Monday Motivation: Why I Farm Roadtrip Week 40

Wow, week 40! I can't believe I'm this far into the Why I Farm Roadtrip. Many days, I feel like I'm still learning how to live on the road and explain my experiences. As I cross the country from Georgia to California this week, these farmers are inspiring me to keep going. I hope their stories touch you as well.

North Dakota farmer: Scott Huso

"One day the phone rang and it was Fred, my distant cousin. I'll never forget, he said, 'Scott, Jane and I are thinking about exiting farming.' I said, 'Excuse me?' I couldn't really understand. He said, 'Jane and I are thinking about exiting farming and you're my first phone call.' I just about dropped the phone. I'm sure at some point in your life you’ve had situations when you're humbled beyond belief. That's what this was. He said, 'We're home right now, so if you want to come over and visit, come over as soon as you can.' I got over there and Jane said, ‘You have been our plan.’ Even thinking about it now, it's just mind blowing because that's the farm I grew up on. This year, I rented that land, the same land I learned how to do things on. I was working there when I was 12, 13, 14 years old." -Scott Huso, grain farmer of Aneta, North Dakota 

North Dakota farmer: Dana Dagman 

"I farm because it provides for our family, and it provides a future. It’s a bigger picture type of deal. You’re growing something that is either nourishing a person, an animal, or going into fuel. It’s one of those things where you can sit back at the end of the day and very much see what you’ve accomplished. I would have never expected to find myself here. I never would have expected to enjoy it the way I do, but I’m really glad we took the risk of coming back and doing it." -Dana Dagman of The Green Acres Report and Dagman Farms in Enderlin, North Dakota

North Dakota farmer: Tom Rohrich

"My heart has always been in farming. I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years. When I was seven years old, I plowed with a three bottom and tractor. Now, you’ve got a 36 ft. drill and autosteer. The technology we’ve got today, if it wasn’t for Mark and Allan, I don’t think I could do it. The technology is really good, but it’s Mark and Allan, you know. Mark is in agronomy and kind of takes the role in that. Allan is into John Deere. He’s also real handy. He can about fix anything. I’m really proud of them." -Tom Rohrich on raising corn, sunflowers, soybeans and wheat with his sons Mark and Allan near Ashley, North Dakota

Whether the the big picture is clear, or you're still working to figure it out, I hope these farmers challenge you to keep it in mind. I'm sure this fast paced week on the road will come with it's fair share of frustrations and unexpected events. This morning, I'm challenging my self to take them in stride and remember the larger goal. Even when it's not the plan I've set out for myself, I'm determined to keep a positive attitude about the changes. I hope you'll do the same. Happy Monday! Thanks for reading!

11 Things I Crossed Off My Bucket List in 2016

Wow, 2016 was a busy year!  Although I'm a little late to blog about it, I wanted to take the time to reflect and remember a few of the highlights from this past year. I have so much to be thankful for!

1. Graduated from Iowa State University

I'm so thankful for the wonderful four years I spent at Iowa State. It sounds so cliche, but my experiences there really were life changing. Chances are, none of the other highlights on this list would have happened with out the relationships I built and lessons I learned in Ames. Thanks to everyone who supported my education and celebrated with me in May!

Photo credit: Beck's Hybrids

2. Started the Why I Farm Roadtrip

If you've been following my blog for any length of time, you know the Why I Farm Roadtrip has dominated the last seven months of my life. A week after I graduated from Iowa State I hit the road for this year long, 50 state road trip. I've had a blast honoring farmers and sharing their stories through blogs and photography. Some days I still have to pinch myself. I'm actually living my dream.

Photo credit: Erin Brenneman

3. Pulled my first pig

Before I even got out of Iowa on the Why I Farm Roadtrip, I was crossing 'firsts' off my bucket list. Erin Brenneman of Brenneman Pork was the first farmer I highlighted. She was so patient with my awkward interview skills and constant picture taking. While I gathered the details of her Why I Farm story, I truly got to experience a day in her life - showering in and out of the barn, checking heat lamps, and pulling pigs! Literally bringing life into the world isn't an experience I'll ever forget!

4. Rented my first car

When I announced I was leaving on a year long road trip instead of taking a traditional job like most of my friends, I joked I was avoiding 'adulting.' Funny enough, I think the Roadtrip has forced me to do a lot more adult things than had I taken a corporate position. This includes renting a mini van from the middle of downtown Boston at rush hour. I returned it a month later without a scratch!

