So God Made a Farmer

Paul Harvey's "So God Made a Farmer" has been instilled in the hearts and minds for many FFA members for years. He delivered this powerful poem at the 1978 National FFA Convention.

Fast forward to the 2000's when I, a Bourbon County FFA Member sat in the final session of the Kentucky FFA Convention. Starched white shirt, black skirt, black panty hoses, and the one of my most prized possessions which is made of heavy blue corduroy. At his voice begins to come over the convention haul. It's loud and powerful.  I was moved.

Again, in 2005, I sat in the same exact outfit heavy with emotions. I was running for the opportunity to serve the Kentucky FFA Association as a State FFA Officer. And that day, "So God Made a Farmer" was just a bit too much for me. The tears; they poured. For my nerves, for the future, for the past, for the many farmers who had helped me back it to that day.

A year later we were back at the Galt House preparing for our last session as State Officers. Our orders for an emotional morning were directed to us by Matt Chaliff. You don't go out into the hall before the session and you don't watch nor listen to "So God Made a Farmer." Did we listen to his orders? No. I ventured into the hall- big mistake...tears. I watched "So God Made a Farmer" - more tears.

I'll be honest after that day it is hard for me to listen to Paul Harvey's masterpiece. It brings back lots of emotions. So as I was watching the Super Bowl and the cheesy commercial, I was floored to see Dodge's commercial. I actually had to ask if it was So God Made a Farmer. It took a lot not to let the tears begin to flow, but I felt a new emotion. Pride. How awesome that Agriculture and the National FFA Organization; both two things I hold dearly in my heart, were showcased on one of the most widely viewed events of the year. I wonder how Paul Harvey would feel seeing his address to the convention hall in '78 rolling in the 4th quarter of the Super Bowl. It was a beautiful moment.

I'm sure most of you have seen it by now. If you have - watch it again.  Support our farmers, agriculture, and the National FFA Organization. 2013 has been named the Year of the Farmer. Let the celebration begin!

Agriculture makes Kathie Lee and Hoda

Ag featured on NBC

If you are a Kathie Lee and Hoda watcher as I am, you have probably seen the segments where they send Sara Haines out into New York City to do different jobs. She has made pickles, been a ball girl, etc.  Sara, however, is originally from Iowa where she spent her summers de-tassling corn.

I, personally, have never de-tasseled corn, but one of our clients in Nebraska runs a de-tassling business. In the summer, he employees literally thousands of young people to de-tassel corn. They bus them in on school buses, and have to have so many porta-pots in a certain distance within where the kids are working.

So, the other day when they shared Sara's story about de-tassling corn in Iowa, I was excited. One because I know someone who runs this type of business, and two they were featuring an Agriculture story on Kathie Lee and Hoda.

Take a moment and click on the link below for a little Agricultural lesson on de-tassling. I feel that since it is Kathie Lee and Hoda that you should probably watch the video with a glass of wine.



Sara Haines from Kathie Lee and Hoda de-tassels corn


Cheers! 

Thankful Thursday: FFA

I believe in the future of Agriculture...

The Kentucky FFA State Convention has been going on this week in Lexington at Rupp Arena and the Lexington Convention Center. Tuesday and Wednesday I had the opportunity to go be apart of it as a judge for the Goat Impromptu and Junior Parliamentary Procedure.

While judging is fun, the best part of the week was seeing members from my 2005-2006 State Officer Team. It has been 6 years since we retired our jackets after spending an incredible year of service. It was one of the best and rewarding years of my life.


Sam Evans, myself, Mary Jennings, Devan Parrett Gaddie, Sheldon Pence McKinney, and Thomas Stevens

I miss FFA. I get the opportunity to judge and help students prepare for interviews, but it is definitely different from personally wearing the blue and gold. But hey - thats part of the process.

Yesterday as we sat at the Judges & Alumni Luncheon, there was 4 of us from our team present. The other two that were there are teachers, so they are off chasing their students. We were reminiscing, telling stories, and I'm sure making a fool of ourselves - just like we did 6-7 years ago. Those 10 people hold a special place in my heart, and always will. Now we are getting married and having babies. It seems hard to believe.


2005-2006 Kentucky FFA State Officer Team

The National FFA Organization had one of the most profound impacts on my life. Not only did I experience many successes, but I grew as a person professionally and personally. I learned about working hard to achieve success, being a graceful loser, and the importance of helping others around you. I always enjoyed teaching and leading FFA members. It was so rewarding.

Today was the final session of the 2012 State Convention. This year is was broadcasted live on the internet through IHigh. So today I pulled it up to watch the installation of new officers and the retirement of the 2011-2012. These days can be summed as one of the best and one of the worst days. One year you are so excited to be named, and the following year it breaks your heart to hear someone's name take your spot. As I sat at my computer watching it, I began to cry. As they took off their jackets, I was reminded of that day, and my heart hurt for them.

I could not be more thankful of the FFA events that happened in my life, and continue to today. I am thankful for serving as the Kentucky FFA State Secretary, and for the 10 individuals who became my family. There is nothing more impactful and moving than a group of passionate Agriculture students in the national blue and corn gold.

Thank you FFA for changing my life and thank you to my team.

Looking forward to our 10 year reunion.....