As part of the Pride in Agriculture series, today we'll hear from Steve Kempke, who lives in Valley Center, Kansas. I connected with Steve over the past few years through a mutual passion and work for cattle feedyards. Specifically, Steve loves working with feed mills on yards across the country. And he’s a big fan … Continue reading LGBTQ in the Workplace, Steve Kempke | Pride in Agriculture
Agriculture and Timber Attorney, Kirk Maag | Pride in Agriculture
As part of the Pride in Agriculture series, today we'll hear from Kirk Maag (he/him), who lives in Portland, Oregon where he is an agriculture and timber attorney. Kirk also serves as a board member for the Oregon FFA Foundation and Cultivating Change Foundation. You can connect with Kirk on Facebook and LinkedIn. Kirk hosting … Continue reading Agriculture and Timber Attorney, Kirk Maag | Pride in Agriculture
Agriculture Education, Riley Hintzsche | Pride in Agriculture
As part of the Pride in Agriculture series, today we'll hear from Riley Hintzsche (he/him), who lives in Ottawa, Illinois. Over the years, Riley and I have been on some fun adventures, including a desert road trip just before the world shut down in March of 2020. He's a dear friend who always has a … Continue reading Agriculture Education, Riley Hintzsche | Pride in Agriculture
Agriculture Communications, Matthew Winterholler | Pride in Agriculture
As part of the Pride in Agriculture series, today we'll hear from Matthew Winterholler (he/him), who lives in La Salle, Colorado. Matthew and I are former co-workers at an industry organization where we worked together on several agriculture communications projects. You can connect with Matthew on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. How are you involved in … Continue reading Agriculture Communications, Matthew Winterholler | Pride in Agriculture
Leading in Animal Agriculture, JJ Jones | Pride in Agriculture
As part of the Pride in Agriculture series, today we'll hear from JJ Jones (he/him), who lives in Council Grove, Kansas. JJ has been a mentor to many through his work as a leader in agriculture. This year, I've had the opportunity to begin working with JJ as he leads the National Institute for Animal … Continue reading Leading in Animal Agriculture, JJ Jones | Pride in Agriculture
Pride in Agriculture | Conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion in rural America
Agriculture and rural America are communities filled with diverse people, voices, and cultures who work hard to produce food, fiber, and, fuel products. My blogging efforts kicked off in 2010 by featuring the voices of people in these communities who are proud of their roles in agriculture. Today, I want to kick off a different … Continue reading Pride in Agriculture | Conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion in rural America
Culture and Inclusion are not just words on paper
"A culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion is not a goal to be met by just words on paper, but it's the actions that we take. When we're talking about the culture of an organization, how do employees interact? How do leaders set the tone for the conversations that are taking place?" Those are words … Continue reading Culture and Inclusion are not just words on paper
Diversity and Inclusion – will Ag brush it off?
Does agriculture have a problem with diversity and inclusion? Is this something the community is willing to admit and work on? Or will some in the industry try to brush this off as well? In the weeks after I first shared my experiences challenging diversity and inclusion in the workplace, I've received an overwhelming amount … Continue reading Diversity and Inclusion – will Ag brush it off?
Omitting Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
To follow-up on the previous post where I shared my experiences and challenges of organizational culture, diversity and inclusion, today I'd like to share the perspective of a former colleague. This person has requested to remain anonymous, but their voice is important to describe the culture at the organization that led to the departure of … Continue reading Omitting Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
A word on organizational culture, diversity and inclusion
This year has proven to be challenging. I have been presented with opportunities to stand up for the ethics and values I have been taught my entire life. Our communities - whether those be defined by race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or a rural-urban divide - are often passionate about our deeply rooted beliefs, which … Continue reading A word on organizational culture, diversity and inclusion