5. Flew by myself

I needed a rental car because I'd flown, by myself, to Boston for my last Quiz Bowl tournament. I was not a pretty sight dragging my overpacked bags with a month's worth of dirty laundry through the airport on the way home, but I did it. And I made it back in one piece.

6. Did my first big media interview

When I left on the Why I Farm Roadtrip, I never anticipated I'd be talking to the media so much. I'm much more comfortable asking the questions in an interview! Although I have lots of room for improvement in 2017, I've had the chance to share my travel experience with RFD-TV, Farm Bureaus and podcast hosts across the country. 

7. Blogged more

In 2016 I wrote more blogs than I ever have before! More than 100 if you add in my Why I Farm pieces. Like my public speaking skills, my writing skills still have plenty of room for improvement, but it takes practice, practice, practice. I hope to continue this trend into the New Year.

8. Visit Alaska

I feel very blessed to have crossed so many cool places off my bucket list in 2016. I really can't pick a favorite, but Alaska is certainly near the top. I may never get the chance to go back and was so special to have my dad along. 

9. Stayed in my first Air BnB

In the spring of 2016 I stayed at my first Air BnB. Since then, I've stayed with more than a dozen Air BnB hosts and had wonderful experiences. It's been an awesome, budget friendly way to travel and meet locals that have great advice for authentic experiences in their area. If you're planning an upcoming trip, I highly recommend booking a stay.

About half way through the Roadtrip, I decided to add becoming an Air BnB host to my bucket list. Obviously this won't be something I can cross off right away, but I feel it's right to return the favor to the community of people who've made me feel so at home on the road. Plus, I'll be able to live vicariously through my guests' travels while resting from my own. (If you're interested in becoming a host yourself, find out more here)

10. Joined American Agri-Women

I can't take any credit for this highlight. At the beginning of the Why I Farm Roadtrip, a very generous Iowa State alum, Warren Clark, found out about my mission to honor American farmers. After he introduced me to countless farmers and agribusiness folks, I learned he'd payed my dues to join American Agri-Women. Since June, I've attended two of their events and stayed with several of their members. I look forward to highlighting more AAW ladies as the Roadtrip continues.

11. Met #AgChat friends in real life

For the past couple years, each Tuesday I log into Twitter and talk with people from around the world about various ag issues. They've taught me so much and truly become friends. Although we see each other online regularly, most of the folks that participate in #AgChat, I've never met in real life. Visiting their farms and homes as part of my travels has been a real treat.

Thanks to everyone who was part of making 2016 so great! I can't wait to see what God has planned for 2017! Happy New Year!

Wordless Wednesday: Why I Farm Roadtrip in Indiana

The summer of 2015 I lived in Indiana during my marketing internship at Beck's Hybrids. I really enjoyed the state and getting to know a new area. I recently went back to The Hoosier State as part of the Why I Farm Roadtrip. It was great to catch up with old friends, visit all the people at Beck's that have been so supportive of my travels, and explore some new parts of the state. Here's a glimpse of my trip.

Thanks to everyone who welcomed me back to Indiana! To meet the farmers I visited, head over to the Why I Farm Roadtrip blog. Happy Wednesday! Thanks for reading!

Wordless Wednesday: Why I Farm Roadtrip in Alaska

If you've been following my adventures on the Why I Farm Roadtrip on Instagram, you know I had an amazing trip to Alaska in September. I met some incredibly innovative farmers, put about 2,000 miles on a rental car, and filled my camera's memory cards with the fantastic scenery! To top it off, my dad (who never takes vacation) and a videographer from Beck's were able to join me. Here's a handful of the photos I took for a glimpse of my time in The Last Frontier.

Photo credit: Steve Sents

Photo credit: Steve Sents

Photo credit: Steve Sents

I took so many photos in Alaska, I may just have to share more in a few weeks. In the mean time, head over to the Why I Farm Roadtrip blog to meet the farmers that shared their stories with me. Thanks for reading!

Wordless Wednesday: Why I Farm Roadtrip in New Hampshire

Several weeks ago, I had a great visit to New Hampshire as part of the Why I Farm Roadtrip. I met some wonderful people, celebrated new agritourism legislation at a famers' market, and got my picture taken with a giant carrot! Check out these photos for a glimpse of my time in The Granite State.

The people I met in New Hampshire were so welcoming and inspiring. I had a great time listening to their stories and exploring their communities. To read farmer highlights from New Hampshire, head over to the Why I Farm blog. Thanks for reading!

9 Things You Won't Take For Granted After Traveling

I've said a million times, I'm so thankful for all I'm learning on the Why I Farm Roadtrip. But it's worth saying one more time. As I near the four month mark, I can already see how I've grown personally and professionally. This experience has taught me to be a more grateful person. Here are a few things I won't be taking for granted anymore.

