28 Things That Inspired my 50 State Roadtrip

I'm overwhelmed by how many people have responded to my less than traditional post-graduation plans. When I made the decision to roadtrip to all 50 states blogging about food, travel and agriculture, I was nervous people would think I was crazy. Instead, people have been incredibly supportive and curious to know more. Everyone asks, "Why!?" It's a long answer, but here's what I came up with on a plane ride home from Texas.

1. Why I Farm - I'll never forget sitting in the basement of Carver Hall at an Agricultural Business Club meeting with goosebumps as I watched my first Why I Farm video. Every time I watch one, I can feel that same emotional lump rise in my throat. From that first clip, I knew I wanted to tell stories like that. 

2. Humans of New York - Everyone has a story. Brandon, the photographer behind the famous blog, tells people's stories in such an authentic way. After following HONY for years, I feel as though I know hundreds of New Yorkers even though I've never set foot in the city - yet. Reading just a paragraph or two about these people makes me think differently about who I meet in the airport or walking to class. I have no idea what their story may be, but they're human, and their story matters.

3. This Viral 50 State Roadtrip post - About a year ago there was a viral Facebook post about the shortest route to all 50 states. After seeing it, I couldn't think about anything but loading up my car and hitting the road for days.

4. Coriell cousins - Growing up, I had lots of older cousins to admire. I always looked up to my Coriell cousins because they were awesome at Uno and made the best whirlpools when we went swimming at hotels. They also traveled tons. I distinctly remember standing in front of a map of the United States in the hotel lobby of AmericInn in Whitewater, Wisconsin watching them point out all the states they'd been to. I thought to myself, "Whoa... I want to be like that some day!"

I don't know how it started, but I do love to travel!

5.  Travel bug - I don't know if it was the countless road trips to Des Moines and Wisconsin as a kid, or my international experiences in Spain and Ireland. Somewhere along the way I was bit by the travel bug and I can't seem to shake it.

6. College industry tours - If you've been following my journey for long, you know industry tours have been the highlights of my college years. There's just something about learning why people do what they do and seeing them in their element I can't get enough of.

7.  FFA & Katie (Lewis) McWhirter - You know those people in your life you just can't picture your life without? Katie McWhirter, my high school FFA advisor, is one of those people. Her passion for agriculture, the sacrifices she made for us students, and her perseverance through tough situations are just a few of the things I've always admired about her. She's positively impacted so many people. Without her listening ear or encouraging words I wouldn't be at Iowa State.

8. My dad - Without a doubt, my dad has inspired this trip. I can't point to a specific thing he said or did, but there's no question he's a big piece of my adventure. It's hard to put into words all he's taught me and how much his support means, but here's my best attempt from last Father's Day.

I'm so thankful for my parent's support of this next
adventure in my life.

9. My mom - Nearly every time I visit family I hear, "You know, you're just like your mom." or "Aren't you just a little Melissa?" I take it as a compliment. It's fair to say I have her to thank for my independent spirit and love of life on the go.

10. The grocery store - Maybe this post is revealing a few too many of my quirks, but sometimes walking through the grocery store blows my mind. Do you ever stop and think about all the people and places behind the colorful fruits and vegetables? Or the journey your ice cream has made from the dairy?

11. Clipping news articles at Beck's - One of my jobs at Beck's last summer was skimming publications and clipping articles. I read so many farmer spotlights. Each time I finished the story, I had this urge to go visit the farm. There are so many caring, innovative, passionate people in rural America. I want to meet them all!

12. Farmland Screening & Panel event - Last year I helped organize the Farmland Screening and Panel event at Iowa State. Seeing 6 men and women with farms as different as they come enjoy each other's company and telling positive stories about all types of agriculture was so inspiring.

