yohnka" I always talk about is actually my boyfriend. His family raises corn, soy beans, and wheat. My family no longer does any sort of farming, so I farm vicariously through his. Granted, last time we owned ground for agricultural use, I was probably 13. However, from the first time I bottle-fed a calf, or maybe from my first tractor ride with Dad, the farm bug bit me.

Even as I study Internet Communications (a trade hardly ever associated with agriculture) I love it. I'm dying to get back to the country where the air is fresh and things are simpler.

Well, farmers have it pretty dang good when it comes to the simple things in life. You may know a farmer your whole life, but you don't truly know them until you see them in their element. There's something about Tim that changes when he's driving a tractor. Even during the worst harvest either of us had lived through, he was in his element.

Think of any rancher or ranch hand you know. Are they happier in a suit, or on a horse? Have you ever watched a farmer or rancher look out at their fields or pastures? I'm pretty sure when you do, you can see a little piece of their soul. You may see it in other trades. I'm told that I'm at my best when I'm covered in paint making my next mediocre masterpiece. (I'm a farmkid, but by no means a farmer. Above all else, I'm actually an artist!) Tim says he sees it in me when I sit down to draw or draft.

No one enjoys those simple moments as often as our farmers and ranchers do. In the rain and the wind and the floods and the droughts and the hard and the bad and the good, farmers love their work. They get those moments of peace before dawn, when the world is quiet, that few people can truly enjoy. They have a relationship with the Earth like few others have experienced. They also get to drive big trucks and tractors, which is a pretty cool fringe benefit. Anyways, if you want to see what farming is, look past how dirty or sweaty or tired a farmer or rancher looks. Watch his face as they survey their work and watch over the land and animals they care for.

I promise you'll see something amazing. Every time I go home, I see it on Tim's face. It's a magical thing, and I only hope someday I can love what I do as much as these people.

"A Plot? You Mean, Like, in a Movie?"

2010-05-05T19:29:00.000-05:00

Before you say, "Holy cow, Kelly's losing it," I have to say, someone actually said that to me the other day. I was talking about how they'd finished the bean plot. One of the girls in our little group then turned to me and said that ingenius line. Apparently, farmers are also cinematic experts who write movies about beans.

I then went on to try to explain the reasoning for plots. What is a plot? Why do you use plots? Well, the basic idea is that you plant small sections (I believe 8 to 16 rows, although I'm sure it varies with every plot) of different varieties of corn next to each other to compare the results. Plots are a common topic of conversation this time of year because planting them is quite a task.

(I'd also like to note that the one other country girl in the group knew exactly what I was talking about, but the other three girls had to be told about varieties, as well. I also find it funny that the other country girl is also a Kelly and we often talk about boots, Carhartt vs. Walls, etc. We have way too much in common.)

I digress.

Anyways, plots. I was talking about plots.

Plots are valuable because they not only give a sample of yield comparisons, but also strength against natural adversities. A plot can show which types of corn prosper during the dryer parts of the year, and which corn will roll its leaves up and try to protect itself from drought. Different varieties react to different soils. Plots show side-by-side comparisons of which soils are most compatible to which varieties of corn.

Harvesting plots can be quite an adventure, too. Depending on how many rows are planted vs. the amount of rows your combine head is, it can often be a long, drawn-out process. There's also the fact that agronomists need to be there, with various equipment and machinery and doo-dads.

See, it's interesting to look at just how active farmers can be in research. This field that I've stood in, worked in, driven a tractor in, (and taken naps in,) is a real and living part of the research being done to help feed the world. If that doesn't make you feeling you're part of something bigger than yourself, I don't know what does.

A Farmer's Uniform

2010-05-04T11:55:00.000-05:00

There's something iconic about a flannel shirt, work boots, and blue jeans. At least, to me. That's because I remember my dad dressing like that growing up. Top it off with a cheesy trucker hat or baseball cap, and you'd have the complete get-up. But what is a proper "uniform" for a farmer? There really isn't such a thing...or maybe there are many?

I sit here at my suburban college today wearing "soulmate hat," as I call it. My nasty, paint-covered, sun-faded, much-loved and well-formed baseball cap. People give it weird looks. My roommate today actually asked me, "What is ON YOUR HEAD?" (Granted, she's a fashionista, so a baseball cap alone is a no-no in her eyes...especially not one of the character I'm referring to.) This is my farm hat, my favorite hat in the world.

This hat has been with me through endless amounts of animal poo, equipment paint, dust, dirt, soap, seed-corn, and has even gotten spit on by angry llamas and alpacas. I guess you could say it's part of my "farm uniform." But there are other outfits that are a must. Work jeans, yes. The boots that keep me from breaking an ankle as I jump in out of tractors and trip over corn stalks. Even the hanky I keep with me at all times.

I also consider my polos a part of my uniform. My FFA alumni polo, and a few others. Once, my "uniform" included a blue jacket with a huge gold emblem on the back, and the words, "Kelly Rivard, President" on the front.

There isn't a farmer out there who doesn't have the same situation. Suits for business meetings, polos for networking and business-casual affairs, khaki's for when appearance matters a bit more than functionality.

Today, while I wear my favorite hat, I'm reminded of the many hats farmers wear. It's important to remember that farmers who wear coveralls or flannel or nasty worn-out hats are the same men and women who wear suits and negotiate with the banks. They are the manual labor and the managers, the CEO's and the cowboys. It's the same people, just a different outfit.

My New Favorite Cup

2010-05-03T18:42:00.000-05:00

I love tea. And when I'm really in need of a pick-me-up, I'm an avid coffee-drinker. (During the fair when I'd pull 4 a.m. starts every day, coffee was a must.) So I'm a fool for good travel mugs. Well, ever since my trip to the "Women Changing the Face of Agriculture" conference, I've had a new travel mug.

It's green. It's durable. It's got a handle. It doesn't hold the flavors of previous drinks. And, most of all, it's made of corn. It's a corn-plastic cup. HOW COOL IS THAT?!

Anyways, this cup was given to me by the nice ladies running one of the Monsanto booths. I've actually had people ask what the logo on the side of it was. Of course, here in the suburbs where I go to school, telling them that it was a brand of seed-corn got some eye-rolls and

chuckles. People don't care that it's a DeKalb cup and that DeKalb is a type of seed-corn sold by Monsanto. However, they do get interested when I say it's made out of corn.

People don't realize how valuable corn can be as a petroleum replacement. It's not just gas that corn product and by-product can be substituted for. It's just about any petroleum product. And on the flip-side, they're all biodegradable. A petroleum-plastic cup with live on for eons, while my corn-plastic cup will someday dissolve and break down.

(Luckily for me, it'll be a long time. However, nowhere near as long as petroleum-plastic!)

Think of at least one plastic thing you use each day. Think about how much petroleum could be saved if that thing were corn-based instead. Now imagine all of the plastic things that could be corn-based. The possibilities are endless...unlike our supply of petroleum.

As the oil wells underground dry up and we start to wonder what we'll do, at least one thing is sure. Corn is here, and it's ready to do it's part!

Friday!

2010-04-30T17:27:00.000-05:00

Agriculture requires a sense of humor. Here, Ryan Goodman (AR_Ranchand on Twitter) shows us a good example. In his explanation of this picture, he stated that the cows were more likely to walk up and lick you than to actually bite. That just makes the sign funny, instead of cautionary.

So, hats off to you, Ryan, for reminding us that farmers and ranchers need something to smile at now and then.

Kumbaya Moments in Agriculture

2010-04-28T15:23:00.000-05:00

If you are involved in agriculture, you've probably heard a bit about the Roundup Ready alfalfa case the Supreme Court heard yesterday.

All the details can be debated/discussed elsewhere, but I wanted to point out a conversation between two people - Emily Zweber and Mica Veihman. Emily is part of a family organic farming operation in Minnesota, Mica is employed with Monsanto. Certainly two folks that see this issue from very different perspectives. But yesterday, I watched (and briefly participated in) a very good twitter conversation between the two of them.

For some reason, it seems to be most difficult to have a legitimate conversation about the role of technology in food production, whether it is my farmer friends over at NewAgTalk, or some of the anti-GMO activists in social media. Any attempt at having a reasonable dialog about best and proper methods of adequately meeting the needs of the world's population seems to quickly disintegrate into name calling and accusations.

I am under no illusions that yesturday's discussion solved any of the complex challenges of integrating new technology into existing, diverse production systems. But I am convinced that solutions start with quality, open, honest conversations. I can appreciate Emily's concern that "we don't want to loose #organic cert b/c a bee flew too far" and also it is quite apparent from the resources Mica provided that there has been extensive work done in researching, understanding, and developing a plan around the issues involved.

