In Memory Of.

This past week has been fairly hectic. Last Wednesday, I had to drive home to the cities to buy a new car from my dad, since my car had broken down the week before. Only issue, the new car was a stick shift and I have never driven a stick shift before. Luckily, I caught on fairly fast since I had to be in Aberdeen, SD by 2pm on Friday for a tree planting for a friend of mine, Casey Luedke, that had past away this past January.

I had met Casey when I was a sophomore in high school; he had been the neighbor across the street of my high school sweetheart. In high school we did not hang out much, but we had definitely come in contact with each other multiple times. Last summer, I had an internship with South Dakota Wheat Growers in Aberdeen, SD. The first month I was there I was extremely bored and was having a hard time meeting people since my co-workers were an older crowd, and then I had remembered that Casey went to Northern – a 4-year college in Aberdeen. I remember the night I texted him and let him know what I was also living in Aberdeen for the summer; he invited me to go to his roommate’s softball game that night, and I decided to take him up on the offer. That was the moment that Casey and I became better friends, and the moment that I began to have a good time in Aberdeen and meet other friends. I am extremely thankful that Casey introduced me to all his friends and invited me on the many activities that we embarked; they are memories I will always remember!

The moment I learned of his passing on the morning of January 1^st, 2013, I was shocked, angry, confused, and in denial. It was hard to go through since no one in Fargo had known Casey and could not understand my devastation. This past weekend was a wonderful memory of the great friends and family that Casey has. A tree and plaque were donated by the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks and was planted about 6 miles West of Aberdeen. A group of about 20 family members, friends, and co-workers showed for the planting of the tree. It is planted in a spot that Casey would absolutely love!

Casey was a wonderful friend that would do anything for anyone and was extremely accepting. 
He will be missed by so many.

"When you have shot one bird flying you have shot all birds flying. They are all different and they fly in different ways but the sensation is the same and the last one is as good as the first."

- Ernest Hemingway

#AAA13

I have spent the past two days at the 2013 Animal Agriculture Alliance conference in Arlington, VA. I was honored to be recognized by the Alliance for attaining first place in the 2013 College Aggies Online competition. The competition was designed to help college students gain skills in advocating agriculture. Throughout the competition, I would post agricultural related photos with captions, wrote blogs, did homework assignments, wrote letters to editors, and made YouTube videos promoting agriculture!

The 2013 Animal Agriculture Alliance conference was a great opportunity for me to attend this year! We heard from many speakers throughout the two days ranging from people who have dealt with animal activists on their large farming operations to agricultural lawyers to editors of agricultural magazines. It was a lot of information and views to take in within the two days we were there. A few of the main takeaways I had from the conference are the following:

1.      Social media is a powerful tool, but you need to understand the power and influences it has and can potentially have.

         First, it is important to fully think about what you want to post on social media before you post it, because your comments may be pulled out of context and can become damaging. Next, you need know who is in what community and who is influential in those communities. Once you have realized that, you can use those influences to connect with to expose what you have to say to a larger audience. Make sure you are not focusing to influence those who already have your belief or those who are on the complete other end of the spectrum. Focus on trying to influence the 1/3 who is still deciding what they want.

2. The consumers do not need to understand us; we need to understand the consumers.

         We need to ask consumers what they want and what their main questions are about animal agriculture. Instead of defending ourselves and our procedures, we may need to adjust a few ways we do things in our industry, because these consumers’ concerns will not go away. However, this is not the case with all things we do in the agriculture industry, but it is something to think about.

3.      There are many precautionary steps to take before hiring employees and while training employees to avoid a possibility of hiring animal activists or dealing with mistreatment of animals or employees cutting corners.

         Before hiring employees, make sure you verify the information on their resume, such as their previous employment, the addresses, and call their references. Make sure to have the applicant sign an employment application form that states that if any information they provide is false it can lead to termination. Employees should go through a very thorough training so they fully understand their duties and the consequences of their actions if they fail to follow the proper procedures. Routine trainings should take place to keep the proper produces fresh in everyone’s minds.

 

Ultimately, I learned an abundance of information and I am starting to realize what may be my calling in life. I met with many wonderful people who share the same passions about agriculture that I do, and I cannot wait to continue my connections with them and to continue growing myself as an agriculture advocate!

Here are a few quotes that were very moving for me:

 

“Speak often. Speak well. With Grace.”

– Charles Wildman

“It matters when you speak out publicly.”

– Janet Hufnagel Thompson

“Animal activists are rather special interest groups with a very radical agenda.”

– John M. Simpson

“Social media is people, relationships, and talking.”

– David Wescott

“Local does not mean sustainable.”

– Rob Morasco

“Is your operation YouTube proof?”

– Andy Vance