I'm involved in a lot of things, but one that tops the list is Farm Bureau. My involvement is actually a two-part deal. Not only am I treasurer for Collegiate Farm Bureau at Purdue, but I'm also the Dubois County Young Farmer Representative on our county board.
"Good boy, what's that matter?"
Glad you asked! When I came to Purdue last year, I got involved with Collegiate FB, and originally didn't know a lot. I knew we had an office in Jasper, they sold insurance, and knew a lot about policy.
They sold me on policy.
Throughout first semester we had a few events, speakers, and the like. I really changed my whole perspective when we went to visit with a family in Rensselear who is very active with Farm Bureau and agriculture as a whole. Kendall and Tammy Culp taught me a lot. That evening a group of young Farm Bureau members got to learn more about an organization that's been making an impact for decades. I gained an entire new appreciation for Farm Bureau that day.
In January, I went to Indiana Young Farmers Conference. Young Farmers is a branch of Farm Bureau for the 18-35 crowd. It's an opportunity to get together with people who share similar ailments, struggles, and excitement when it comes to agriculture. It was a great experience to say the least.
I also got to go to National Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference in Virginia Beach, VA in February with a group from Purdue. Again, it is an experience that was amazing, and I'll have to blog more about after we go to Nashville this year.
I think my favorite thing about Young Farmers is that you realize there are a ton of people out there fighting the same battle as you.
Neat banner I got made before the county fair this year.
When I sent in my reimbursement request to my county for my hotel room, and expressed my interest in working with our county to develop a program, is when things really changed. In March, I was selected to be the next Young Farmer Representative for our county. What do I have to pick up with? Come to find out, there hadn't been a program for a while. I've been working with a great group of young agriculturalists to get this program running. We are working toward a career panel for local 4-H and FFA groups to be held in March or April. I can't wait for this event! Now I just have to work it out with Purdue and my exam schedule.....
With Farm Bureau, I have learned a lot. Here are my top 5.
1. Success starts with grass roots.
2. The key to doing anything productive is showing up.
3. Young people can be a lot more influential than you may think.
4. Continuity of any organization begins with getting young people interested and involved.
5. I drive a lot and go to a LOT of meetings. But that's okay! (You're welcome OPEC.)
That sums it up for this morning! Keep an eye out for a post tomorrow from me on https://www.facebook.com/AskTheFarmers - I haven't written it yet, but I'm sure it'll be decent!
The picture would be better if my truck window weren't so dirty right now...
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