As Agricultural Education majors, we have all been introduced to the NAAE's Communities of Practice page. There we have the opportunity to find resources and chat with other people in our profession. Well, being a farmer's daughter, Farmer's have the same thing!
The website is http://talk.newagtalk.com/category-view.asp?showall=true
Here, you can choose different forums such as the "Machinery Talk" to learn more on that particular area.
My favorite is the AgTalk Cafe. Here farmers, their wives, and others post funny stories, pictures of their families, their farms, ask questions and so on. It's a lot of fun to see the farmers post pictures of their children and the cute things they are doing!
My Dad LOVES this site. He is always forwarding me emails from this website. I encourage each of you to check this out and learn about agriculture from across the nation! It's a great website! Enjoy it!
God Bless,
Sara
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Home Sweet Home
I am thankful I had the opportunity to go home this past weekend for Easter.
While being home on the farm, I remembered the exact reasons I love farm life.
I helped my siblings mix Milk Replacer for our baby calves. I went out to the barn and looked at the 64 beef steers and heifers my brothers have recently invested in as a partnership with my Dad. (Which, I think is awesome! They are 15 and 12 years old. How many boys that age have that opportunity to make investments and develop those skills of selecting, feeding, breeding, etc.)
I stood on the front porch and watched the storm clouds roll in. I could actually open my car doors all the way. At night I played Phase Ten with my brothers and sisters.
Sunday morning, our whole family went to church and had lunch together.
I wish that critics of Agriculture and farming would take the opportunity to see the everyday happenings of farm life. They would see the little things that make a difference. On our farm, they would see my youngest sisters, Emily and Adi, ages 8 and 5 respectively, out in the chicken house gathering eggs by hand. They would see by brothers carrying grain and hay to their calves. They would see my Dad and Adi checking the pigs in the morning. As well as administering medication, if needed and monitoring water consumption from the night before. They would see the care and dedication that goes into ensuring the health and well-being for each animal.
Critics would also see that when the power goes out, the pigs are the first to have power, then the barns with the other animals and finally our house is hooked up to the generator. Our family is last in the line to get power, proof that we care about our animals!
Going home and driving down the country roads only helps me look toward finishing my degree and heading back to the place I love...
In closing... "Country Roads, take me home, to the place where I belong..."
While being home on the farm, I remembered the exact reasons I love farm life.
I helped my siblings mix Milk Replacer for our baby calves. I went out to the barn and looked at the 64 beef steers and heifers my brothers have recently invested in as a partnership with my Dad. (Which, I think is awesome! They are 15 and 12 years old. How many boys that age have that opportunity to make investments and develop those skills of selecting, feeding, breeding, etc.)
I stood on the front porch and watched the storm clouds roll in. I could actually open my car doors all the way. At night I played Phase Ten with my brothers and sisters.
Sunday morning, our whole family went to church and had lunch together.
I wish that critics of Agriculture and farming would take the opportunity to see the everyday happenings of farm life. They would see the little things that make a difference. On our farm, they would see my youngest sisters, Emily and Adi, ages 8 and 5 respectively, out in the chicken house gathering eggs by hand. They would see by brothers carrying grain and hay to their calves. They would see my Dad and Adi checking the pigs in the morning. As well as administering medication, if needed and monitoring water consumption from the night before. They would see the care and dedication that goes into ensuring the health and well-being for each animal.
Critics would also see that when the power goes out, the pigs are the first to have power, then the barns with the other animals and finally our house is hooked up to the generator. Our family is last in the line to get power, proof that we care about our animals!
Going home and driving down the country roads only helps me look toward finishing my degree and heading back to the place I love...
In closing... "Country Roads, take me home, to the place where I belong..."
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Advocate for Agriculture
In thinking about being an advocate for agriculture, the most obvious way is to talk to large groups of people about what agriculture is. It's not just a job, or a a way to earn money, it is a lifestyle.
However, I think the greatest advocating for agriculture occurs in our everyday lives. Just last week, I told a doctor that I was an agricultural education major. The conversation started when he told me he liked my boots. I then went on to tell him and the two nurses I was with about my future career. I told them everything that I wanted to do, and teach and how I planned to encourage students to do great things in the world, through agriculture. I could see his mind turning. "How does agriculture at all affect how kids these days can do great things?" So, I told him, very briefly as there were other things for each of us to do that day, his of course earning much more money than mine. I informed him that agriculture teaches students many lessons and as the the leading and most basic industry in our country, provides jobs for millions of people, teaching life skills, and encourages students to achieve their goals.
Just a brief conversation hopefully got his head spinning. Will I ever see him again? Chances are no, but if I can plant a seed in one person about agriculture every single day, that in itself is making a difference i our world and in our industry.
