I can't believe it's 2010 and the end of another decade.  Makes me think about how important it is to make the best of each day... and before we know it'll be 2011.  Last week on my agriculture law and policy blog I posted some thoughts for resolutions.  I highlighted the article in December's NCBA's National Cattlemen magazine by our very own Holly Foster titled "Too Busy Ranching To Plan."  The article mentioned a passion of mine-- estate planning-- which isn't just for the "old guys."  I believe that estate planning and looking at your cattle operation's business structure is important for cattle producers of all ages.  Additionally, I posted this blog where I reiterated Chelsea's post regarding the Masters of Beef Advocacy ("MBA") program and upcoming commencement ceremony in San Antonio.  You can read more about my experience with the MBA program here.

It's easy to blog about what others should do in 2010, but not as easy to make the commitments yourself.  These are some of my own resolutions in 2010.  If any of them interest you perhaps we can help each other accountable. 

1.   Read books criticizing modern agriculture production practices.  I actually started doing this last month and finally completed Michael Pollan's book titled Omnivore's Dilemma.  Many in the agriculture industry write off things kinds of books completely but they are really affecting how the consumer feels about the agriculture industry.  I believe it's important to understand the criticisms and arguments being made against our production practices so that the industry can persuasively rebut the literature to the public and make condolances when good points are made.  I would like to continue this for 2010 and read another book every other month.  I would love to have discussions about the books for whoever is interested.  The book next on my reading list is Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer.  If you are interested, then join me on Facebook here.     

2.   I want to become an agriculture activisit.  In many ways, I feel that I already am one.  Afterall, I am very involved with agriculture commodity groups and I am an agriculture attorney.   I blog about how farmers and ranchers should join Twitter and follow other blogs by cattle producers.  But there's so much more that I can do, especially since I reside in New York City.  I should be visiting with schools and working with FFA chapters here in the City.  I should join the effort to bring more farmers markets to NYC and help New York Farm Bureau and New York Beef Producer's Association have a stronger presence here in the New York metropolitan area.  Tonights #agchat on Twitter is about agvocacy.  Perhaps I will get some more ideas tonight.   

3.   I need to be more politically involved on agriculture issues.  I interned for a Texas Congressman after I graduated from Texas A & M so I understand that writing your elected representitives does make a difference.  When NCBA has an "action alert" on a particular bill in Washington, if I agree with NCBA's stance I need to send a letter to my elected officials.  I am joining a legislative committee with the New York Beef Producer's Association where I hope to understand the proposed legislation in Albany.  At some point, I would like to get involved in local politics like a zoning board so I need to make efforts to stay abreast on what is happening at the local level.  

These are some of my goals for 2010.  If you are interested as well, contact me at cari.rincker@gmail.com.