Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner Reflection

Yesterday evening, I had the honor of attending the Iowa Ag Leaders dinner hosted by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey. Agricultural business leaders, commodity group members, legislators, FFA members, and Iowa State University representatives gathered for a night of networking and inspiration. I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with friends and mentors during the reception. 

Photo Credit: Katie Klaes

As we savored a delicious dinner served by The Machine Shed, I was encouraged by talks from Abrah Meyer, FFA President for the state of Iowa, Bill Northey and the keynote address from former President and CEO of Heifer International, Jo Luck. There were so many good things mentioned about the enthusiasm of young agriculturalists, and the leadership of Iowa in the industry, but I wanted to share a couple things from Ms. Luck's speech in particular. 

In order to have achievement, you must possess VISION. This is how she described VISION:

V- Values. Know what you value and write it down. Everyone should value caring and sharing.
I- Important. Know what is important to you. (and probably many of the people around you) Family, love, health, faith, justice, community, education, etc.
S- Senses. We learn about 5 senses from the time we are young-- sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing and it's great to use and appreciate all of those, but there are 5 more sense that are also essential-- sense of direction, sense of pride, common sense, sensitivity, and sometimes the hardest to remember, sense of humor.
I- Interdependence. Teamwork, harmony and balance are all key components of achievement. No matter how independent you may be, we still impact each other. There is a Kenyan saying that means "Together we can do it."
O- Ownership. There must be a local (or personal) belief, want, need, and value for the goal. Luck shared the example of Dr. Tererai Trent, which is a story that will have to wait for another blog post.
N- NamJai. A Kenyan word translated "living waters of the heart." Compassion is so important in everything you do, from a smile and thank you to a hosting family, to taking time to walk in someone else's shoes. 

Simply put, never compromise your core values, remember what is important, use all your senses, be sure the right people own it with you, and don't forget your NamJai... ever.

Finally, I want to leave you with one last quote I found particularly inspiring. It went something like this, "You never know when you are influencing someone who will change the world."

As you pursue your goals I challenge you to keep your VISION in mind. Thanks for reading!

Grow Iowa Ag Day on the Hill

A couple weeks ago, I experienced another "first." As a member of SFA, or Student Federation for Agriculture, I was privileged to attend the Grow Iowa Ag Day on the Hill event. I made the early morning (according to college student schedule) trek from Ames to Des Moines with a fellow SFA officer, Marshall Dolch. 

When we arrived, we met with a large group of Iowa agricultural enthusiasts including Dean Wintersteen, President of Iowa State, Steven Leath, and farmers from across the state to lobby our local legislators. We attended to show our support for the Iowa agricultural industry, specifically by urging the government leaders to increase the Iowa State University Experiment Station budget and support the Iowa Livestock Health Advisory Council. 

These decisions will have a big impact on our already impressive College of Veterinary Medicine. I know many livestock producers depend on those resources to improve their operations and keep Iowa ranked as a leader in agriculture. This funding will also help a growing number of students pursuing research and furthering their education at Iowa State. I know how much I have benefited from well funded programs within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and want other students to have the same great opportunities wherever their interests may lie.

Although, I really do care about livestock farmers and the impact this makes for them, as well as other students, I also encourage this support for more selfish reasons. As an Iowa State student, even if I am not part of the College of Veterinary Medicine, knowing they are on the cutting edge in the industry, makes me proud. Also, as I'm looking for a full time job in the near future, if employers hear about Iowa State for good things, it makes my degree worth more. Finally, as an Iowan in general, I love hearing my home state mentioned as the world leader when I attend conferences and seminars across the country.

As part of my first time lobbying efforts, I learned how to call my Representative out of session. Tom Sands, the Representative that serves my home county was kind enough to meet with me as well as show me around. We took the spiral stairs to sit in the viewing balcony and I watched the opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. Later he explained more about his job, the session schedule, and even how the desks are arranged on the floor. 

Honestly, I was a little nervous to go an talk to so many important people, but many men and women have sacrificed so much so we can have the privilege of participating in our government. I'm glad I finally learned how to take part in that process, and would encourage you all to do the same if you haven't. I look forward for my next opportunity to attend a Day on the Hill. Thanks for reading!