I think that so many people take our lives for granted. We don't think about how much people do so that we are able to go to school, fill our cars up with gasoline (and grunt about the never ending price increase), dream about diamond engagement rings, picture our futures. We too often forget about the farmer who worked hard to put food on our dinner table, to put the milk in our glasses. There too, at Ohio State, who thinks on a daily basis about the Neil Farm, on which our University was built? I know I don't.
In my car I have a bumper sticker that reads, "If you enjoyed a good meal today, Thank a Farmer." I think life is as simple as that, thank people for what they do for you. Say "Fiddlesticks" when you're upset, be thankful when little things in life go the way you wanted, and and above all, thank a farmer for providing us with food, fiber and fuel to live our daily lives.
However, I think the greatest advocating for agriculture occurs in our everyday lives. Just last week, I told a doctor that I was an agricultural education major. The conversation started when he told me he liked my boots. I then went on to tell him and the two nurses I was with about my future career. I told them everything that I wanted to do, and teach and how I planned to encourage students to do great things in the world, through agriculture. I could see his mind turning. "How does agriculture at all affect how kids these days can do great things?" So, I told him, very briefly as there were other things for each of us to do that day, his of course earning much more money than mine. I informed him that agriculture teaches students many lessons and as the the leading and most basic industry in our country, provides jobs for millions of people, teaching life skills, and encourages students to achieve their goals.
Just a brief conversation hopefully got his head spinning. Will I ever see him again? Chances are no, but if I can plant a seed in one person about agriculture every single day, that in itself is making a difference i our world and in our industry.
I think that so many people take our lives for granted. We don't think about how much people do so that we are able to go to school, fill our cars up with gasoline (and grunt about the never ending price increase), dream about diamond engagement rings, picture our futures. We too often forget about the farmer who worked hard to put food on our dinner table, to put the milk in our glasses. There too, at Ohio State, who thinks on a daily basis about the Neil Farm, on which our University was built? I know I don't.
In my car I have a bumper sticker that reads, "If you enjoyed a good meal today, Thank a Farmer." I think life is as simple as that, thank people for what they do for you. Say "Fiddlesticks" when you're upset, be thankful when little things in life go the way you wanted, and and above all, thank a farmer for providing us with food, fiber and fuel to live our daily lives.
Monday, April 18, 2011
A Tribute
This Blog post is to honor one of the greatest men I've ever known. My Grandfather was born on August 29th, 1931, in the early stages of the great depression. Although I only heard his life story once, I've come to appreciate everything that he has ever shared. He lived during a time that many of us could not imagine. With no cell phones, no internet, and probably no TV, he managed to gain valuable lessons.
My grandfather didn't go to high school. Instead he worked on the farm and aided in making a living. Then, farming and agriculture was much different. With much less technology and lots more hard labor, he never turned down an opportunity to help others.
At our last Christmas together, during a game of Rummy, I had the change to ask him about his first wife and my dad's mother, Agnes. She passed away after a losing battle with cancer in 1993. Grandpa told me that they were dating and when he was going to be shipped to Korea, as he was a part of the United States Armed Forces (I'm not sure which branch he was in), he and my grandmother decided not to get married in the case that he might not return. This decision was such an impact for me to hear, because it seems like just the opposite for so many military couples these days.
Grandpa Clete never had the chance to be a part of the National FFA Organization. However, he would have grown greatly from it. However, he was one of the most supportive people in my time as an FFA member. Every time he would see that blue jacket his eyes would light up and he would ask what I was doing, where I had been and how I was leaving an impact.
He and his second wife, Delores, whom most of us consider to be our grandmother as she has filled that role were the definition of servant leadership. Together the volunteered at the local hospital, helped at the local nursing home, and served on many committees in their community. Grandpa went to church every single day and was the first in line to help when needed. He loved helping others and did it without ever asking for anything, especially recognition, in return.
So many memories come flooding back as I write this tonight. I remember the good times of playing cards, and always losing at rummy. In all the years we played, I only beat him one time. But when we threw the new game Phase 10 out there, he could never seem to beat us. He always had fig newtons, which I thought were for old people, but I've learned that I really like. He would wear the same clothes two days in a row, "well, because they didnt get dirty yesterday so why wear a new set and wash these?' I remember the weeks in the summer when we would stay at his and Grandma Delores' house. They would make us delicious meals and peach cobbler, and take us swimming and watch Black Beauty with us over and over again. Then they would make us go to bed and I would always try to sneak in a playing of the harmonica without him noticing!
