Q: Tell a little about your experiences with the county Farm bureau
A: Wanting to be engaged in agriculture after high school/FFA the logical choice was to be involved with Farm Bureau. I helped with Ag in the Classroom activities with the Iowa Farm Bureau while attending Iowa State and when I moved home became active with the Henry County Farm Bureau and Young Leaders. I served on the board, chaired the education committee, went on the Young Leaders industry tour to Florida, Leaders to Washington, Women’s Communication Bootcamp, and many other activities.
Q: What are a couple things you absolutely loved and will cherish about this experience?
A: For me it was a report card and checking in on what I’ve been able to do for the industry. I really hope the compilation of articles, stories, etc are something that my kids will someday look at and feel inspired to be an advocate and see the impact that can be made.
Q: How has working for IL Corn helped prepare you for this?
A: There is no doubt Farm Bureau gave me some training and leadership development opportunities right out of the gate that I’m not sure could be found elsewhere. It was then about using those resources and not just putting them up on a shelf. My role at IL Corn has let me engage on issues at the state and national level truly making a positive impact for Illinois farmers. Farmers are busy with their full-time jobs and most have no idea about the threats lurking around the corner when it comes to regulatory and policy proposals. I see my role as a buffer to make sure those threats never become a reality. IL Corn is a leader in the industry and staffed with dedicated people who are passionate about being at the table and working every day on behalf of our farmers and it’s a team I’m proud to be a part of.
Q: What’s one thing you’d want non-farmers to know about farmers like you who have multiple jobs?
A: The biggest thing is always we are people just like you. I have the same fears over inflation, rising costs of everything, keeping my kids safe, if I’m doing the whole parenting thing right. The difference is, I can help take away one of those burdens and that’s confusion and fear around traditional farming practices and safety of our food. Just like I rely on a tax expert every year to take away my fears of an audit, farmers should be the first stop to find out the truth. There are less farmers and that also relates to less people in certain positions making decisions impacting farmers with production ag background. While many farmers have off-farm jobs in varying industries, I feel I have a responsibility to be an advocate for farmers and the industry.
Q: What’s one thing you’d want to tell a farmer who isn’t involved with volunteer leadership roles if they’re thinking about getting involved?
A: We need you. I get it, saying yes to one thing is saying no to another. I have 4 young kids, the full-time job, farm, a side business, stay involved with my church but if something is important you make the time. Not all roles take a tremendous amount of time, start small, decide where your passion is- policy, consumer engagement, kids, social media, working behind the scenes just sharing your expertise on an issue. Once you figure out what excites you, find the people and organizations willing to invest in you and those strengths to step up and be an advocate. If you really don’t think being involved is for you, offer to see what you can do for your neighbor, friend, or family member who is taking that added responsibility off the farm to serve and help lighten their load at home/on the farm.
Interested in getting involved with IL Corn leadership or volunteer opportunities? E-mail us.
