Today's food, tomorrow's future -- National Ag Day 2016

Just a few years ago, I spent my first National Ag Day in Washington, D.C., talking to legislative assistants and congressional representatives about agricultural policy. I have returned two times during this week to not only share my ag story from my family farm in Ohio, but also to network and learn from those whose careers have been shared by food.

Today's food conversations are developing tomorrow's future. Guess what? It won't be stopping anytime soon. However, we have a duty. We must ensure the conversations are happening.

Me and Congressman Latta, who is the representative for the Ohio district I grew up in.

Challenges or excuses

When I look back on old photographs, I know I have learned a lot about today's food policy and production. It is not all easy. It is not all the perfectly pruned barnyards and immaculate fields. There are many challenges in agriculture, besides what farmers are trying to overcome.

Monday night, I started typing this blog post to share on National Ag Day. What happened? My computer crashed. I use a MacBook Pro from college, so it is a little aged. That moment the screens began blinking and would not stop, I panicked. Many photos, files and experiences are on the hard drive of this computer. Guess what? That is just a little challenge. It is nothing compared to what others face on a daily basis.

Thankful 30 - Day 6, technology

We live in a technology society. Advancements are happening quickly, especially for agricultural production. At the AFA Leaders Conference and a session for the AFA Alliance Forum, I had discussions with college students and agricultural professional peers about technology.

Everyone know it is expanding. New iPhones, iWatches, drones, data management software are just the beginning. What is next? Programs to coordinate health systems, soil metric measuring developments? Who knows. All I know is, there is a lot to learn in a short amount of time.

Lucky for us, we can be thankful for what we have now. Internet connections, email, cell phones, cable, cloud storage, GPS, field mapping, computers and countless other devices that I cannot remember. But there is more to come. How will we enhance it to make the most of agriculture, medicine and life? I guess we shall see. There is a lot of opportunity for my generation. :)

God Bless America and pray for our future.

I've been gone from blogging for a while and am going to get back into it! After graduation, it has been a busy and relaxing time at home on the farm. Even though today is a holiday for many, it is a day for remembrance and honor for me and others. Memorial Day is not only important for many military men and women in our country, but also for families and friends supportive of the progress the U.S. has seen because of the Armed Forces. Where would we be without them?

I have had many loved ones involved with the military, including cousins, grand parents, and close friends. Even if they served or are serving in a different war or time period, the unity found among these patriots is undeniable. Because of bravery and dedication, we, as U.S. citizens, can continue to say, "God Bless America". Unfortunately, I think we also need to pray for the future of our veterans.

As the media has portrayed, there have been many difficulties for aging veterans with our Department of Veteran Affairs. Heart-wrenching stories of our country's heroes left untreated in hospitals, receiving issues with financial assistance and even deaths going unnoticed by our government system. This is careless. Not only is the VA [becoming] unsupportive, but I worry that as the older generations of veterans pass, what will happen to the patriotism of this country?

American Legions are declining in membership. The majority of their supporters are of the aging veterans and new members are few and far between of the younger generation. This volunteer organization is dependent on its local community and outreach and that does not seem to be happening as much to recent veterans. As I think back on my youth, days like Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Independence Day broadcast the Legions and what these members did and continue to do for our country. Whether it was during a parade or a special service, veterans were there.

Will this continue? What is the future of our upcoming veterans? Will they be the community supporters serving chicken on Mother's Day and funeral services for passing soldiers? Or will they be enclosed in the comfort of their own homes, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders and afraid to share their stories and service to the community and country?

We can make sure our current veterans and upcoming veterans feel appreciated and interested in continuing the legacy that has been left. Talk with a local American Legion and ask what things they are doing to recruit and gain new, younger members? Reach out to family or friends who are recent veterans and see what they are interested in doing to continue the legacy of patriotism and remembrance for our country.

Today is the day to show off your Memorial Day poppy and pray for our future. God Bless America and thank you to our troops, past and present.

Photo received here