These girls have taken jobs in the ag industry all around
the country. I can't wait to visit them while I'm traveling!
Photo Credit: Creative Spirits in Ames, IA

13.  College peers - As graduation gets closer and closer, my friends are getting spread further across the country. Everything they are accomplishing is so exciting - I want to see it all. So, I'm going to. I've been waiting four years to see their hometowns or new jobs. This is my chance.

14. My passion for agriculture - Growing up in rural Iowa, it's not hard to pick up a little bit about corn, soybeans, cattle, and hogs. Going to Iowa State, I've tried to learn more. Driving around the state only makes me more curious about the crops I haven't seen. What about almonds? And peaches? Or alpacas? I'm on a mission to find out.

15. "You have to leave home to appreciate where you came from." - I remember Katie McWhirter telling us it's okay to come back to our hometown, but leave and get other experiences first. As I look back, this couldn't have been better advice. I appreciate all Columbus Junction taught me now that I've been somewhere else. That's part of what is Roots Journey is all about.

Interning at Enchanted Acres was a fantastic learning
experience!

16. Enchanted Acres - My first internship was amazing for so many reasons. One of the best parts was seeing people experience agriculture hands on for the first time. Watching kids' face light up when they made the connection between pumpkin pie they had for snack and the pumpkins they picked in our patch was priceless.

17. Iowa Corn - Interning at Iowa Corn was just as great, although totally different. I've blogged about this summer before, but I could go on and on. Being part of the team coordinating the Iowa Corn Indy 300 gave me a lot of awesome event planning experience - and the confidence I needed to start to planning my trip.

18. "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." - Anyone who's been involved in Agricultural Business at Iowa State has heard this quote at least a few times. It's so true. I've had the goal of traveling to all 50 states for a long time, but it's not something that is just going to happen. So, I'm taking my shot.

19. "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." - In high school I ran, and we heard this Steve Prefontain quote a lot. I've been given the gift of farmer friends, freedoms to travel and write, and a passion. I can't waste this opportunity.

20. Farmers market vendor experience - I've always liked doing my own thing. When all my friends got jobs at the grocery store and dairy sweet, I decided to start my own farmers market business. To this day, I don't know of an adventure that has taught me more or given me more role models. Besides serving customers, I loved chatting with other vendors who had many more years of experience growing and making things for their local community. I witnessed the power of a local economy and the joys of getting to know your local farmer.

This duct tape prom dress was just
one of my out of the box ideas in
high school.

21. Anyone and everyone who has supported my crazy ideas over the years - To everyone who bought lemonade at the end of my driveway - you inspired me. To everyone who bought my scones and dog treats at farmers market - you inspired me. To everyone who thought I was still normal after wearing a duct tape prom dress - you inspired me. To everyone who cheered on my team as we raced a cardboard boat in the Mississippi - you inspired me. To everyone who believed in my blog as I stumbled through college - you inspired me.

22. Lady in Economart - A few years back, there was a moment in my rural hometown grocery store that solidified my personal goal of a career in agriculture. I was in the checkout line behind a woman who requested a new milk because "the cows had gotten to" hers. There was sand and dirt stuck to the condensation of her milk carton. It may have been dropped on the floor in the stocking process, but there was no way it could have been the cow's doing. Milk is hauled off the farm before it's put in the jug. Don't get me wrong, I'm not making fun of the woman - there are plenty of agriculture things I don't know. But in that moment I realized I'd been taking my ag teacher, and the friendly farmers around me for granted. Not everyone is fortunate enough to meet the people that feed and fuel their lifestyle, or visit a farm. That's when I decided it was my turn to step up to the plate to tell the story of agriculture.

23. #AgChat community - Over the last year or so, the AgChat community has taught me so much. Just by participating in the weekly Twitter discussions on Tuesday nights I've made many friends and been introduced to agriculture like almonds and dairy. The best part is, last November at AgChat Conference I met many of my virtual friends in real life. When I brought up my roadtrip plans, everyone was very supportive and eager to offer much needed advice.