Photos courtesy of Iowa State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Communications Office, Brian Meyer

#Thankful Thursday, Week 8!

After walking around campus in 5 layers, and looking more like a 8 year old headed to play in the snow than a college student headed to class this week, I decided today's #ThankfulThursday should be dedicated to the four seasons!

Growing up in Iowa, I've had the privilege of experiencing all four seasons from a young age. These cold, snowy winters aren't all bad as they bring back great memories of sledding with the neighborhood kids, carefully constructing ramps and doggy-piling on the biggest toboggan we could find. The much anticipated snow days full of snowball fights, fort building and hot chocolate, are something kids in other parts of the country don't get. In college, winter means giant snowballs and igloos on central campus, and thankfulness for CyRide.

And although sometimes it seems like it never comes fast enough, once spring arrives, it always amazes me how quickly the grass greens up, trees begin to bud, and jackets are left behind. Games of catch and evening walks suddenly are much more appealing, and days get longer. On campus, people start eating lunch outside and playing frisbee on central campus between classes. 

Before you know it, spring turns to full blown summer full of camps, trips, baseball games, fireworks, cook outs, and NO SCHOOL! Now that I'm in college, my summers have been filled with hands on learning experiences in the form of internships and travel. Some of my personal favorite summer memories are catching a few rays at my brother's baseball games, fair time, a high school trip to Spain, and last year's Iowa Corn Indy 300 race weekend! This summer I look forward to interning in the Marketing Communications department with Beck's Hybrids in Atlanta, Indiana.

Somehow, every August I'm ready to head back to school eagerly look forward to cooler nights filled with football games and bonfires. Getting into a new routine, meeting new teachers, and making new memories are always exciting parts of this time of year. Personally, I just love sweatshirt weather and taking pictures of the beautiful autumn leaves. Harvest time and seeing all the productivity of the ag industry this time of year especially, always makes me proud. At Iowa State, fall brings events like Ag Business Fall Industry Tour, CALS Week, and lots of tailgating.

This year, I'm going to try to be thankful for the season we're in and appreciate the fun things that come around each time of year... even as I waddle to class in all my snow gear! Join me! Thanks for reading! 

#Thankful Thursday, Week 7

This week, it really hit me how thankful I am for transportation. It seems like I've been on the road, or in the air, constantly and getting from place to place is something I take for granted way too often. 

Recently, club activities took me to Atlanta, Georgia (read about that trip here) which required driving, flying, and taking the local public transportation, MARTA. Everything went smoothly without delay, and at the time I didn't even think twice about it! How lucky are we that we can travel to the opposite side of the country without breaking the bank or being seriously concerned about personal safety!

Just this morning, I drove down to Des Moines and back, took the CyRide to class, and walked across the beautiful Iowa State campus. My car started just fine, and along with thousands of others around the metro I made my commute without a single hiccup. When I returned, and needed to go to class, a big red CyRide was right outside my house within a matter of minutes to drop me off where ever I wanted to go on campus.

These are just two instances where I need to be especially grateful for the means to get around and the freedom to do so. As I buzz from place to place this year, I'm going to try to be more mindful of all that goes on behind the scenes to get me from point A to B. Join me! Thanks for reading!

Southern Agricultural Economics Association Annual Meeting

I am so lucky to have just returned from Atlanta, Georgia where I attended the Southern Agricultural Economics Association Annual Meeting for the first time. Five other Iowa State students, along with our awesome adviser, Georgeanne, made the trip to network and compete in the undergraduate Agriculture Econ Quiz Bowl.

To be completely honest, before we left, I was a bit nervous since none of my good friends were going along, and I don't have a lot of confidence in my Econ knowledge. By the end of the trip, I'd made several new friends, from Iowa State and around the country.

It may sound silly, but this trip also excited me because it was the first time I'd flown without a parent. I felt so grown up as my teammates and I hustled through check in, security, and boarded all on our own. 

We arrived in Georgia without any issues Saturday night and after a brief meeting and checking into our fancy hotel room, we ventured off to find the famous Mellow Mushroom pizza. My new friend, Becky, was so excited to show us this unique restaurant, and I'm so glad she did. The amazing combination of fresh ingredients really hit the spot! If you're ever in the south and craving pizza, I highly recommend it!