Thanks to both of you for keeping alive the hope that social media can lead ALL of us in agriculture to a brighter future!

The above statement was made by Darin Grimm, a Kansas farmer who raises corn, soy beans, wheat, sunflowers, and cattle. Darin summed up a very important point: agriculture needs to be unified and cooperative. Instances like this are rare, but not entirely isolated. I have a few select "anti-big ag" folks that I can really get along with and respectfully disagree with.

I think dialogue like that between Darin, Emily, and Mica needs to continue. There needs to be constructive conversation and mutual respect. Inflammatory behavior does no good, other than to spread the rift. I was incredibly moved when I read this, since I stand by my beliefs that a farmer is a farmer is a farmer. Method shouldn't matter, as long as good stewardship of the land, animals, and resources in question is practiced. The passion for creating, growing, producing, supplying, and being close to nature is essentially something all farmers share.

If you'd like to see the Google Buzz discussion, it can be found here.

To further follow the members of the discussion, check out Google Buzz or find them on Twitter:

Hopefully, this sort of thing becomes more common. Until then, keep reaching out. Keep advocating. Keep making friends and supporting people with different methods than you. A unified agricultural front is a strong one. "United we stand, divided we fall."

A Case of the Mondays

2010-04-26T11:34:00.000-05:00

Here at college, and at the various non-farming jobs I've had over the years (as an office worker, a barister, a cashier, the list goes on) there's always been this horrible thing that came at the end of every weekend: Monday. I dreaded Mondays. I still do, as a college student. Mondays are often long, groggy, unpleasant reintroductions to the business week.

Granted, I usually end up doing some sort of work on the weekends. Freelance work, volunteer work, farm work...but that doesn't feel like work.

This weekend, I was reminded as to why most farmers don't experience the Mondays. First off, for many producers, there's no such thing as the weekend (unless it means you get help from young'uns who are usually at school during the week). A "weekend" is just another two days during which work needs to be done. Chores can't wait for Monday, nor can planting, harvest, must-finish maintenance work, or various other odds-and-ends farming tasks that the everyday person couldn't even begin to imagine.

Besides, for those rare weekends when a break can be has, going back to work on Monday isn't something to dread. Farmers love what they do (in general) so why dread returning to it? Heck, I know farmers who wake up before the dawn even when they don't have to. It's just what they do. It's what they enjoy.

So, as I sit here, dreading my return to class and work for the week, I'm jealous of the farmers everywhere who have already been working for hours, loving what they're doing.

Happy Monday, everyone!

Surprise!

2010-04-23T10:43:00.000-05:00

I bet you guys were expecting a picture! Or better yet, no post at all. Well, to try and make up for multiple missed Friday Farm Photos, I've offered you more than that.

I give you video of me, running a Case International 8940 with a soil finisher behind it. I know, tillage is quite the debatable topic. I've caught flack for talking about it before. However, in some cases, there isn't always a choice. Tillage is still quite popular in Illinois because it's often necessary. This field is heavy clay, but is too wet to grow most clay-friendly crops like wheat. So, tillage of corn stalks adds at least some organic matter to the topsoil. It also helps to warm the soil up enough for planting, since cold soil can "kill" seeds.

I may seem a bit nervous running the soil finisher; that's mainly because I've only ever pulled an auger wagon, and this field is treacherously-hilly. Also, I hadn't driven a tractor more than a few hundred yards in well over a year. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

So, there you have it. Expect there to be a bit of a heavy video presence for the next few weeks. With the gorgeous weather we've been having, it's easy to grab the camera and go.

For those of you who would like the original YouTube link, you can find it here.

The Earth Day Battlefield

2010-04-22T13:24:00.000-05:00

It's Earth Day. This nationally-recognized day is often commemorated in many ways. On campus, there was an Earth Day Fair in our "green" Fine Arts building, where booths were exhibited about various aspects of preservation and conservation. I couldn't make it, since I was in class for the 2-hour duration of the event. However, I'm sure that just like last year, agriculture was under-represented.

Today is a double-edged sword for farmers and ranchers. It's a wonderful day to celebrate and share all the ways that agriculturalists fight to keep the Earth healthy. It should be a day for growers and raisers of all varieties to commend each other's efforts to create quality goods without hurting the land they use.

However, it's a day of segregation. Many folks on the organic front have posted some rather unpleasant things via Twitter, and it saddens me to see this contention. Some conventional folks have gone on the defensive. Once again, I have to ask, why is it such an "us or them" mentality? All farmers are farmers. All work hard, all are proud of their efforts, their products, and their trade. One method will not work for everyone. And the market demands a wide variety; not everyone wants to eat organic, just like not everyone wants to eat highly-processed foods.

Come on, people. Stop the warfare. Stop the fighting. I'm sick of it, as are many other people. It's Earth Day; instead of pointing fingers and accusing, why not celebrate the elevated relationship with Earth that farmers have?

Earth Day should be a day of contemplation, education, and unity. Instead, it's like Christmas with those estranged relatives you don't really want to see. Instead of enjoying gift-opening and a nice sit-down meal, it's bickering, arguing, and he-said-she-said.

I was hoping that Earth Day would be a bright point for agriculture. I was hoping to get on Twitter and Facebook and see people exchanging stories of conservation and protection and good practices.

Alright, I'm off my soapbox, for now.

We're Done!

2010-04-21T12:29:00.000-05:00

If you've been following the #plant10 hashtag on Twitter, you'll know that farmers and ranchers who are active in social media have been sharing their woes and victories in regards to planting.

Well, as of yesterday, the farm I work on is DONE PLANTING CORN. That means we have about two weeks of down time for repairs, prep, and seed sorting before we turn to soybeans. It's a huge change from last year, when field time was limited because of massive amounts of unseasonable rain.

This is just one example of the small (and large) successes that farmers get to enjoy each day. Now, the Bossman of the farm gets to turn his attention back to cleaning up the house they're about to put on the market. (His wife, Bosslady, also says it's about time he opened the pool.)

All over the country, farmers are in different stages of planting for different crops. Because corn grows in so many different climates, soil types, and geographic types, planting can stretch from mid-March into May. Soil temperatures, wetness, and weather conditions all influence when and how quickly a farmer can plant.

We were fortunate this year to start early and finish early. Now, it's time to look ahead and plan for soybeans. After the crisis that was last year, optimism is both a necessity and a luxury. Luckily, it's been bountiful this spring!

Girls Rock!

2010-04-20T16:10:00.000-05:00

I spent all day Friday doing some contract video work at the Illinois Agriwomen's "Women Changing the Face of Agriculture" conference and career fair. It was a wonderful experience, and I'm honored to have been a part of it.

I'm looking forward to returning next year. It's unsure as to whether I'll be taping again, running a booth, or just attending as a student. Either way, I AM going. All of you farm ladies in Illinois, and non-farm ladies who are interested, should attend next year! I'll let you know a date as I get information, although I know for sure that it will be in the Bone Student Center at Illinois State University in Bloomington, Illinois.

If the embedded video did not work for you, see it on YouTube here.

Update: The date for next year's conference/career fair will be March 4th.

Water, Water, Everwhere

2010-04-19T13:35:00.002-05:00

I know I had mentioned that there might be a video blog post today, but my weekend was a blur. From the time of my arrival in Bloomington on Thursday night, up until coming back to school on Sunday evening, I was swamped. A wedding, farm work, and a barrage of other commitments set me on a fast-track to low productivity as far as media goes.

Well, spending time on the farm did give me an idea for another blog post. The field we were at is terraced, meaning that rows of elevated grass are placed strategically along sloping hills to reduce soil erosion and encourage the eco- and farm-friendly flow of water.

This is an image of the field I'm discussing, as seen on the Satellite View from Google Maps.

This field, from its highest point to its lowest, has a difference in over 40 feet of elevation. That's a big difference for a field. It can lead to some messy water problems, too. Thus, the terraces were introduced and a balance was struck.

It's amazing how much of a difference a few feet of elevation can make. There were fairly sizable areas that couldn't be planted because of standing water or mud wallows. While the wetness is a hindrance now, it's important to remember just how valuable rain is. Come June, July, and August, the perfect timing of rain is a must for crop development. September and October can be ruined by excessive rain.