24. AgVocates - There are so many amazing agvocates I've learned from and look up to. Each time the Peterson Farm Brothers come out with a new video or a new blog post from one of my favorite ag bloggers pings into my inbox I'm inspired to do more.

25. God and His creation - The creatures God created and the people He has made to be stewards of his creation amaze me every day. Creation and the great Creator are ultimately what inspires me.

26. Century and Heritage Farm Award Winners - I'm always up for a good story, especially old ones. There are generations of great stories hidden among the sweat and stewardship put into these 100 and 150 year old farms. I really want to know them. 

27. Janice Person's A to Z lists - Janice has a really cool list of Farms A to Z on her blog. Just like when I was skimming articles for Beck's, each time I read about a new farm I wanted to visit. I wanted to get coffee or take a round in the tractor with everyone she wrote about!

28. Farmers - Last but not least, I'm inspired by farmers big and small, each doing their part to provide their world with choices of feed, fuel, and clothing. Many do their job with little recognition. The day to day chores leave little time to tell their story. That's why I get out of bed.

It is always dangerous to start naming people and places who've made an impact on you. I know I've missed some, but I think it's worse to keep this list to myself. Please know this post isn't an exhaustive, and the order is not significant. The point is, why not roadtrip to all 50 states? I have so many reasons why.

For more on my upcoming adventure check out the Why I Farm Roadtrip tab.

Iowa Water Conference 2016 Recap

Some days you wake up with one plan, but life happens and things change. Yesterday, instead of a quiet productive day at the office for my part time job at AgSolver, I was given the last minute opportunity to attend the Iowa Water Conference. I am passionate about agriculture, but I'll be the first to admit there's lots I don't know. The day turned out to be a wonderful chance to learn about water, conservation, and how farmers are working to keep the nutrients their crops need from flowing down stream. Here are a few of the great points made via Twitter:

80% of #Iowans are willing to take action to improve #waterquality but most don't know what action to take #iawaterconf16

— IA Ag Water Alliance (@IAwateralliance) March 23, 2016

At the conference, we learned lots of ways to improve water quality! From new construction materials, to planting cover crops, there's things people from all walks of life can do to do their part. 

Hanna Bates: never heard a farmer say I'm only farming for the next 5 years and I don't care what happens to my land after #iawaterconf16

— Benton/Tama Project (@BentonTamaWQI) March 23, 2016

I'm with Hanna on this one. Farms stay in the family for a long time. Decisions today can impact the operation for generations to come.

Gano, City of DSM: water "not an urban vs rural issue" #iawaterconf16 collaboration...conversation with all parties pic.twitter.com/3TqO9y45kN

— IA Ag Water Alliance (@IAwateralliance) March 24, 2016

I agree! Collaboration is key. We need to stop screaming at one another and look for workable solutions together. Here are a few more quotes I want to be sure to remember from the conference:

3-15% of every row-cropped field is consistently NOT profitable. @agsolver #iawaterconf16

— Benton/Tama Project (@BentonTamaWQI) March 24, 2016

Between 2-3 million acres annually operate at an expected loss in Iowa. @agsolver #iawaterconf16

— Benton/Tama Project (@BentonTamaWQI) March 24, 2016

Conservation change: starts w/ individual, change has ripple effect, your effort makes a difference #iawaterconf16 pic.twitter.com/yxTyDnKHvt

— Natalina Sents (@Roots_Journey) March 24, 2016

11 Takeaways from Kickstarter Founder, Perry Chen

In February, I left the National Farmers Union College Conference on Cooperatives challenged by William Nelson's closing remarks, "Get involved in things you can’t do alone." Last week, I announced my post-graduation plans, and unveiled the biggest project I've been a part of in my life. Just the other night, it all came together at late night lecture on campus.

