I have a love-hate relationship with March. I mean, it almost seems like March feels the same about itself. Tornadoes, snow, lightning, sunshine, rain, wind, wind, wind. You never know where you’ll find yourself in March and I’ll admit I’m not sad to say goodbye to it for now.
That felt a little like my travel schedule this month. I started the month off in San Francisco, Calif., at the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) annual meeting. A week later I was in Orlando, Fla., for the National Pork Industry Forum. A week after that, I had the opportunity to speak to students at Black Hawk College East Campus. All three trips reminded me of why I do what I do.
It’s always been and always will be about the people.
Porkbusiness.com was filled with stories in March highlighting the incredible people who make up our industry – the people who fight for it, sustain it, challenge it and look for ways to make it better every day.
Look Around the Room
It’s my privilege to share those stories with not only the pork industry, but with all of agriculture and hopefully, the world in some small way. But if I can be honest, I often feel like the odd one at these events. I don’t quite blend into the crowd. I’m often seen typing away on my laptop, trying to keep up with the speakers. No one is trying to sell me anything and I’m not looking to buy anything. I may even scare away a person or two because I bear the badge of media.
This feels a little silly to admit, but it’s true.
I think that’s why my recent conversation with the National Pork Producers Council Past President Lori Stevermer resonated with me. She said, “Don’t be afraid to be the only person like yourself in the room.”
As I thought about my career, it struck me how often I’ve felt (and looked) like the only one like myself in the room. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way or has felt this way at some time. Sometimes, I think we need to be reminded of why that is a very good thing.
“We need diversity of thought in agriculture because everybody brings a different perspective,” Stevermer said in the latest episode of The PORK Podcast. “Whether you’re male or female, old or young, you bring a different perspective. I think we have to acknowledge that those differences can make us stronger.”
Say Yes
If everyone in the room looks like we do, I think it’s time for us to take another piece of advice from Stevermer.
“I can’t overstate how important it is for us to think of people that we need to tap on the shoulder and let them know we see potential in them,” she shared.
So, here’s my tap on the shoulder to the pork industry. I want to encourage you to apply for one of these awards sponsored by Top Producer, recognizing and honoring agriculture’s best. I believe the depth of talent in our industry is worthy. And if not you, who can you lift up to apply?
Top Producer of the Year
The Top Producer of the Year Award identifies and honors agricultural producers from whom our readers can learn business concepts, ranging from value-added ventures to succession plans to overcoming adversity. Deadline to enter is Sept. 1.
Women in Agriculture Award
The Women in Agriculture Award will be given to a female producer who is a shining example for her peers. The winner will be an advocate for agriculture and represent an innovative farming or ranching operation. Deadline to enter is Sept. 1.
Next Gen Award
The Next Gen Award will be given to a producer under the age of 40, who demonstrates excellence in the business of farming, including marketing, farm finance, family and employee relations, technology and environmental stewardship. Deadline to enter is Sept. 1.
I’m in awe of the resiliency and character of U.S. pork producers. Your hard work and contributions are worthy of this recognition, so go apply. We need pork producers to engage not only in the pork industry, but beyond. As Stevermer says, “Pork producers need to have a seat at the table.”
Your Next Read: Don’t Be Afraid to Be You: Lori Stevermer Challenges Pork Industry to Show Up
