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Don't Count Ag Out!
by Jennifer Shike
I woke up on Saturday morning to an overcast sky and a forecast of heavy rain ahead. Even though this wasn’t the weather I had hoped for, I jumped out of bed, threw on my old clothes and headed outside to help move cattle at Grandpa Shike’s farm. This was our first day to spend at the farm since Christmas, so Dan and I had lots of things we wanted to see and do.
As I watched Grandpa Shike, my father-in-law, Daryl, and my husband sort through the cattle, I couldn’t help but think I was the most blessed person on this earth to witness our family working together and enjoying what they were doing. The forecast was correct as the afternoon brought hard rain and wind. Daryl, Dan and I drove out to one of their other farms and met Dan’s brother and sister for an afternoon of fixing fence and processing calves. By the end of the day, we were pretty tired as half of our crew wasn’t used to the daily routine of farm life anymore. But in my opinion, there is nothing greater in life than a day like this one.
I’ve heard a few people say there is no future in agriculture and that kids today would be better off in another field of study. Many parents are discouraging their children from coming back home to farm because they are worried that they won’t have a secure future. While I understand a parent’s need to provide for the children, I do not understand how they could question their child’s desire to come back to the farm or pursue a career in agriculture.
I believe some people are just born with the intrinsic desire to be an “aggie.” It’s in their blood. It’s been their dream for as long as they can remember. Even though passion does not guarantee success, it promises hope.
No, agriculture isn’t an easy career choice, but it’s not a bad one. Jobs are difficult to find these days with some of the changes taking place in the field of agriculture. But I choose to look at this as a glass that is half full, not half empty. Because of the reduced number of jobs available, we can take comfort in knowing that the best possible people will be representing the agricultural industry today. If people want to be in this field, they are going to have to commit themselves to excellence and work hard to accomplish this goal.
I always find a challenge inviting. Agriculture is challenging. It changes daily and demands new solutions to its problems. If you want to succeed in agriculture, you have to think outside of the box. Many people continue to stereotype agriculture as solely farming and production agriculture. However, there are a variety of opportunities within agriculture that do not exist solely on the farm such as engineering, pharmaceutical sales, turf management, biotechnology, marketing and forestry. The National FFA Web site says there are more than 365 different fields of study in agriculture.
Still, if you are interested in production agriculture, I believe there is a place for you, too. You just need to be creative and look at all of your options. Your role in production agriculture will look much different than the role your father or past generations have played. Today’s farmers and stockmen may need to investigate opportunities within niche markets. Many farms are alive today because they found a niche market for their product. You should be flexible and willing to bend from time to time. Most importantly, you have to be tough and persevere. There are no guarantees about any career or path we take in life. But one thing is certain – you need to enjoy what you are doing.
When I look at the five NJSA directors who will be retiring from their positions on the board in July, I see five promising agriculturalists who have what it takes to survive in this challenging industry. I admire their excitement about agriculture and their desire to make a difference.
Our NJSA president, Wrex Phipps, is planning to pursue a career in veterinary medicine while continuing to raise a few sows and cows. He hopes to judge livestock shows someday and be involved in showing livestock with his children. Marissa Baker, NJSA vice president, is going into the field of nursing and plans to continue raising purebred breeding stock to show and sell. Jake Grass has accepted a district manager position in the food industry with Aldi , a grocery store chain. He intends to continue to be involved in production agriculture while owning a farm, and raising and selling beef cattle and pigs. He also hopes to assist other youth in their development by coaching livestock judging teams and helping them with their 4-H projects. Brad Coffman is currently working as a distributor for StarMaster Feeds and plans to begin studies in the fall to obtain his master’s degree in swine nutrition while continuing to raise a few breeding stock and show pigs each year. Bryan Rodibaugh will graduate in May 2004 and plans to pursue a career in pharmaceutical sales.
The common thread that weaves through each of their stories is obvious. They have all benefited greatly from being involved in agriculture. Agriculture has shaped their lives in some way or another. No, they won’t all make their livelihood from agriculture, but they are going to try to give their children an opportunity to experience livestock projects and farm life. Doesn’t that say a lot to the parents of these youth? These kids have appreciated the life they were given by their families so much that they want to give this life back to their own kids someday.
Why this topic now? Because I’ve realized that it is time to say goodbye to an outstanding group of future agriculturalists who I believe can accomplish anything they set out to do. I want them to know that I am behind them 100 percent. And most importantly, that I believe in the changing future of agriculture. So, don’t worry about those people who say there is no future in agriculture. Just go out there and show them.
I wish the retiring NJSA directors the best as they take the next step toward their future dreams and goals. Because of their hard work and passion for the NJSA, our program has been able to grow and improve. We’ve reached a lot of goals together and made many of our dreams come true. You’ve shown me that nothing is impossible. It’s been a privilege to work with you and share in a part of your lives. God bless.