1. Opening the refrigerator and finding food.
Any time I want to eat, I have to go somewhere. Craving milk? Off to the store. Time for supper? McDonalds or Wendy's? Take your pick. The reality is, even that is way easier than most people in this world have it. The fact that I can't mindlessly walk to the fridge has made me stop and be thankful each time I fill my belly.

2. Standing in front of your closet trying to decide what to wear.
Every girl has stood in their underwear staring at their overflowing closet complaining, "I don't have anything to wear." In a way, it's fun to try on a million outfits and leave the rejects littered all over your bedroom floor. But when you live out of a suitcase for months at a time, you realize that's a luxury. These days my hardest choices getting dressed are rubber boots or leather? And do these jeans still smell clean?

3. Spending rainy days lounging inside.
I miss rainy, lazy Saturdays. On the road trip, it's not an option to cuddle up with tea and watch movies on dreary days. I'm living my dream, so I'm not complaining, but there is no time for laziness with this gig. There hasn't been a single day since May 15th I haven't made phone calls, sent emails, visited farmers, been interviewed, sorted photos, scheduled social media, blogged, or transcribed audio. Even if I could just sit around doing nothing, I'd still have to go out to get food, drive to my next interview, or get gas. Road tripping is rain or shine.

4. Knowing what you're doing tomorrow.
Most days I have a decent idea of what I'm doing the next day, but there are so many extra variables living on the road. Everything can change in an instant. I've learned to be flexible. It's a lesson I really needed to learn, but I miss knowing I'm going to class at 8 AM, work at noon, and have meetings at 5 PM and 7 PM. A typical day depends on at least five other people's schedules working flawlessly, zero traffic, no wrong turns, and perfect weather. You can imagine, that works out about 2% of the time.

5. Clean public restrooms.
Nasty restrooms are the biggest bummer of road tripping. There's nothing worse than pulling off your route, running into the bathroom to find pee on the seat, TP on the floor, and a hairball in the sink. On the flip side, I want to give every where with sparkling bathrooms a five star review. When this adventure is over, I'm excited to get back to my bathroom and do my business in clean, private, peace.

6. A hot shower.
I've learned you can get clean, hot showers at truck stops, but that's not always convenient. There's something about coming in the house, kicking off your boots, stripping off your sweaty clothes and hoping in the shower when ever you want (in your own bathroom, then standing in front of your closet debating what to wear). Most of the time, I'm smelling myself as I drive 30 minutes plus for a shower. Freshening up between visits means caking on more deodorant, soaking myself in Febreeze, and changing to dry socks if I'm lucky.

7. Your own bed.
I'm in a different city every single day. It's so fun to see so much of the country, but nothing is consistent. I feel like Goldilocks sometimes. One night my bed is a little soft, sometimes the pillow is too flat, the sheets are scratchy, it's chilly. Getting comfortable, and getting much needed rest is a process every night. When I get back to my bed with two pillows, fluffy blankets and a fan, I'm going to sleep like a rock for a week.

8. Running into people you know.
Growing up in a small town, sometimes I thought it was annoying I couldn't go anywhere without running into someone I knew. You couldn't go to the bank or post office "real quick" because somebody would stop to chat. Now, there are days I would give anything to run into a friendly face. I still catch myself waving at familiar cars or scanning crowds for somebody to say hello.

9. Going places without directions or a GPS.
Thank goodness for technology. Without it, I'd never find my next interview, places to shower, or eat. That being said, there are some days I would like to go get gas without my phone and that bossy voice reminding me to take a left in 500 feet. Before traveling, I never thought about now nice it is to know how to get where you're going.

I have so much to be thankful for. I'm so glad traveling has opened my eyes to the littlest blessing I used to take for granted. Hopefully this post challenges you to consider what you take for granted. Thanks for reading!

Wordless Wednesday: Why I Farm Roadtrip in Vermont

Each day I'm getting closer to the half way mark (state wise) of the Why I Farm Roadtrip. I've been seen so many breath taking sights. There's no way I could choose a favorite place, but I know Vermont is near the top. During my visit, the weather was gorgeous and I had great hosts. Check out a glimpse of my time in the Green Mountain State in this week's Wordless Wednesday!

Photo credit: Lisa Campion

A return visit to Vermont is definitely on my post road trip bucket list. To meet Vermont farmers and see their Why I Farm stories, head over to the Why I Farm Roadtrip blog. Thanks for reading!