While many people say "Corn is King," I'm a bit more inclined to think that rain is actually the king of agriculture. Water can make or break a field, a farm, and a farmer. Rain can wash away crop treatments like pesticides and fertilizers. Rain can drown seeds and plants. Rain can give life and take it away. Rain commands yield. Rain can waste a day or buy time. It can be your biggest wish or your most notable fear. All of this depends on time placement in the growing cycle, and conditions.

Rain can also bring its rowdy friends. Lightning, tornadoes, high winds, hail. These are generally not what farmers like to see. Entire sects of the insurance industry rely on agriculture's fear of these weather-related catastrophes.

So, whether you farm, have farmed, know farmers, or none of the above, think about it. Next time it rains, consider when and where. Consider who and what. Chances are, the rain you're complaining about could be offering stability and welfare to a farmer somewhere. Or, the rain you've been wishing for could be delaying harvest, drowning seeds, or causing crop damage.

Women are Changing the Face of Agriculture

2010-04-17T09:10:00.000-05:00

I know, I missed another Friday Farm Photo. I'm really sorry! However, I had a good excuse this time: I was at the Illinois AgriWomen "Changing the Face of Agriculture" conference yesterday. I did some awesome networking, learned a lot, and actually got paid to go. I spent the day video-taping the conference, and will be starting post-production during the week. I'm thrilled about that.

So, Monday or Tuesday (depending on how much time I have to edit it) I'll have a video blog post up for your viewing pleasure!

This conference was a wonderful experience for many reasons. It was a great opportunity to meet other professionals in the field. I collected several business cards (and freebies!) throughout the day.

Plenty of young women came to hear about career opportunities and ideas from a wide variety of presenters. The displays were informative, the women presenting were friendly, open, and engaging, and the lunch was delicious.

Overall, it was a great day. I won't bore you with words now when, hopefully, there will be a nice video blog up next week!

Farmers Never Cease to Impress Me

2010-04-15T14:01:00.000-05:00

So, during my perpetual hunt for blog post topics, I happened to ask my boyfriend, Tim, what I should write about. As an agronomy major at Illinois State University, he's building quite the library of jargon, scientific terms, and soil-related information.

Needless to say, the ideas Tim tossed at me went way of my head. The only words I recognized were "nitrogen," "lime," "silt," "loam," and "balance." The rest of the words were about 8 syllables long and terrified me a little bit.

I know farming. I don't know farming science. And you know what? For every type of farming there is, there's a unique science. And some farmers are incredibly diversified, which means they have to be experts in a wide variety of subjects.

For instance, a beef or dairy farmer/rancher that raises their own forage and feed. That farmer must know how to raise the crops. Not only that, but they have to know how to raise the crops to be most beneficial for their animals. They have to be well-versed in the digestive needs of their animals. They have to understand all the risks and benefits of a specific feed regimen. There is also the fact that dairy and beef cattle may have different nutritional needs.

Don't even get me started on the farmers that raise more than one type of crop. I'm familiar with some of the variations between soybeans, corn, and wheat care. I'm familiar with them, not exactly an expert. In fact, my knowledge of the variations is fairly shallow as compared to the scientific knowledge that real farmers have about their crops. And they have to be an expert on every crop.

Imagine how much knowledge multi-crop farmers need. Whether they're mass-production conventional or small organic or mass-production organic or alternative or hydroponic or...well, the list goes on.

Farmers have to be geniuses of their field. Their land, animals, and income depend on them being masters of their trade. A shallow amount of knowledge could have major consequences. Every day, I'm reminded of how hard-working, intelligent, creative, intuitive, and diversified farmers are.

So, there's some food for thought. Thank a farmer, because they spend every day learning how to create healthy, bountiful food for the world.

"Youth Involvement Rocks"

2010-04-14T13:57:00.000-05:00

I had mentioned the idea for this post to a friend as we chatted via Google, and she said just that: yout

h involvement rocks. She's right. Youth, from their first 4-H involvement, up through college, are the "future." Their involvement shapes the movements of tomorrow. They are the voices of tomorrow's professionals and voters.

The experiences that students have now helps to shape policies that

will be built later on. After all, every adult was a child at one point in time, and their values are built throughout their lives. That's part of the reason why I feel so strongly about youth involvement in agriculture. Other reasons include the development of responsibility, work ethic, passion, and a respect for humans, animals, and the Earth.

Since my start in 4-H, I've learned massive amounts about myself and others. My term as an FFA chapter President only solidified my values. Being involved in your community from a younger age is a must to becoming an upstanding citizen of it.

Today, Illinois State's Collegiate FFA chapter is hosting several competitions for the high school FFA section. Think of it: college students, working to help high school students pursue their passions through constructive competition. This is

a perfect example of youth helping youth.

I know of several people on Twitter and Facebook who are incredibly involved across different age groups. Diana Como writes in a blog about her experiences as a developing member of the agriculture community. She's currently in 4-H and works with sheep and poultry. She's starting her experiences with beef this year. She hopes to be active in FFA soon, as well. She's of the high school demographic, and she shares her experiences across social media. She's even had a close brush with some animal rights people because of her firm stance and her passion for supporting agriculture.

Ryan Goodman can be seen in several places. He's active in many groups on Facebook like College Students for Agriculture and I Am Agriculture Proud (which he founded). He also actively runs his own private blog, Sitting in the Pasture, and is regularly featured in Working Ranch Magazine's blog. Ryan is currently studying livestock production at Oklahoma State

University and spends plenty of time sharing what he's learning via Twitter and Facebook.

Celeste Laurent is another great example of involved, empowered youth. She's boasted some impressive agriculture internships, and she's double-majoring in journalism and animal science. She has her own website where she shares her perspectives and experiences. Celeste is a classic overachiever, in the best of ways. In high school, she was a state FFA officer, and in college she's incredibly active in agricultural extra-curricular activities, despite her heavy studies. Like Ryan and Diana, she can be found on Facebook and Twitter, actively engaging non-agriculture folks and passing on her positive experiences.

These three are just a few examples of positive involvement in agriculture. I could go on and on about this. I could list millions of ways that agriculture and the youth organizations surrounding it have influenced me. Hearing it from me, however, does not make it real. Talk to 4-Hers, FFA members, and CFFA members. Learn about other great youth-related agriculture groups. Check out junior memberships to livestock and crop organizations. Kids love agriculture. So, support the future of farming. Support youth involvement.

Earth Day is Approaching

2010-04-12T14:50:00.000-05:00

As we approach Earth Day, it's important to consider what "conservation" and "green" mean to you. Apparently, many people consider "Earth friendliness" to be synonymous with "ag-bashing." I, however, don't see their connection.

After all, a farmer's welfare depends on the proper stewardship of the land on which they raise their crops. Just like a livestock raiser's livelihood is only as healthy as his animals, a crop grower's stability is only as healthy as the land he oversees. This is a bit of common sense that I'd love to share with the whole world, but many don't listen.

So, this Earth Day, I entreat you all to step out of your comfort zone and stand strong. Don't let nay-sayers tear you down. Talk to new people about how agriculture can actually help the world. Talk about how farmers and ranchers face more environmental regulation than anyone else out there. Share your passion about proper stewardship.

Earth Day isn't just for Green Movement folks and foodies. It's for everyone. It's our Earth too, let's celebrate our love for it just as loud as the critics do.

Tips for Non-Farmers this Planting Season

2010-04-10T15:30:00.000-05:00

I'm terribly sorry for missing this weeks' Friday Farm Photo. I'm fighting some awful allergies right now, and on top of class didn't have much time to hunt up photos and post.

Well, it's Saturday, so I have time to sit down and think for a few minutes. It's April 10th, which means that planting season 2010 is upon us here in Illinois. It's a busy, hectic time for farmers, but many motorists are also faced with frustration and stress because of it. Here are some tips for non-farmers in regard to planting time.

Tractors and other implements are big, and need a wide berth. Always give them space.
Never, ever tailgate a tractor, especially if it is pulling something. They need plenty of space to turn and may stop or turn at any field entrance along a country road.
Be careful when you consider passing. Often, the tractor will pull onto the shoulder slightly and open up the road more; usually, this is an invitation to allow cars behind it to pass. If a tractor is pulling equipment or the tractor has triples (3 tires on each side) it might hang into the other lane some. Be conscious of both the road and the farm equipment's position when and if you decide to pass.
Watch the driver, as they'll often give indications of what they are doing. Be mindful of the traffic's signal lights, as well. This could make the difference in avoiding an accident, as there have been many incident recorded where a driver tried to pass a tractor on the left as the tractor was trying to turn left.
Some tractors may have blind spots that you wouldn't expect. Be mindful of yourself.
Overall, use logic and be respectful. If you're kind to the person driving the tractor, usually they'll be kind do you.

