I am blessed

God has blessed me in many ways: a wonderful healthy family, abundant friends, and beautiful land to raise crops and animals. I am proud that I join fellow Corn Growers to produce more than 9,000 pounds per acre. I am proud to produce 48 pounds of protein-enrich meal and 11 pounds of oil from each 60 pounds of soybeans. I am proud to produce a premier naturally nutrient-rich food, Beef, packed with essential nutrients like iron, zinc, vitamin B, and protein.

Over the weekend, I learned that I was selected as Monsanto’s Farm Mom of the Year for the Midwest Region. I was extremely blessed to learn that my precious daughter with assistance of my loving husband submitted the nomination.
When I received the call, I could not wrap my mind around the announcement. At the time I was joining fellow women in agriculture to kick-off the first annual Women Changing the Face of Agriculture – a career exploration event for women of all ages in Illinois. I was so committed to making sure I did my part to give attendees from high school through college a positive network that my reaction was hidden in the flurry of activities.

Now with the voting underway, it is started to sink in. I am blessed to have such a supportive family. All Farm Moms are Priceless. Each mom has her own role on the farm and a story to tell. I am honored to represent the Midwest Region Farm Moms who go the extra mile everyday for her own family, friends, community, and more importantly for agriculture.

I urge everyone this busy spring farming season to remember to give each family member an extra hug, thank your parents-spouse-grandparents-kids, be safe, and take the time to share a meal on the tailgate. For parents with child[ren] in your home do not forget to seize the opportunities to educate your child about agriculture every day, explain why you farm, and how important your farming and/or ranching operation is to your community, state, and the world. Together we can bridge the agricultural information divide.

You can read my nomination at http://www.monsanto.com/americasfarmers/moms/vote.asp and if you so incline show your support.

Youth, Our Role Model for Passion

As I launch my first blog post, I reflect on my past weekend activities at the state beef expo. It was refreshing to take a break from the piles of snow and cold temperatures to mingle with fellow beef producers from all generations.

As I participated in various meetings and activities the weekend festivities provided, I was inspired by vibrant young leaders who hold raising beef animals very near and dear to their hearts. As they discuss plans to host a large regional show, career plans, and the next steps of education; it was apparent that their future plans all surrounded around raising cattle.

Unfortunately, I became worrisome that the future of raising beef may not be an option for these young people. Negative portrayals of animal agriculture, hidden agendas, and legislation guided by emotions and not facts could eliminate our right to raise livestock.

As I switched gears and entered into the adult arena, it surfaced that the everyday battles with Mother Nature and the art of being a successful business has the adults going through the motions. Deep down we all once shared that same gleam in our eyes but the redundant tasks of raising animals and tilling the soil has worn on our excitement for the business.

Let’s take a lesson from these young energetic ranchers. Do not lose your passion for agriculture. Wear it on your sleeve with pride. Combating the war on agriculture will take all farmers and ranchers, female and male-young and old, to interconnect. We need to set personal agendas aside, step out of our comfort zone, and form a network that stands up for the TRUTH ABOUT AGRICULTURE or there will be no business of Agriculture.