Perry Chen, one of the founders of Kickstarter was at Iowa State. Perry told his entrepreneurial story and opened my eyes to a lot of things I didn't know about crowdfunding. Here are my top 11 takeaways from his talk:

1. For those of you who aren't familiar with crowdfunding, Kickstarter = (Funding + Democracy) + Sweet Incentives. Backers show their support for a project or idea by contributing their own money. In return, they feel great about helping something they like move forward, and may get a gift like a t-shirt or exclusive content.

2. Did you know the Statue of Liberty's pedestal was paid for by crowdfunding? Donations were solicited and in return, supporters received replicas of the statue in varying sizes based on their gift. I had no idea crowdfunding had been around so long!

3. The Oscars happened recently. Did you know an Oscar winning documentary was funded on Kickstarter? Kickstarter has helped hundreds of creative people get their work off the ground.

4. "We have the opportunities to try and fail that people have never had before." This statement really made me think. It's so true. I don't have to spend my whole day harvesting and preparing my meals or walking from place to place. My day isn't consumed with basic survival. I have time to think and try out my wild ideas. I need to stop taking this for granted.

5. The safe path and decisions... are not so safe. The crooked path of following your passion and taking risk for your ideas may reward more. I've known for a while that I wanted to follow my passions and do my own thing. Each time I began seriously considering it, I worried it wasn't a safe decision. What if my business was a flop? The work could stop coming in. I wouldn't be able to pay my rent. Then I realized, the what if game could go the other way too. Taking the safe path and accepting a salary with a large company may not be so safe. The company could be acquired. I could be laid off. Traveling to all 50 states blogging about agriculture is certainly a crooked path, but it's following my passion, and I'm already seeing the priceless rewards.

My friends at KinoSol got to hang out with Perry Chen.
They've been an awesome group of entrepreneurs to
brainstorm with over the last few years!
Photo credit: KinoSol

6. "Many companies have a mission, but many times it comes second to maximizing profit." This doesn't mean all companies work this way. As an Econ student, I'm perfectly aware that profit maximization and keeping shareholders happy is the driving goal for many organizations. Profit is necessary to be sustainable, but if it means sacrificing the mission statement, maybe things need to be reprioritized.

7. "The change with all this is not just funding, it's building community around your work." This is the part of crowdfunding I'm so excited about. Personally, I'm killing two birds with one stone if I can find people that are excited to follow #RootsRoadtrip and willing to help me raise funds to get around the country. I think having people engaged with the businesses around them strengthens the community.

8. "As you guys know, sometimes when you have a really special idea, it just won't go..." I love meeting other people who've had this experience. It's always reassuring to know you're not the only one that feels this nagging itch to run with an idea.

9. "We want to help each other bring our ...each others'... creative ideas to life." It's pretty cool to be a part of a community striving to achieve great things together, don't you think?

10. "Profit based decision making doesn't lead to the best art and culture." After studying Econ for the last four years, I understand the place of profit based decision making. It's a valuable tool, especially during the lean times. But life would be boring if we let profit maximization lead the way in every situation. Think of all the joys in life you'd miss if we eliminated them to save a buck or two.

11. There is no financial upside for backers on Kickstarter, and that is what opens the floodgates for support. It's about affinity. This is another reason I love crowdfunding! People are putting their money where their mouth is. People are opening their wallets because they believe in you and they genuinely want you to succeed. How encouraging is that?!

I'm super excited to release my own crowdfunding campaign this spring. This road trip isn't something I can do alone. I'm so thankful for the support I've received so far! Thanks for reading! 

I Graduate in May...

Since fall, a few of my classmates' post-graduation plans pop up on my Facebook timeline each week. It's such an exciting time for all of us seniors. Moving, new jobs, big purchases, and more independence is all on the horizon!

For months, I've been anxiously waiting for the time to share my big post-graduation plan. Yesterday, I shared this video on my Roots' Facebook page. Watch the clip below to see what I'll be up to after graduation in May.