Many farmers hate the act of moving machinery, because of the risks faced and the road-raged directed at them. I assume all you ag folks know how to deal with equipment on the road, but these rules could be a gentle reminder to you. Please, all of you, make Planting 2010 easier on our agricultural equipment operators. Use a cool head and sound reasoning when driving in the country this spring.

America Really Does Feed the World

2010-04-08T10:02:00.000-05:00

As a college student, I'm required to attend a lot of random events for classes. For a writing class that I'm currently taking, I had to attend a speech given by Mr. Huang Ping, the Consul General stationed in Chicago for the People's Republic of China. I initially thought that it'd be a bore, I'll be totally honest. I went in with my Flip camera and audio recorder, figuring I'd be struggling to pay attention. However, a few off-hand statements that the Consul General made along the way caught my attention.

In the middle of a answering a question about China-U.S. trading, the Consul General mentioned that China relies heavily on American agriculture products. He specifically listed pork, beef, and soy, but a little background research showed that China relies on the U.S. for many raw goods. China's growth in population is extremely high, and as the most agriculturally-productive nation, the U.S. is expected to find ways to help China fill its needs.

In fact, according to this USDA article, in the stretch of time between 1990 and 2003, China's dependence on U.S. imports quadrupled. This is partially due to increases in economic stability, but the majority of it is because of sheer, massive population growth. Another article by the USDA states that China is following plans to increase its commodity imports from the U.S.

The Mr. Huang Ping also mentioned that rural poverty is incredibly high in China. During the open questions session, I asked if China had any plans to increase agricultural independence and stimulate rural economies. While he spent a few minutes explaining how China's landscape is different than America's, he eventually got to a point I wasn't expecting to hear.

While China's demands for food have risen exponentially, America's ability to produce is rising at a slightly slower rate. While we can't supply them all the food they need, the U.S. is feeding China's massive, economically-diverse citizens by exporting technology. The traits and tools that American companies like Monsanto and John Deere (yes, I acknowledged John Deere), are providing options and opportunities for China to produce more for themselves on harsher lands than we have here.

America is feeding the world. We're doing it. Through both production and research, we're making it possible for people all over the world to eat. What the Consul General said simply proved and solidified that. So, if anyone tries to tell me that the "feeding the world" argument is "old" or "irrelevant," I'll point them here. I heard it with my own ears from a high-ranking diplomat. It's hard to argue with that profound of a truth.

It's Been a Journey

2010-04-06T18:55:00.000-05:00

Today's #AgChat is special. Today, #AgChat celebrates it's first anniversary. This is a big milestone, considering how quickly social media trends can disperse. While I wasn't around at the conception of the idea, I'm heavily involved now. And even if I haven't been here for the whole year, my ag-in-social-media journey has been a great one. So, here's my social media/agriculture journey, in a nutshell.

It started with a lecture in a Technology and Law class. We talked about Twitter. I hadn't even heard about it before. My professor showed us his Twitter profile, and I didn't think twice about it. About a month later, my boss told me he'd been doing some work on Twitter. Now, my boss at my "back home" job (when I'm not here at school) is my hero. He's my mentor.

So, of course I joined Twitter when I found out he thought it was a good tool!

Initially, I stayed within the nutrition circles, since that's what my "back home" job entails. Then, I spread out, and started really feeling for my passions. I ran into the ag folks and something clicked. They were welcoming, friendly, honest, and seemed enthusiastic to engage in conversation with me. I'd had an interest in agriculture and come from a former-farming family, so I dove right in.

I guess you could say I'd found my "Twitter home."

In the past, I'd done some school-projects-turned-freelance-writing for our county's Farm Bureau newspaper. I decided to bring the social media topic home. I hunted down some of the big names: Tricia Braid Terry (@agchick), Mike Haley (@farmerhaley) and Ray Prock, Jr. (RayLinDairy) to do interviews. I met with Tricia in person and Mike and Ray did their interviews via email.

That opened the flood gates for further interaction, and expansion. The act of writing the article dug me deeper into the Twitter activity, which then caused me to take note of other things. Facebook fan pages, blogs, Twitter tools...these things were all getting the good word out about ag.

In just a short matter of time, my involvement in the social media/agriculture movement skyrocketed. I now participate in discussions and interaction across several Facebook pages, and even started a group for "current, future, and past college students" to come together and share ideas for supporting American agriculture. (You can see it here.) Oh, I suppose this blog can also be considered a result of networking and passion, both made possible through this social media monster.

In the last year, social media has done a lot for agriculture. It's even brought about the birth of a not-for-profit foundation to help farmers start their social media outreach journey! (More information here.) It's started to go deeper than just the outreach for me, though. While that is the ultimate mission, the friends, connections, and opportunities I'd come across because of this growing online community.

I guess, for me, the birthday of AgChat is a day to reflect on how much I've gained from this social media experience. How are you celebrating the first birthday?

Farmers Love Facebook

2010-04-05T14:21:00.000-05:00

Why is that?

Because lately, Facebook's been loving farmers. Or rather, Facebook has served as a great platform for farmers to get the word out on what they do and why. I've done a post like this before, but since there were so many great options, I decided to make a mini-series out of this. Here are more great agriculture-related Facebook fan pages!

I Love Farmers...They Feed My Soul

It's a gateway to a great site and their relatively new Twitter account. Overall, it's a meeting place. This page is meant to support and raise awareness for American farmers. There is plenty of great fan interaction. A peak at their website shows the true potential of this group, though. Branding, style, and culture all combine into a great ag-awareness campaign, complete with an online store that has some awesome apparel (the proceeds of which support ongoing Internet comm to raise awareness for farmers).

Note: I was actually scolded after my last post for leaving this one out. It's a much-loved organization/fan page!

Appreciation for Agriculture

The title is fairly straight-forward, but there is good dialogue and often comment-discussion prompts to encourage user interaction. It's just an overall friendly place to go to get some casual interaction and material regarding agriculture. It's fan count has grown since I first stumbled across it, and it's got some great potential.

College Students for Agriculture

Two important facts surround this link: it isn't actually a fan page, it's a group, and it's actually my group. Started just a few days ago, I'm proud to see it growing relatively fast. It's meant to serve as a spot for college ag folks to meet and swap ideas for generating a positive image for ag. It was just created at the end of last week, so I'm happy to see that its members are starting to get interactive and share ideas and links.

Note: This page isn't only for college students. We'd love to have input from more experienced agvocates to help keep folks going in the right direction. It's also great that there are some high school-aged members. College students of the past, present, and future are welcome!

National Beef Ambassadors

Until I was about 12, my family always had a freezer full of beef because either we raised it ourselves or got it through our beef-producing friends and family. I love beef, so this page makes me happy. Good content and interaction also make this page worth a look. It's incredibly active and has plenty of fans who keep its Wall loaded with great stuff!

Your Friendly Farmer Feeds the World

It's not the most active of pages, but it's got a friendly atmosphere and the catchy, cheerful name gives it a good first impression. The links and content are always great.

I'm running short on time today, so this is all for now. No worries, there are plenty more ag-related Facebook pages and groups out there! I'll catch you guys tomorrow, and hopefully the weather is kind to all you farm folk!

UPDATE

By unintentional oversight, I left out probably one of the most pivotal Facebook pages out there. Following the launch of the AgChat Foundation website (seen here), the AgChat Foundation Facebook page is a valuable tool for the foundation to directly interact with the people they seek to help. See the AgChat Foundation's Facebook page here.

Hooray! It's Friday!

2010-04-02T12:02:00.001-05:00

You and I both know that what means. Today's photo was...borrowed...from a well-known social media farmer. The Singing Dairyman himself took this picture!

This picture is of rye grass, about "shin high" as Singing Dairyman Will Gilmer said. Pictures like this are a reminder that the simple things like grass blowing in the wind can make a big difference. Beautiful views like this are one of the many, many reasons that farmers have so much passion for their jobs.

To learn more about Will and his operation, visit their website here. Also, you can become a fan of his farm's Facebook page here. Finally, his YouTube channel can be seen here. (I told you he's a social media ace!)

Everyone, have a safe weekend and enjoy the holiday! I hope the Easter Bunny is kind to you all this year!

Some H's Shouldn't Mix

2010-04-01T19:27:00.000-05:00

4-H. It's been a staple of youth development for years upon years. It's slogan goes as follows:

I pledge my head to clearer thinking,

My heart to greater loyalty,

My hands to larger service,

And my health to better living,

For my club, my community my country, and my world.

