If you tune into this blog, then you are undoubtedly involved in a career in agriculture, in some form or another. Certainly, people choose to work in agriculture for a variety of reasons, and as I prepare to graduate, I have been thinking long and hard about my choice to work in this industry, as well.
Growing up on a cattle ranch was tough at times, but looking back now, I realize that it gave me a sense of responsibility and a hard work ethic that transfers into the other things I do in life. More importantly, living on a farm gave me a passion for this industry that would be hard to walk away from. I don’t think there is a better place to be than agriculture, and I’m excited to start my career working for America’s food producers.
How about you? What pushed you to pursue a career in the agriculture industry? Or, if you don’t work directly in agriculture, what makes you want to learn more about food production? What type of work do you do? Where and what did you study? How has working in agriculture shaped your career?
I will be graduating from South Dakota State University in May, and hopefully, I will be ranching with my parents and working as a freelance writer once I hit the “real world.” When I’m not outside helping with cattle chores, I hope to get a lot of writing and photography work done. As I embark on my career as an agricultural journalist, I have decided I need to invest in a few pieces of equipment. On my wish list (based solely on need, of course…) is a new laptop computer, an audio recorder, a wide angle lens for my Canon and video editing software. 
Here’s an example of how the stimulus is stimulating. I’m betting there will be other groups formed to help spend that money. I’m not saying this is a bad thing necessarily. Someone sure needs to provide advice to the government officials who are going to be making spending decisions.
As the world population explodes, producing food, feed, fuel, and fiber in a sustainable manner throughout the world will be paramount to success. “We’re adding three China’s in our children’s lifetime,” said Marty Matlock, Director of the Center for Agriculture and Rural Sustainability at the University of Arkansas. “Today, the U.S. is top of its game globally.”
“This tool will hope us demonstrate how the U.S. measures up when talking about sustainability,” said Doug Goehring, who grows corn, soybeans and wheat in North Dakota. “This tool helps a grower re-affirm how sustainable he is. The feedback is vitally important.”
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Our opening general session has just ended and once again we got a chance to hear from the Presidents of the commodity groups involved in Classic. This year there are four. Pictured (l-r) are Moderator, Mark Mayfield, NSP Chairman Toby Bostwick, NAWG President, David Cleavinger, NCGA President, Bob Dickey and ASA President, Johnny Dodson.
At the 2009 Commodity Classic trade show, growers are finding that the BASF exhibit not only features new products to help them be more productive, it is also showcasing new products made from the corn they grow.
There’s not really a story for this photo. I just thought it was a very cool looking promotion.
This evening we had a very nice and well attended media reception, sponsored by New Holland. The presidents of each Commodity Classic participating organization were on hand to greet us and it was a nice opportunity to unwind a little and share some fellowship.
I announced the New Holland Zero Turn Radius mower giveaway at the end of this afternoon’s trade show session. The winner was Duane Lee from Albion, NE.