Happy National Agriculture Day 2015! I can’t believe it’s been 5 years since the creation of this blog that has traveled far and wide. Over the year’s I aimed to show an example that proclaiming a pride in what you do isn’t boastful, but rather sharing enthusiasm for your passion and the values which you care most about. People connect with passion and genuine enthusiasm and it’s been great to see that catch on like wildlife in the world of agriculture advocacy.
So why are you proud to be part of agriculture? I asked several folks online. Below are a few of the responses I received. Be sure to follow #AgDay2015 and #AgProud on social media. When sharing your passion for agriculture this next year, do your best to connect with local communities and find mutual interests that will help your advocacy to reach beyond the choir.
Dr. Robb Fraley, CTO, Monsanto, @RobbFraley
“I am proud to be a part of agriculture because nothing is more important than ensuring we have a safe and nutritious food supply for today…and tomorrow!”
Greg Peterson, Peterson Farm Brothers, Kansas, @gregpeterson33
“I am proud to be involved in the agricultural community. Working together with millions of people around the globe to help provide a safe and healthy food supply is both challenging and fulfilling. The role that I have been given in communicating what we as farmers do is important to me because I know I represent some of the hardest working people out there. To me there is no better occupation than one that allows you to work outside in nature, care for land and animals, work with friends and family, and provide food for the world!”
Anne Burkholder, Feedyard Foodie Blog, Nebraska, @feedyardfoodie
“As a farmer in Nebraska, I am blessed to not only enjoy food but also to know where it comes from. Growing healthy beef in a sustainable and humane way is my passion, and I love watching each sunset knowing that I what I did today made a difference in the lives of many.”
Derek Klingenberg, Kansas, @KlingenbergFarm
“I’m proud to be in ag because I love the group of people involved and the land and animals they take care of.”
Carolyn Olson, Minnesota, @Westacre2CJ
“I am a farmer, chair of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Organic Advisory Task Force, and I serve on the MN Farm Bureau Board of Directors. I grew up in the suburbs of Minneapolis, MN, but I met a nice young farmer while I was in college. We got married young, and I became a farm wife. The neighborhood women and my mother in law were great mentors, and taught me to appreciate farm life. It didn’t take long until I fell in love with agriculture and found my passion. I am proud to farm alongside my husband, and I am proud of our family. Most of all, I am so thankful that I met that nice, young farmer 28 years ago.”
Tahlia McSwain, Busselton, Western Australia
“I’m Agricultural Proud due to the fact that I provide food for the nation. Carrying on the family dairy enterprise in Australia, I am greeted with a pure sense of satisfaction when the milk tanker comes to collect our milk daily. I am proud for the reason I’m doing something for the country, providing adequate products for the demand of individuals. I am proud because I am passionate about what I do. I am proud because of what my family has achieved. I am proud because farming is my life, and without farmers the world would not survive.”
What about you? Be sure to leave a comment here, or join the Facebook event, to share why you are proud to be a part of agriculture!