And to make the best better!

It helps to build dependable, honest leaders for the future. It made a huge impact on my life. I served as a local officer, a county Federation officer, a leadership trainer, and a junior leader. I taught younger kids how to improve their projects and worked hard on barn improvement at our fairgrounds. I learned discipline, cooperation, and patience.

I can safely say that 4-H changed my life.

However, there's a new H getting involved in the well-known H's of head, hands, heart, and health. That new H stands for the Humane Society of the United States. While masked innocently behind a name that many people misunderstand, they directly conflict with the many standards of citizenship that 4-H tries to instill in its members.

Confused? It's not surprising. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is a well-disguised lobbying group. While commercials give off the impression of being your friendly local animal shelter, where puppies and kitties go to find homes, they spend only one half of a percent on actual hands-on animal care. When confronted about this, their PR reps will say, "It says on the commercials and our websites that we aren't affiliated with any local Humane Society..."

Fine print doesn't count. Not in this case.

4-H encourages for honesty. HSUS does not.

Following the Michael Vick case, HSUS collected massive amounts of money to benefit the rescued dogs. Later on, it was revealed that HSUS had really no direct contact with the dogs and the money collected was never distributed to those who cared for the victims. In fact, Wayne Pacelle, the CEO of HSUS, pushed to have every dog, from infant pup to trained fighter, euthanized. Even those who were too young to be emotionally damaged or still tame enough to be rehabilitated. In fact, they worked with Vick to rebuild his image and pushed for his return to the NFL.

4-H stands for loyalty. HSUS showed no loyalty to the animals they claimed to serve.

I could go on and on for hours about this. I could talk about how the majority of 4-H's members are rural kids, farm kids, who want to learn more about their crops, animals, and careers. I could go on to talk about HSUS's anti-agriculture agenda, and all the movements they are making to hamper animal ag in the U.S. I could go on to list all of the other respectable characteristics that 4-H fosters in youth, and how HSUS directly conflicts with those.

4-H teaches animal welfare. There is no reason for animal rights groups to be showing up at 4-H events to "teach."

So, following the news that HSUS had some sort of presence at a national-level meeting for 4-H, I'm disappointed. I'm even disgusted. Has leadership become that far replaced from the children they seek to serve? Has the wool been pulled over their eyes? (If it were up to HSUS, none of us would own the sheep to sheer the wool to be pulled over anyone's eyes. After all, those sheep did not willingly give us their fleece!)

As a country girl, a former 4-Her, a current 4-H volunteer, and a believer that agriculture is a form of stewardship, this saddens me. Hopefully, 4-H will hear the calls of the people. Hopefully they'll become aware of the fact that some H's shouldn't mix.

Just a Farmer.

2010-03-31T12:30:00.001-05:00

"You're just a farmer." "He's just a farmer." "They're just farmers." Even, "I'm just a farmer." There's so many variations of this same phrase, and it's always in a negative connotation.

In my eyes, there's no such thing as "just farmers." First off, "farmer" is not a blanket term that covers all sects of agriculture. Farming and ranching are two very different things. Every type of commodity, produce, animal, spice, and raw material calls for a unique regimen of care.

These farmers and ranchers aren't "just farmers." They're scientists, stewards, caretakers, economists, accountants, strategists, marketers, executives, laborers, and guardians.

The next time you hear an misinformed individual refer to someone as "just a farmer," correct them. The farmers and ranchers have realized this negative stereotype, and they've learned to accept it. In fact, they own it and make light of it. However, that's probably not the best approach to the situation.

So, just like you'd correct a non-farmer for saying it, be sure to give any farmers who use that term a good talking to.

Editors Note: Many of you know the farmers I'm talking about. They need to be put back into line now and then, so don't be shy. :)

Dealing with Public Dissent

2010-03-29T13:53:00.000-05:00

Ag folks all over are facing attacks from all directions. It's not just mass production agriculture, either. Even the small organic farmers face tough times. Disappearing farm land, the rise of "urban farming" and trendy, selective diets create disturbances in the careful balance that is agriculture. One of the biggest problems nowadays, especially for mass production folks such as the ones that run the farm I work on, is so-called "food critics."

Pollan. I say that name, and just about everyone knows who I'm talking about. He's out to get "big ag" (whatever that is) and wants to change the way America views food. Fair enough, but when there is plenty of research negating his "truths" it's hard to say he's much more than an opinionated food snob.

Running parallel to food critics are "truth-seekers." These so-called journalists are out to show the world something. Usually, there's the incentive of fame or money involved. Michael Moore is a well-known face in this arena. Operating on shock value and selective information, these folks show you the truth as they want you to see it. They may call themselves investigative journalists, but they're little more than biased gold-diggers, in many cases. Agendas overrule morals, and this is where projects like "Food, Inc." are founded.

Food, Inc. has definitely caused a stir in pop culture today. Luckily for agriculture, it did not win Best Documentary at the Academy Awards this year, but it was in the running. Besides for the fact that it can hardly be referred to as a documentary, it was out-shined by a more uplifting and truthful tale, about a man saving dolphins. I can dig a story like that.

Many folks in the ag community are worried about an increase in hostility towards their industry following the public airing on Food, Inc. on PBS on March 26.

I understand the importance of understanding others' viewpoints. While I'm directly involved with the agriculture industry, I can understand the fears and misunderstandings people have towards agriculture of all kinds. It's also valuable to see what the competition has to say, and know how to counter it.

Jeff Fowle, a cattle and horse rancher from northern California has shared dialogue with folks regarding Food, Inc. He's an advocate of peaceably discussing the issues to try and combat misinformation and to reach a common ground. Jeff is a great example of how a disagreement can spawn open and informative discussion. I admire Jeff's ability to patiently reach out to those who disagree with him, or don't understand the industry in which he is involved.

Food, Inc. can show us all a valuable lesson. While it can definitely raise some negative emotions for farmers and ranchers all across the nation, there can be a silver lining. It raises questions among the public, and could actually open avenues for communication between producer and consumer.

I guess the lesson here stands as follows: don't get mad, get friendly. A common bit of advice I've heard over the years is, "Kill them with kindness." Well, we don't want to kill anyone. We just want to share our stories. So, in light of growing mistrust from the public, it's time to extend the hand of peace and show them the valuable stewardship that takes place in agriculture.

TGIF!

2010-03-26T09:48:00.000-05:00

It's been a long week behind the scenes for me here, and as my Spring Break winds down I'm looking forward to a return to my "normal" life back at school. Even though Ag Week is over, there's still plenty to talk about regarding outreach and celebration. Today's Farm Photo is from another Ag Week event.

Even though the tractors are the wrong color (I'm going to catch flack for saying that) it's great to see the farm equipment sitting in front of...a castle. Yeah, a castle. This picture is from Agriculture Awareness Day, hosted at Illinois State University! Hosted by ISA NAMA, the Ag Science Club, CFFFA, Illinois Pork Producter, Illinois Corn Growers, and Illinois Soybean Association, this event on Illinois State's quad drew plenty of attention. (Of course it would. It's not everyday you see a huge Deere with duelies sitting on the quad.)

It's great to see people stepping up and stepping out to talk to folks about agriculture. Congrats to all the ISU students and staff/faculty/organization supervisors and volunteers who helped!

(And for the record, Illinois State's mascot is The Redbirds. Red. Don't you think some pretty red tractors would match the school a little better next year? Haha!)

How Do You Tell That Planting is About to Start in Illinois?

2010-03-25T21:45:00.000-05:00

(If the video will not load on this page or you would like a large, clearer version, see the YouTube version here.)

First off, I'm sorry for the quality. I'm trying to find the best options for upload on Blogspot. Secondly, I'm sorry for the wind sounds, but I feel they help get the point across. We were having some pretty wicked gusts! (I didn't get myself almost getting blown over on video, and that I regret.)

This applies to more than just Illinois farmers. In every geographic location of the U.S., there is some sort of adverse condition waiting to upset the balance. Whether it's extreme heat, extreme cold, extreme wet, extreme dry, extreme wind, or any other extreme, it's a problem. So, as Illinois crop growers launch into the second-busiest time of year, the weather fights back. The topsoil is rain-soaked, and it's soggy underneath from recent snow melt. This is a story that repeats itself for the corn farmers of our state.

Thank a farmer, and hope for clear skies, warm weather, and a better spring that we had last year.

Warm Memories

2010-03-24T19:53:00.000-05:00

One of the biggest problems between agriculture and consumers these days is the disconnect between myth and reality. There are a lot of accusations about "big ag" and those hard-working family farmers that struggle against the elements and face the bank every year.