The next morning, it was time to compete. Each team was made up of four students from different schools. Using a buzzer system, two teams at a time answered questions from a Jeopardy style board of categories.


I was paired with three other girls from around the southern part of the United States. My team, the Black Bears came out on top after the first round, but was eliminated later as the competition got tougher. Even though I was disappointed to lose, it freed me up to watch my classmate's rounds. Fortunately, I got to see a fellow Iowa Stater claim 3rd place and win some cash! As the rounds progressed, the intensity grew. 

After a winning student team prevailed, it was time for them to face The Legends, a group of competitive advisers. One of the highlights of the trip was certainly cheering on Georgeanne as she competed! After a round that included many laughs, the students came out on top for what I hear is the third year in a row. 

In between rounds, I enjoyed getting to know a few students from Missouri's chapter. While we were waiting for the next event we enjoyed several hands of cards, an adventure wandering through Atlanta area and even a spontaneous trip to Waffle House! Our entire group was invited to an exclusive Super Bowl party at Hard Rock Cafe, which we thoroughly enjoyed. We couldn't seem to take a good picture together, but we sure had lots of fun.

When we weren't hanging out with our new friends, we were taking advantage of the Graduate School Fair, attending the business meeting and dinner, or looking over poster projects completed by graduate students. We heard a great speech by the newly elected president (which I'll save for another blog post) and were treated to an excellent southern dinner. All these things opened my eyes to a new level of the academic world and learning opportunities. It was awesome to see some of the work professors are doing when they aren't teaching, and thinking about alternate career paths was pretty interesting.

All in all, I am so thankful for the chance to travel to the south, take in some warmer weather, and broaden my horizons. Thanks for reading!

Monday Night Movie Night!

Whoever said scrolling through Facebook is a waste of time, sure didn't have friends like me. I swear my friends post the coolest things! The last Monday Night Movie Night post was found thanks to social media, and this week I'm sure you'll enjoy this song my fellow blogger friend, Lexi, shared.

If you liked the song, American Farmer, as much as I did, you may want to check it out on iTunes. You can find it by searching for American Farmer Single by Maria Doud. Thanks for reading!

Monday Night Movie Night Returns!

It's been a long time since I've posted a Monday Night Movie Night, but after I stumbled upon this gem from a classmate at Iowa State, I couldn't resist. Haley Banwart is an Agriculture Education major with an emphasis on Communication. She is passionate about the industry and can be found making a difference around campus through her internship in the CALS Communications office, leading discussions in the classroom, or in many club activities. People like Haley are the reason I love Iowa State so much, and I can't wait to work alongside people like her for the rest of my career. Without further ado, please enjoy her video, So God Made A Farm Girl.

"So God Made A Farm Girl"

And on the 8th day God looked down on his planned paradise and said I need a caretaker, 

SO GOD MADE A FARM GIRL

God said I need somebody willing to weed the garden, drive a tractor all dayin the fields feed the cows, make supper and go to town to practice whatever sport is in season, so God made a Farm Girl. I need someone with arms strong enough to bale hay and patient enough to teach a newborn lamb to nurse. Someone to walk beans, shovel grain, come home hungry and help make lunch,

SO GOD MADE A FARM GIRL

God had to have someone willing to ride the ruts at double speed to get the hay in ahead of the rain clouds and yet stop in midfield and race to help when the neighbors toddler is lost in the corn field,

SO GOD MADE A FARM GIRL

God said I need someone savvy enough to operate the auto steer and yield monitor and determined enough to pull lambs when a ewe's pelvis is so small that only her hand will fit. Who will stop her lawnmower for an hour to help her little brother find kittens in the hay mow. It had to be somebody who'd work hard and not cut corners. Somebody to seed weed feed breed and rake and bale and combine and plant and finish a hard week's work with a 7 mile drive to church. Somebody who'd bale a family together with soft strong bonds of sharing who would laugh and then sigh with and then reply with smiling eyes when her daughter says she wants to spend her life doing what her mom does,

SO GOD MADE A FARM GIRL 

I look forward to keeping up with Haley's work and will be sure to share her future projects with you! Thanks for reading!