(Click here if video doesn't play)

This trip has been a dream for a long time. Now that I'm in the homestretch of my college career, it's becoming reality. Many thanks to the wonderful people who assured me I'm not crazy and encouraged me to shoot for the stars. I can't wait for May to get here! But... I have lots of planning to do between now and then.

Stay tuned for many more blog posts through my planning process! I'll be sharing everything from places I want to visit, to what inspired this wild idea on the blog and social media. If you haven't yet, now is the perfect time to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest to make sure you don't miss a thing. I look forward to having you along for the ride on #RootsRoadtrip! Thanks for reading!

Throwback Thursday: Celebrating FFA Week with Memories

Like thousands of youth across the nation, I was a member of FFA in middle and high school. This week students, teachers, and alumni around the country are sharing their experiences during FFA week. I couldn't help but dig out some old photos and remember the highlights of my high school days. 

One year I participated in Agronomy contest through FFA. It was another one of those early mornings and school van rides, but I learned a lot. I was lucky enough to place individually after identifying seeds, weeds and more.

The Columbus FFA chapter held an annual Cotter Clean Up where we'd pick up junk from a neighboring town. It was always an all hands on deck event. 

This picture is from the first or second year I participated in soils judging contest. Over my high school career, soils judging created many opportunities to learn and travel.

A couple classmates and I earned our Chapter FFA Degree in this photo from our annual banquet.

To cover the costs of our travel to national soils judging contests in Oklahoma, my teammates and I applied for a grant. We were fortunate to be selected for some funding. Here is my FFA advisor and mentor, Katie McWhirter and at the grant awards ceremony.

When out team traveled to Oklahoma, we took a little bit of time to explore the area. We found an old grain elevator that was converted into a climbing facility. I wasn't very good, but it was sure fun trying to climb to the top!

While in Oklahoma, we also visited the stockyards. At that point in my life, I hadn't had much exposure to livestock, so it was a great learning experience. Walking the catwalks and sitting in on the auction were my favorite parts.

The national soils judging award ceremony was at this museum in Oklahoma. Before the event, we enjoyed taking pictures with the cowboy figurines and western town replicas as we learned about the culture and history of the state.

Thanks for reading! I'd love to hear about your FFA experiences in the comments!

National Farmers Union College Conference on Cooperatives 2016 Recap

“Get involved in things you can’t do alone.” William Nelson, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship and President of CHS Foundation challenged us Sunday as a fantastic College Conference on Cooperatives wrapped up in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Guang, Catherine, and I had a great time in Minneapolis
at the National Farmers Union College Conference on
Cooperatives!

All weekend, about 100 college students, including myself and two other Cyclones (Guang and Catherine), experienced the cooperative business model. Thanks to the National Farmers Union and many other sponsors, we visited co-ops around the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. We listened to inspiring speakers and practiced the co-op principles through group activities. Here’s a recap of the highlights:

Day 1:

William Nelson offered students advice and inspiration
throughout the weekend.

CHS Headquarters- Our first bus ride of the conference was to CHS headquarters. CHS is the largest cooperative and works in 14 different areas serving its farmer owners. I learned so many things at this stop. Did you know Hidden Valley Ranch is 50% owned by farmers?

As a marketing enthusiast, it was really interesting to hear from Tom Murray in CHS’s marketing communications department. I was fascinated to learn how the national brand has transformed over the last 85 years while encouraging the local coops to actively brand themselves in their individual communities with tools like social media.

During our CHS visit, we also heard from Tina Dorner, the Talent Acquisition Specialist. I was impressed to learn CHS had 225 interns last summer. As a young professional, it was encouraging to hear a positive outlook for ag careers from A to Z.

There are activities for all ages at Mill City Museum.
I designed my own cereal box!

A handful of other speakers passionately explained their role, including William Nelson. Mr. Nelson started the College Conference on Cooperatives several years ago. I’ll tell you more about him when we get to his closing remarks.