The sad thing is, many of the people that agricultural nay-sayers are accusing of being "big ag" are those very people. They're the small family operations, fighting tooth and nail to make a living and keep the farm. They're the men and women trying to keep traditions alive while grasping for new, better technology. They're the people dedicated to proper stewardship of their animals and land, to bring the world the products it needs.

The farm I'm most familiar with is 1,500 acres of corn, soybeans, and wheat. To someone outside of farming, that sounds massive. It sounds mechanized and alien. To those who know mass-production farming, that's a pretty small operation. Even in the face of debt, hardship, bad yields, horrible weather, and pessimism, they're the first to say they have the best jobs on Earth. In fact, just about every farmer is like that.

Farmers are masters of seeing the good in everything. It's because they have to.

I posed a general question on Twitter yesterday, to anyone who wanted to answer: What is your favorite farm memory? None of the responses had to do with money, or achievement. The memories shared with me were warm, happy, and reminiscent. It's memories like this that can keep America's hardest workers going through all the risks and hardship they face.

The conversation went like this (mentions to myself were pruned out for organizations sake):

@kmrivard: Let's talk favorite farm memories, folks. What is it that makes agriculture special to you?
@4hfarmer: educating little ones for the future of ag!
@drysdales: Growing up in a way that 95% of people will never experience. I'm reminded of that each time I got to thepioneerwoman.com.
@rosamyst: Fave memories include great talks, quality time spent with dad while cleaning out calf pens. (Plus it was good exercise!)
@LauriStruve: when Dad fed cattle, i loved sitting in the end of the feed bunk and watching them eat. 1 of my best #farm memories!
@LauriStruve: I also remember the day he loaded out the last group of cattle he fed. I was in 4th grade & wanted to help
@katieallenmo: Sitting in the pickup w/my dad checking cows as a kid. But I still like to do that!
@KitchenRX: Ditto! I was gate girl! RT@katieallenmo checking cows w/ Dad as a kid.
@Tykerman1: favorite farm memory was when I was 9 and my grandfather said, Here you go, crawled off the combine and let me have it. #farm
@Rune67: once when I was ten yrs old at my uncles farm in upstate ny, we were letting out heifers first spring day, the heifer she took off out the barn into the field, I held onto rope was dragged an acre before I let go, everyone was yelling and laughing, and till this day noone let's me forget, lol.
@drysdales: One memory: Dad always gave extra bedding or treats to animals on cold Christmas Eves ... wanted them to perceive a special day.

Some of these people could be considered "big ag." They work in agribusiness or have been involved in large-scale growing and producing. Yet, they show the soul of farming. They show the wholesomeness and the warmth and the strength that it takes to stay in.

Farmers are lucky people. They get to experience a world unlike anyone else. Their jobs are hard, but rewarding, and the memories they make, like the ones above, will last a lifetime.

Memories like this keep them rolling through the punches. Memories like this are what give them the strength to continue to grow the food, fiber, fuel, for today and the future.

Did you know...

2010-03-22T17:31:00.000-05:00

...that Illinois and Iowa combined grow more corn than the third most active corn-producing country in the world? Well, there's actually a lot of stuff about corn that most people don't know. Today, I'm going to give you some random facts. No worries, I won't quiz you!

A bushel is a unit of measurement for corn. To put it simply, 56 lbs. of shelled (meaning, off the ear) corn is a bushel. While corn's weight can vary based on the moisture of the corn, bushels are pretty much the standard form of measurement for grains.

100 bushels of corn contains approximately 7,280,000 kernels.

One U.S. farmer on average provides food and fiber for 129 people (97 domestically and 32 overseas).

The "Corn Belt" includes the states of Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Michigan, Missouri, Kansas, and Kentucky. The "Corn Belt" region is called such because of its affinity for corn production.

Corn is produced on every continent...except Antarctica.

Corn is raised in all 50 states.

Corn is the third most important food crop of the world behind wheat and rice (respectively). The amount of acres of corn planted worldwide is second only to wheat.

According to the Agricultural Council of America, in 2007 U.S. farmers raised approximately 41% of the world's corn. The number continues to rise.

Prior to the availability of harvesting machines, a farmer could harvest an average of 100 bushels of corn by hand in a nine-hour day. Today's combines can harvest 900 bushels of corn per hour (or 100 bushels of corn in about 7 minutes).

Mitchell, South Dakota is home of the world's only Corn Palace. Why Illinois does not have one of these yet, I'll never know.

The United States is the top corn producing country in the world. Second is China, third is Brazil. However, as stated before, Illinois and Iowa combined grow more corn each year than Brazil does.

Corn is a type of grass. The grain is the seed.

Early corn was domesticated from a wild grass called Balsas teosinte.

There you have it. There are random corn facts. There's many more, of course, but those are the ones I like. And I'm the one writing this blog, so you can deal with it.

I guess now is a great time to point out: If there is anything you want to see on this blog, anything you want me to write about, feel free to comment. Feel free to contact us on Twitter, either at @MidwesternGold or my personal account, @kmrivard. I'm open to suggestions, and would love to hear what you folks have to say!

Get Connected

2010-03-21T17:35:00.000-05:00

I'm going to assume that if you're reading this blog, you're at least familiar enough with the Internet to know what Facebook is. More and more, people who weren't "supposed" to be Facebook literate, are. They're taking advantage of a great tool that is free, easy to use, and fairly efficient. One of the great ways to reach out is through the creation, promotion, and maintenance of a Facebook Fan Page. In the last year or so, there's been a boom in ag-related Facebook pages, so I'm going to list a few of my favorites.

The pages are my favorites for a mix of reasons. Some are funny, some are well-kept, some are informative, and some are very socially welcoming. Overall, this blend of pages have some great content and interaction, and can be a wonderful addition to any newsfeed. They all vary in their focus and number of fans. These pages are listed in no particular order.

Gilmer Dairy Farm

I don't think you can talk about social media in agriculture, without mentioning Gilmer Dairy Farms. That's because Will Gilmer is the Singing Dairyman, and he's about as socially-savvy as they get. He manages to reach thousands and thousands of people with nothing more than a Blackberry. The videos he records are posted across Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. He's a personal favorite of mine for information, entertainment value, and great conversation. (Will is a very personable guy, if you're lucky enough to interact with him on Twitter via @GilmerDairy)

Agriculture Everyday

Maybe I'm biased because they featured my blog on their page. More than anything, though, I like the interactive way they tie agriculture into the everyday life of Americans. I also really like the way they draw users in by inviting the use for pictures and feedback. For a relatively new page, they've accrued quite an active following.

Farmers are Hot

Because, in many cases, it's true. Need I say more? Also, Midwestern Gold may or may not have found its way to their feed, which means I'm inclined to think they have pretty good taste. Alyssa, the admin, manages to toss agriculture facts and tidbits at casual readers. I personally think this is a great way to grab the attention of younger audiences. You may not be able to wrangle college kids into becoming fans of "serious" ag pages, but this can draw in some non-ag and present them with clues, wrapped in an attractive, if slightly inappropriate, package.

Stand Up for Agriculture

Farmers and ranchers face a lot of outside attackers these days, and this page exemplifies the need to stand up for one another and share stories. This is an incredibly important message to share, since consumers are becoming more and more disconnected from their food with every year that passes. Reaching out to the public and correcting incorrect negative stereotypes is vital to the survival of the industry.

Michele Payn-Knoper, Cause Matters Corp

Michele has been teaching people to "champion" their cause since before I've been using Twitter. She's inspiring and very instructional. Her page has a unique way of getting users to interact. I could go on forever, but nothing I say could fully explain the admiration I have for this lady and her cause.

Farmers

Self-explanatory. This page is for anyone who is a fan of Farmers.

Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom

I've done work with these guys on a local level and I love their work. They may not be the most overwhelmingly active page, but the work they do teaching Illinois children about agriculture is enough to make me a fan of their page.

No Farms No Food

A large fan following, a massive amount of interaction, great content, and a clear message make this page worth a look. It's a well-run, organized page with plenty to offer any user, agriculture-savvy or otherwise.

These are just a few of my picks. Look out for more posts like this, since there are so many great Facebook pages including agriculture! Now, get out there, and get connected!

Happy Friday!

2010-03-19T12:35:00.001-05:00

HAPPY FRIDAY! Also, HAPPY LAST DAY OF WINTER!