As I got older the memories became more meaningful. I remember working on the farm together. Loading and unloading wagons during harvest, running errands for Dad year-round, riding in his little red ford ranger. He truly loved working on the farm. I still go back to the very place where we were unloading a hopper wagon of grain at the home farm and I asked him if he missed farming. He said that he did, but it was nice to be able to stop at 5pm and head home. And he always carried that same ole' lunch box with him. All the time.
I remember him stopping by just to pick up eggs. And he ALWAYS insisted on paying for them. When he knew he didn't need to. How I'd give anything to have him walk through the back door of the house just dropping by to say hi.
One thing is for sure: He left an impact in his home and community. He provided leadership, service, and a passion for agriculture. He loved working on the farm. He showed us each and every time that family was important to him. We learned so many lessons: Always hold your cards close, laugh when you can, smell the candles, love your garden and it will grow, puzzles are relaxing, retirement is great (even though I'll argue that he never really retired.) He taught us that hard work pays off. He showed us what living a life of value means. He is a role model that I can base my life off of.
My grandfather passed away in one of those tragic accidents that you only hear about on the news on April 13, 2010. It seemed unreal and still does to this day. However, my good friend Luke sent a remarkable letter to me during that painful time. He said, "I didn't know your grandfather but I know that he accomplished two things in life that I hope to one day: He had a great family and second, He met the Father while wearing his work boots."
When I'm grieving, usually alone behind closed doors, I remember those words Luke said. I remember the outpouring of community support and all the people that came to the calling hours and the funeral to pay their respects to a man who made a difference in their life.
So, how does this relate to Agriculture and Technology. I'm not really sure. This class has allowed me to feel comfortable posting my thoughts on the internet. I know that there are people who truly care about me that read this. For those people who knew my grandfather, they could tell you hands down his passion for this industry and the lessons that he learned. They would also tell you about his passion for the FFA. I remember him being at State FFA Convention the year I was a State FFA Officer, he would cover his name tag and asked random FFA members who their State FFA President and Treasurer were. Then he would show them his last name and tell them that he was the great-uncle and grandfather to the two of us. He was so proud of the impact that we were making in the youth and our interest and passion for the industry.
He was a man that I intend to model my life and teaching career after. Show each person that you care, help others when needed, support those around you, be strict and ultimately love what you do. Oh, and there is no need to say bad words... "Fiddlesticks" has the same effect.
Forever and Always in our hearts, Clete Schmitz.
My grandfather didn't go to high school. Instead he worked on the farm and aided in making a living. Then, farming and agriculture was much different. With much less technology and lots more hard labor, he never turned down an opportunity to help others.
At our last Christmas together, during a game of Rummy, I had the change to ask him about his first wife and my dad's mother, Agnes. She passed away after a losing battle with cancer in 1993. Grandpa told me that they were dating and when he was going to be shipped to Korea, as he was a part of the United States Armed Forces (I'm not sure which branch he was in), he and my grandmother decided not to get married in the case that he might not return. This decision was such an impact for me to hear, because it seems like just the opposite for so many military couples these days.
Grandpa Clete never had the chance to be a part of the National FFA Organization. However, he would have grown greatly from it. However, he was one of the most supportive people in my time as an FFA member. Every time he would see that blue jacket his eyes would light up and he would ask what I was doing, where I had been and how I was leaving an impact.
He and his second wife, Delores, whom most of us consider to be our grandmother as she has filled that role were the definition of servant leadership. Together the volunteered at the local hospital, helped at the local nursing home, and served on many committees in their community. Grandpa went to church every single day and was the first in line to help when needed. He loved helping others and did it without ever asking for anything, especially recognition, in return.
So many memories come flooding back as I write this tonight. I remember the good times of playing cards, and always losing at rummy. In all the years we played, I only beat him one time. But when we threw the new game Phase 10 out there, he could never seem to beat us. He always had fig newtons, which I thought were for old people, but I've learned that I really like. He would wear the same clothes two days in a row, "well, because they didnt get dirty yesterday so why wear a new set and wash these?' I remember the weeks in the summer when we would stay at his and Grandma Delores' house. They would make us delicious meals and peach cobbler, and take us swimming and watch Black Beauty with us over and over again. Then they would make us go to bed and I would always try to sneak in a playing of the harmonica without him noticing!
As I got older the memories became more meaningful. I remember working on the farm together. Loading and unloading wagons during harvest, running errands for Dad year-round, riding in his little red ford ranger. He truly loved working on the farm. I still go back to the very place where we were unloading a hopper wagon of grain at the home farm and I asked him if he missed farming. He said that he did, but it was nice to be able to stop at 5pm and head home. And he always carried that same ole' lunch box with him. All the time.
