5 Reasons #WhyIThankAg Today and Every Day
If you follow me on social media, you’ve probably seen me using #WhyIThankAg on a few of my posts recently. The Animal Agriculture Alliance is promoting a social media campaign to hear from people about why they thank agriculture. While, sometimes, it may seem like a self-serving pat on the back to thank agriculture if you’re involved in the industry, it’s also a great chance to advocate for why agriculture matters in your lives. After all, some of the people who aren’t directly involved in agriculture might not be aware of some of the things they enjoy every day that are provided to them courtesy of agriculture.
Here are a few of the reasons for #WhyIThankAg:
1. In high school, I participated in FFA (formerly known as the Future Farmers of America), which taught me the value of hard work and responsibility and a deep respect for the animals who provide us sustenance. By raising hogs, cattle, sheep and chickens, I was able to directly connect myself to the process of our food supply, and to realize the challenges that face agriculturalists every day. I thank FFA and agriculture for those experiences.
Me and my pig for FFA back in 2010
2. When I got to college, I had no idea what I was going to do with my life, but I was always confident that it would involve agriculture- and not just because without agriculture I wouldn’t have clothes on my back or food in my stomach. Today, I work for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, which means that agriculture pays my bills. That moo-lah also allows me to experience life in a way that makes me happy and fulfilled, and that’s just another reason why I thank ag.
3. Back in college, while I was figuring out who I was and what I wanted to do with my life, I found a group of amazing women (the sisters of Sigma Alpha, a professional agricultural sorority) who helped me grow and learn what I wanted to be when I grew up. These women continue to inspire me day-in and day-out as they pursue their own ag and non-ag related dreams. Agriculture is the tie that binds us, building the foundation for our sisterhood- which is both nationwide and worldwide.
Back in August, I visited (left to right) Cori Calvert and Britney Munoz in San Diego, California. Cori recently moved to Ireland to start her own business.
In October I spoke to the Nu chapter of Sigma Alpha at Colorado State University to share my story and how Sigma Alpha helped me pursue my career goals.
I attended the 2017 Sigma Alpha National Convention and caught up with sisters from my chapter at Fresno State. Left to right: Shilo Martella, Emma Briggs and Megan O'Connell.
4. Agriculture also plays an integral role in one of my favorite sports: baseball. From the soil and the grass to the bats and the baseball, agriculture makes sure that America’s favorite pastime continues for game after game. That means, from Spring Training to the World Series, agriculture is helping baseball keep folks entertained as they root on their favorite team as they vy for the World Series win.
My younger sister, Candice, and I at Game 3 of the 2013 National League Division Series in Los Angeles, California, against the St. Louis Cardinals. Note: The Dodgers won that game.
5. And just one more reason that I thank agriculture: without ag we wouldn’t have the opportunity to enjoy whiskey, wine or any of our other favorite alcoholic beverages. I don’t know about you, but I’m not sure I need any other reason than that.
Why do you thank ag?