Both are exciting! However, today's Friday Farm Photo post is on steroids. I've been fairly non-existent this week, and that's because I've been hung up on things like finals and moving home for break and AGvocating. As mentioned in my last post, I spent Wednesday and Thursday teaching area 4th graders about agriculture. I worked the rabbit booth Wednesday and tried my hand at corn on Thursday. (All photos were taken by Tim Yohnka. Thanks, Tim, for letting me snatch and share them!)

Here is our corn booth. (Thank you to the Illinois Corn Growers Association for providing it for the Kankakee Corn Growers to use.) We talked about how yellow dent corn is unique from sweet corn, popcorn, etc. and then transitioned into talking about all the different ways corn can be used. We also talked about how corn products, especially ethanol, can keep jobs in America, where importing products, especially gas, can take away jobs. Keith and Tim did a great job. (I was pretty mediocre.)

Keith Yohnka during one of his presentations. Here, he's starting up a video of an E85 pro-stock pulling truck, to show that 100% ethanol can be used at high-performance competition fuel. We also had a Mark Thomas funny car model and a picture of a dragster and Indy car to show kids other ways that E85 is used for competing.

Here I am, giving one of my rabbit presentations on Wednesday. Yes, I'm showing them the butt end of a rabbit. The idea was to show them the fur texture so they understood how different this breed (Havana) was from the one I'd just shown them (Mini Rex). Hopefully, they understand the basics of husbandry now...or something along those lines.

These pigs (I'm not sure of the breed) belong to a senior from Momence High School. They are part of both her 4-H livestock project and her FFA SAE. They're about 5-7 weeks old, if I heard their owner right.

The beef exhibit this year featured Elmo, a young shorthorn steer. The girl presenting about beef is also using this fella as her 4-H and FFA project. I'm proud to say Elmo's owner inherited my FFA office, and is serving as the president of the River Valley FFA. (Elmo liked it when I scratched his forehead.)

This, by far, was my favorite exhibit. These animals, belonging to a family based out of Chebanse, IL, were one of the most popular topics of the event. It's not the fact that they're sheep, it's the fact that the lamb is only four days old. During my breaks, I was often out in the large animal area watching from a safe distance. Once the kids all cleared out, he got brave and started climbing all over his mama.

I can confidently say that just about everyone enjoyed themselves for this year's Kids Day on the Farm. I look forward to going back next year, although I know I won't be working with the rabbits again. It's always great seeing people of all ages come together to teach kids about agriculture. Our youngest presenter was 13, I'd like to say. Our oldest volunteer? I'd wager he was in his 70's or 80's.

This is a perfect example of how ag can bring people together. I really enjoyed it, and I hope you liked the pictures. Have a safe, happy weekend, and I'll be seeing you next week!

Working with the Future

2010-03-18T16:18:00.000-05:00

One of the big events of the agricultural year in my area is Kids' Day on the Farm. It's an annual event where the Kankakee Soil and Water Conservation District, the Kankakee County Farm Bureau, the local University of Illinois Extension, WKAN radio, and the Kankakee County Fair and Exposition come together to hold an event to teach local 4th graders about agriculture. After all, we're a very agriculturally active county, it's important that these young'uns understand what's going on in their own back yards!

Set up bit like a trade show or an expo, this event is held in the county's expo building on the fairgrounds. Each presenter (this year, there were around 25 or so) has a table decked out with props, displays, gadgets, samples, and other do-dads to help communicate with this kids. In years past, I've talked about rabbits and husbandry. Today, I got the unique experience to present on another growing passion of mine: corn!

I worked alongside Keith Yohnka, who is President of the Kankakee County Corn Growers Assocation. (Yes, he's a familiar face in this blog.) As a bigger guy, he might come off as intimidating to the kids, but he works with them well. Standing next to him, I looked like a 4th-grader myself. (I was also significantly more nervous than him, as I wasn't as confident about the facts I was offering up. So many statistics!) I should also note, Tim Yohnka (Keith's son) was a valuable presenter on this subject the previous day, but was asked to take over another booth. That left me as Keith's assistant/student.

We taught these kids about ethanol, biodegradable plastics, biodegradable styrofoam substitutes, dry distiller's grains, the use of corn in food, and the jobs that corn and corn processing can create for the United States. We showed them video of E85-powered pulling trucks. We also had pictures of ethanol-powered dragsters and Indy cars, as well as a model of Mark Thompson's ethanol-powered funny car. The kids were great, and had plenty of questions. We finished off each presentation with a challenge:

Name something in your everyday life that wouldn't contain corn.

Of course, we had some kids who threw out the obvious answers. Metal, wood, fruits and vegetables. We did try our best to make the connections, though! ("Wood and metal polishes and cleaners are often made with corn!" And, "The fertilizers used to grow good fruits and veggies could have corn in them.")

Plastics, soda pops, dishes, dog food, medicines, tires, furniture, bedding, clothes...kids who listed these off seemed a little disappointed that they couldn't beat us, but were also amazed by how many things corn was used to make.

It's important that these kids, and kids everywhere, know about these things. They're the ones who will be dictating corn production someday. Maybe someday, when they're old enough to vote, they'll think about the issues important to them and remember the burly farmer, his son, and petite college student who tried to teach them about corn's importance. These outreach experiences are priceless; I wouldn't trade the last two days for anything. I like to think the work we did was not in vain, and that these kids will have taken something valuable with them when they left the fairgrounds today.

(Also, I plan on posting pictures from today and yesterday on tomorrow's post. It'll be a special Kids Day Friday!)

Behind-the-Scene Joys of Farming

2010-03-16T19:34:00.000-05:00

There's a lot of things about the modern farm that many people don't see. The moments of passion for the trade, the warm-and-fuzzies that come with the successful birth of a young cow-sheep-pig-goat-something-or-other...but one of the HUGE aspects that many people don't understand about farming is probably the most common, the most magical, the most special.

Yup, I'm talking about meeting. And yes, I am being sarcastic.

Not all meetings are bad. Today, I had one that was actually incredibly enjoyable! However, just like any other business owner, or manager (or regular ol' person, for that matter), farmers have meetings. These meetings range over many different subjects.

Farmers meet with agronomists and specialists, to find the methods that are best for their crops and the Earth. They meet with vets and nutritionists to guarantee their animals lead the best lives possible. They meet with accountants and tax consultants, to juggle the money that there never seems to be enough of. They meet with each other, through grower and raiser organizations. They meet with youth to teach them about their food, their futures, and their community.

Farmers are business owners. They're members of clubs and communities. They're supporters of families. Farmers are gluttons for punishment; many purposely attend meetings and take on responsibilities they don't need to. I know farmers who are 4-H leaders, FFA alumni volunteers, church board members...if there's a community-involvement group, there's a farmer somewhere who's in it!

Whether the meetings are about business, pleasure, or volunteer, they're a valuable part of maintaining the ag world as we know it. Next time you see a farm guy in a plaid shirt and dirty, work-stained jeans, imagine him in a suit. Behind every pair of steel-toed boots, there are some classy dress-shoes worn to a meeting to keep that farm running.

It's Friday!

2010-03-12T12:56:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday! That means today's the day for another Farm Photo! Because I missed it last week, I figured I should pull one of my personal favorites to try and make up for it. The cuteness factor plus the meaning behind it will, hopefully, redeem me!

This week's photo is from my personal stash. The guy wearing the IH shirt is Tim Yohnka, a farmer based out of the Kankakee area of Illinois. His father, grandfather, and him run a corn, soybean, and wheat farm. This picture, taken during the 2008 harvest, has special personal meaning to me, as well as Tim.

The kid is Ryan, my nephew. This was his first time ever driving a tractor. He was two and a half in this picture. We bundled him up and took him out to the farm to visit one of his favorite people in the world, Tim. The combine broke down, so Tim, the auger wagon operator, had some time to spare. He decided it was time to start Ryan in on the tractor a bit young. (Ryan was doing all of the steering; Tim even let him adjust the throttle and shift gears a few times. Open fields are fabulous for entertaining small children.)

Now, a year and a half later at age 4, he still talks about his first tractor driving experience. If you even mention the farm, he goes haywire. To him, "Uncle" Tim is the Tractor Man. Every year for Christmas, Tim has some new Case IH toy under the tree for Ryan. Tim also jokes about how someday when he takes over the farm, Ryan will be his first employee.

So, there you go. A personal Friday Farm Photo and a nice backstory for it. Nothing beats seeing generations interacting...even if it's a small gesture, like letting a toddler drive incredibly expensive machinery.

