In the last three weeks of my life I have worn a cap and gown, graduated from Auburn University with my bachelor’s of science in agriculture communications, have signed a lease for an apartment, bought furniture and moved to Macon, Ga. to work for the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association. Whew! Wasn’t it just yesterday, I was learning how to brush, clip and fit my show calves. How I cherish going home to the farm now, not only to see the family, but to go out to the barn and help dad with the chores, like feeding the cows. That’s when it hit me. Life is like feeding the cows. Here, let me explain.More...

Change is in the weather, as it is changing seasons from summer to fall or in some areas like Missouri I heard from my friends and family yesterday; seemed liked winter as they were being blanketed with snow. Change is in fuel and food prices; with each week the price to keep a full tank in my car seems to get more straining on the budget. Change is constant. We as cattle producers must stay informed and abreast the important “changes” that are going on all around us.

 Change for agriculture is well underway in Washington, D.C. Tom Vilsack, secretary of agriculture, officially kicked-off the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) which replaces the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension System (CSREES) on Oct. 8.  Science, technology and cutting edge research approaches took center stage of a vision to transform the way funds are directed focusing on five key areas:  global food security and hunger, climate change, sustainable energy, childhood obesity and food safety. More...

Or even scarier, who would I be?  These are questions that entertain my mind as I picture life without my strong tie with 4-H, showing livestock, being the third generation cattle producer and participation in my church and community.  Growing up on a small, registered Hereford farm, showing cattle is what I’ve always loved to do.  From an early age, walking in the pasture with my grandpa and dad checking cows, cattle were in my blood forever. More...