Mill City Museum- After CHS, we headed back to the hotel for a quick lunch before we were off again to explore the Mill City Museum. It was my second trip to the museum, but I still learned new things about Minneapolis’ milling industry. It’s fascinating how the mill influenced the area along the river for many years. If you’re ever in the Minneapolis area, I encourage you to make it part of your trip.

It was so refreshing to see bright flowers and produce on a
chilly February day! The fruit samples were delicious!

Mall of America- After the museum, we were all free to enjoy the night as we wished. After a little refreshment at the hotel, Guang, Catherine, and I made the short trip to the Mall of America. I’ve been several times, but it always amazes me how many stores are in one place.

Day 2:

Our second day started bright and early with a delicious hot breakfast at the hotel. Then we loaded up the buses for co-op tours around the metro area. Each of the three charter busses visited three different co-ops.

The Hub has new and used bikes for all ages along with
many accessories.

Mississippi Market Co-op- Our bus stopped at a food co-op called Mississippi Market Co-op first. The store was filled with bright, beautiful, local produce and interesting specialty products. We had a great presentation from Katie Campbell about the needs the store meets in its low income neighborhood. Because education is part of the co-op principles, the store regularly hosts cooking classes and opportunities to meet the farmers that supply the store.

Pastures A Plenty shared their story and the impact
working with co-ops has had on their pork business.

The Hub Bike Co-op- The next place we stopped was a little different. Instead of being owned by its customers, The Hub is a worker owned coop. This means employees have the option of buying one share, giving them one vote at board meetings. Being an owner has several unique benefits and allows employees who are passionate about getting people on bikes to have a say in how the business proceeds. Some people believe worker owned coops are able to provide better working environments because the people who set the rules are the ones that have to live with them.

REI- Next, we made a stop at REI, an outdoor equipment and clothing store that uses the co-op business model. They have so many cool things it was hard not to buy up the whole store! I got out of there with just two items. Rumor has it they just opened a location in Des Moines, so I might have to check that out this weekend.

Gramercy Senior Housing Co-op- After our first three stops, we were all ready for a solid lunch. That’s exactly what we got at the VFW connected to Gramercy. After our meal, we walked over for a presentation and tour of the senior housing co-op. I was impressed with their beautifully decorated facilities and the enthusiasm of their residents. I hope I’m able to live in such a vibrant community after my retirement.

After our adventures around the city, we had a great presentation from Casey Thomas about a food co-op that will be coming to Greensboro, South Carolina. Renaissance Community Co-op has been in the works for four years, and they are excited to be opening within the next year. It was so inspiring to hear how the community has come together to bring food access to an underserved area that’s been struggling without a grocery store for 18 years.

To wrap up the evening we had great spontaneous discussion how co-ops can serve the needs of both inner city communities and rural areas. Then, I met up with my friends Adrienne and Evan for a wonderful dinner. I hadn’t seen them since last summer so it was great to catch up.

Day 3- 

Sunday morning we had a fantastic farmer panel, group activities, and short presentation from ladies at the National Farmers Union. They offer internships and many leadership opportunities for men and women in agriculture throughout the year. 

We also had an inspiring presentation from William Nelson. Like I said earlier, he works at CHS, but started the NFU CCOC event several years ago. His rule, “Get involved in things you can’t do alone” has really made me think these last few days. I’ll update you soon with my ideas and would like to challenge you to think of something you can get involved in. Let me know what you’re doing in the comments. Thanks for reading!

Wordless Wednesday: San Antonio Trip

If you caught my blog post last week, you know I just got back from a wonderful trip to San Antonio, Texas. I had a great time with classmates exploring the River Walk area and competing in quiz bowl. For this week's Wordless Wednesday, I'm sharing a few more photos from our adventure!

 I hope you all get the chance to visit San Antonio, enjoy the mild weather, and explore the area for yourself! I would love to see your pictures! Thanks for reading!