Shades of Gray

2010-03-11T16:06:00.000-06:00

One of the biggest problems in society today is the pre-disposition to draw lines, to assign black or white, so to speak. What many people have lost touch with is the fact that life is made up entirely of shades of gray. This is 100% true when it comes to farming.

No two fields are alike. No two farms are alike. No two farmers are alike. This seems to be the fact than many people are missing these days.

Folks hear the term "conventional agriculture" and assume that the farms in question are dehumanized, industrial wastelands that suck the life from the Earth. This isn't the case, at all. Farmers specialize the care of their animals, plants, and land. There is no one-size-fits-all method to farming.

New technology makes this even more true. The use of GPS can allow farmers to get specific in their care of crops and land, down to the very foot.

It's important to make sure the people of the United States, the majority of which have never been on any type of farm, understand that there is no single standard that defines what a good farm is. Different methods work are needed for every farmer, field, animal, location, and product. Just because some practice is different does not mean it is necessarily bad.

I'll highlight again on the "us or them" mentality than tends to stand between organic and conventional farmers. This should not exist. By promoting that ideal, the black-or-white view increases and the shades of gray are washed out.

The Power of Corn

2010-03-10T11:12:00.000-06:00

I've said before that I'd do more than one post regarding the many products corn is included in. Well, here's part 2 of the series!

Thing of all the little day-to-day things that you'd be missing without corn.

Deodorizing Powders

Because ground cobs are so absorbant, they're a common ingredient in odor removal powers.

Kitty Litter

Like with deodorizing powders, kitty litter needs to be absorbant! Thus, why corn play a role in many natural cat litters.

Baby Powders

Again, absorption is a must here.

Doggy-Doo Bags

Corn-based materials make these biodegradable. After all, what your dog does is natural, shouldn't the bag be, too?

Art Supplies

Many, many adhesives and paints include cornstarch. Thickening agents may also include corn products!

Car De-Icers

Everyone's seen it used, and most of us have had bad experiences where we haven't had it. Many of these are corn-based, which is gentle on the car and the environment.

Animal Bedding

Animals large and small can rest comfortably in the many types of bedding created from different parts of the corn plant.

Eco-friendly Golf Tees

Corn-based golf-tees are made to last longer and be more reusable than wooden tees. They're also renewable. No trees were harmed in the making of these tee's!

Stain Removers

Corn serves as a base for many stain removers. Other corn-derived products can serve purposes in stain removers, as well.

Bedding and Bed Coverings

Sheets? Comforters? Mattress pads? All of these things can (and have been) made with corn. There's even a mattress substitute that utilizes corn.

Soaps and Lotions

Hand soaps, shower gels, body lotions, baby lotions...most contain corn. Whether as an active ingredient, thickening agent, or a base, corn plays a valuable role in many of these products!

This is just more proof that corn is all around us! It's valuable in our everyday life. Corn also plays a huge part in environmentalism, since just about any eco-friendly or bio-degradable good has some sort of corn product involved!

Next time you de-ice your car, lay on your sheets, or wash your hands, think about corn. Chances are, you wouldn't be doing any of those tasks without it!

Extension? Extension of What?

2010-03-09T13:11:00.000-06:00

You can mean just about "anything" when you use the word "extension." You could be talking about hair, computer files, deadlines...

The extension I'm referring to is none of the above. It's the University of Illinois Extension. It's a valuable program that reaches out to many, many counties in Illinois. I've been personally involved with plenty of Extension work in my home county, and feel very strongly about the benefits of the Extension programs offered there.

First off, the Extension Office is generally where 4-H is run from. Your community clubs are part of a collective county group. The county group (and the community clubs) all report to individuals who work for the Extension in Youth and Development (or a similar area).

Alright, so, you may have heard of 4-H. It's not some big secret. In fact, it's a fairly well-known organization. But what about other Extension programs? Well, the Extension actually does a lot.

Illinois Extension programs also fit into the areas of agriculture outreach, horticulture, education, nutrition, natural resources & environment, community development, and energy sources. Special clinics, conventions, training sessions, meetings, and clubs are all run to fit these various interests in different ways.

The U of I Extension is a fabulous group. Our county office is directly involved in a lot of agricultural education, where local children are taught about and exposed to the most pivotal industry of their county. The folks at the Kankakee County Extension also hold gardening and home-improvement clinics at least once a month. Their youth programs keep kids out of trouble, and help direct their attention to career development and community service.

Local agriculture programs through the extension include manure management clinics, crop advisory, private applicator training, diagnostics clinics, and pesticide safety groups. They are also part of a network of Illinois livestock-raiser support organizations.

Adults and children alike can benefit from the placement of an Extension program. As far as I know, every state has some extension based from some state school. Every state can benefit from this lovely model. Unfortunately, funding for many state extension programs, (especially Illinois) have been funded. The best way to fight back is to educate yourself and let the legislators know where you'd like your hard-earned money to go.

Don't let extensions die. Don't let the opportunities they have to offer pass by, either. If you (or your children) would like to get involved in the community, contact your local extension. For more information on Illinois extension programs, see University of Illinois Extension website here. If you're curious to see a discussion regarding it join #agchat on Twitter at 7 p.m. Central. Later on, archives of the discussion can be found here.

Catch-Up and Upcoming Events

2010-03-08T09:16:00.000-06:00

This time of year is a busy one for many types of people. The transition from winter to spring is never really smooth (in like a lion, out like a lamb) for the weather or the people trying to survive it. I'm terribly sorry for missing last week's Friday Farm Photo. I'll try to make it up to you folks somehow!

With 2010's Commodity Classic behind, it's time for many growers to start turning attention homewards for the spring and summer. Local activity is picking up, since it's harder for many to rove too far from home this time of year. Here are some upcoming Illinois agriculture events:

March 13: Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference

April 15: Wholesale Success for the Agricultural Professional Webinar

April 16-17: Sheep Shearing School

June 27-28: Small Farm and Family Expo

(Information for the above events can be found here.)

Throughout the summer, there will also be tours of agriculture facilities sponsored by the University of Illinois, local extensions, and the Illinois Department of Agriculture. (See more information here.)

I'll keep on the look-out for more upcoming events and continue to post them here as the season progresses. Good luck on your pre-planting preparations, and enjoy what's left of your free-time before!

Fair Weather, Finances, and Faith

2010-03-04T19:35:00.000-06:00

The slush is melting, creating muddy wallows alongside sidewalks. Grass is slowly turning from a sickly, soggy brown to a resilient green. The midwest is shaking off the white blanket of a fairly brutal winter. The end of winter brings many things to Illinois. Birds are coming back from their southern sanctuaries, baseball teams are getting into spring training. The sunshine is actually warm!

These things are all well and good, but there's a lot more meaning to spring than just the aesthetic value of birds or the distant approach of MLB (us Illinois folk do like our sports!). It means that farmers are approaching the final stages of pre-planting preparation. Economic understanding and strategy are musts right now.

Alan Miller, Bruce Erickson, and Craig Dobbins are economists who work at Purdue University. If you know Purdue, or farming, you know it's a good school for agriculture. So, when these gentleman from Purdue say that the costs related to commodity growing will be lower in 2010, I'm inclined to believe them.

These guys know money, and farming. Their statements show that in 2009, producers may have spent an average of $200 (or more) per acre on fertilizer products. In 2010, they believe that the realistic range is closer to an average of $100-$130 an acre. These numbers are just projects, of course. Every field is different and every acre has its own unique necessities.

I'm sure any farmer that's read their report or seen this blog hopes that they're right.

The use of GPS is also going to influence the way this year's growing season goes. Detailed GPS readings can help farmers adjust their land use and treatment to fit each individual area. Many of these systems are precise, reading down to within feet or even inches of exact points. This GPS technology has come a long way, and continues to be more incorporated more heavily into farm practices each year.

Another thing in the back of farmer's minds at the start of this growing season is it's finish. Will this year be anything like last year? The timing of the rain and the early onset of snow in 2009 left record amounts of corn sitting in the fields. For many farmers, this may influence the way they plan.

This time of year, the men and women of the corn industry ar buckling down for planting season. Spring is an exciting time for most people (there's so much to look forward to!) but it holds much more weight in the lives of America's grain farmers. As you enjoy the March sunshine and wade through the puddles on the sidewalks from melting snow, think about the farmers. Think about how their livelihood rests on the weather this time of year. Think of the extra hours put in to make sure there's enough grain grown to meet the ever-increasing demand.

I've said it before, and I'll continue to say it: thank a farmer. To you, spring is the end of winter. To them, it's the start of another cycle of floods, droughts, fair weather, finances, and faith.