I remember him stopping by just to pick up eggs. And he ALWAYS insisted on paying for them. When he knew he didn't need to. How I'd give anything to have him walk through the back door of the house just dropping by to say hi.
One thing is for sure: He left an impact in his home and community. He provided leadership, service, and a passion for agriculture. He loved working on the farm. He showed us each and every time that family was important to him. We learned so many lessons: Always hold your cards close, laugh when you can, smell the candles, love your garden and it will grow, puzzles are relaxing, retirement is great (even though I'll argue that he never really retired.) He taught us that hard work pays off. He showed us what living a life of value means. He is a role model that I can base my life off of.
My grandfather passed away in one of those tragic accidents that you only hear about on the news on April 13, 2010. It seemed unreal and still does to this day. However, my good friend Luke sent a remarkable letter to me during that painful time. He said, "I didn't know your grandfather but I know that he accomplished two things in life that I hope to one day: He had a great family and second, He met the Father while wearing his work boots."
When I'm grieving, usually alone behind closed doors, I remember those words Luke said. I remember the outpouring of community support and all the people that came to the calling hours and the funeral to pay their respects to a man who made a difference in their life.
So, how does this relate to Agriculture and Technology. I'm not really sure. This class has allowed me to feel comfortable posting my thoughts on the internet. I know that there are people who truly care about me that read this. For those people who knew my grandfather, they could tell you hands down his passion for this industry and the lessons that he learned. They would also tell you about his passion for the FFA. I remember him being at State FFA Convention the year I was a State FFA Officer, he would cover his name tag and asked random FFA members who their State FFA President and Treasurer were. Then he would show them his last name and tell them that he was the great-uncle and grandfather to the two of us. He was so proud of the impact that we were making in the youth and our interest and passion for the industry.
He was a man that I intend to model my life and teaching career after. Show each person that you care, help others when needed, support those around you, be strict and ultimately love what you do. Oh, and there is no need to say bad words... "Fiddlesticks" has the same effect.
Forever and Always in our hearts, Clete Schmitz.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Lots on my mind this week!
Last week our BLOCK group had the opportunity to spend time at Greene County Career Center (GCCC) with Mr. Dan Schroer. This trip allowed us to see the difference a career center makes in the lives of students. I recently read a study from Harvard where results showed that not all students are cut out to go to college. This provides a need for Vocational and Career Technical Education. Which is something that we already see a value for!
We also had the chance to go on Supervised Agricultural Experience visits with agricultural educators. I was with the advisor from Cedarville/Greenview. It is awesome to see the projects that high school students have. Their passion for their SAE's are just as motivating and inspiring. If only all adults could see the difference these students are making now and the potential for it in the future.
We had the opportunity to see a SmartBoard in action! AMAZING! Mr. O'Shaughnessy used the technology to his advantage. He was so smooth with it and helped us see the ways that it could aid in the classroom. He would be a great teacher to have present to us. In about 3 minutes, he had most of our group drooling and wondering, 'where could we possibly get a few thousand dollars to enhance learning in the classroom?!' Simply amazing!
BLOCK continues to be a learning experience every day!
We also had the chance to go on Supervised Agricultural Experience visits with agricultural educators. I was with the advisor from Cedarville/Greenview. It is awesome to see the projects that high school students have. Their passion for their SAE's are just as motivating and inspiring. If only all adults could see the difference these students are making now and the potential for it in the future.
We had the opportunity to see a SmartBoard in action! AMAZING! Mr. O'Shaughnessy used the technology to his advantage. He was so smooth with it and helped us see the ways that it could aid in the classroom. He would be a great teacher to have present to us. In about 3 minutes, he had most of our group drooling and wondering, 'where could we possibly get a few thousand dollars to enhance learning in the classroom?!' Simply amazing!
BLOCK continues to be a learning experience every day!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
FFA Camp...Welcome Home
With the amount of time I've spent and the experiences I've had at FFA Camp Muskingum, it feels like a second home. As an FFA member, I went to camp two years. I spent the summer at camp when I was a state officer. I also attending 1st session of camp after my state officer year. That camp is known as PSO or Past State Officer Camp. Last summer, I had the opportunity to serve as one of six summer staff members for FFA Camp. Being on camp staff is not an easy job. It is a lot of late nights, early mornings, dealing with ridiculous campers. However, I cannot wait to return to camp this summer as a staff member and as an advisor in the future.
This past weekend the BLOCK took a trip to camp. Here we learned about the history of camp, the facilities and had the chance to go out on the high ropes course. We also conducted the District Officer Training for District 8. It was a great experience to really allow us to evaluate our presentation techniques and work with real students.
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