Farm Bureau Ambassador Contest

"The American farmer is of a resilient breed.  As notable Missourian Mark Twain stated, 'Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear not absence of fear.' We have seen hardships, and will continue to face challenges. With support from organizations like the Missouri Farm Bureau there is hope in sight." 
~Portion of my 2012 Missouri Farm Bureau Ambassador competition speech
 
 I had the honor of representing Daviess County Farm Bureau at the Missouri Farm Bureau Ambassador Contest. I received runner-up against 18 other women vying for the title. I was presented with an academic scholarship by my best friend, and 2012 Ambassador, Sonja Perry.

The Missouri Farm Bureau Annual Meeting was held in Tan-Tar-A. I spent the weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks where I competed with an oral interview and five minute speech for the title of Missouri Farm Bureau Ambassador. I was selected as a top three finalist and gave my speech, "Agriculture, a Great Career Choice," at the final banquet.

I appreciate my academic scholarship and am proud to be a part of Missouri agriculture. Being surrounded by such passionate young agriculturists at the Annual Meeting reaffirm to me the vital role my generation will play in this industry.

Receiving a Farm Bureau academic scholarship
from 2012 Ambassador, Sonja Perry. 

My great friends and fellow contestants
Megan Couch and Kaitlin Flick. 

I was named runner-up in the
Missouri Farm Bureau Ambassador
Contest out of 18 applicants. 

Christmas Card!

2012 Christmas Card 

Happy holidays from the University of Missouri! My college roommates and I created our first Christmas card to share with neighbors and families (and Traveling Aggie fans!) 4016 Snowy Owl is in full blown winter-wonderland mode! Two Christmas trees, mistletoe, dozens of snowmen, and penguin decorations later (they are my favorites!) and our house was decorated. We spent an evening with hot coco, Christmas cookies and neighbors to bringChristmas to our first home. 

From MU tailgates to Independent Aggie socials, we have had some great times this semester. As we prepare for finals and the close of a our fall sophomore semester, I look back at 2012 with fond memories. I am looking forward to staying at Brammer Farms for a portion of Christmas break. I also have several wonderful trips planned and can't wait to see what adventures break will bring! (Maybe even some rest and relaxation!) 

The halls have been decked, the jingle bells have 

jingled and the mistletoe is hung. These agriculture 

majors are ready for Christmas! 

Student Council Fall Social

2012-2013 College of Agriculture Food & Natural Resources

Student Council Officer Team

This year, I had the privilege of serving the College of Agriculture, Foods and Natural Resources as Student Council Reporter. I was elected as the science and agricultural journalism department representative and reported Council activities back to my fellow students. Being a part of Council allowed me to meet CAFNR students from all majors and grade levels. I formed strong friendships with the membership and my fellow officers.

During my time on Council I have participated in community service events like Spring Swing, Adopt A Highway and Adopt A Family. Community service is an endeavor dear to my heart, so I appreciated the opportunity to take part in causes. We also held recruitment events such as Fall Roundup for incoming freshman and events for the entire college like Fall Social. A personal highlight for me was that an organization we received second place in our Homecoming division. We constructed a float (spending many hours painting our hearts out!) decorated our district and partook in the homecoming day of service.

CAFNR Student Council strives to build bonds between leaders within the college and to get all students involved. From designing t-shirts to planning socials, this year has been filled with opportunities. I will be running for re-election tonight... wish me luck!

Agriculture Ambassador Visits

I spent Thanksgiving break giving Agriculture Ambassador
 presentations to students at the Gallatin School District.
I explained to high schoolers the importance of being an
advocate for agriculture. 

I had the opportunity to spend my Thanksgiving break doing what I love; talking about agriculture. I facilitated workshops and gave presentations as part of my role as a National Collegiate Agriculture Ambassador. This program is through the National FFA Association and requires that I conduct 30 hours of agricultural presentations throughout my year as an Ambassador.

I visited the Gallatin School District, and it was great to come back as an alumni to discuss the importance of agriculture to students. I conducted day-long visits to both the elementary and high school.

At the elementary, I taught students how agriculture ties into their Thanksgiving dinner. We talked about how each state has specialized crops that farmers grow. These crops are then transported and made into our Thanksgiving favorites, from pumpkin pie to mashed potatoes.

I presented to the high school agricultural classes. It was ironic to be back in the classes I was once a student in and to see my picture for FFA achievements on classroom walls. I discussed the importance of agriculture advocacy, the need for agriculture majors and the role our industry places in combating world hunger. I had given many FFA speeches in those classrooms, but this was my first experience as a teacher.

I also conducted a civic presentation to the Boonville Rotary Club. I discussed my experiences in the FFA that led me to my role as a Agriculture Ambassador. I presented on Feeding a Growing World, which focused on the impending world population epidemic and the importance of agriculture producers. The group was a wonderful audience and we had excellent dialog about current issues in agriculture and my personal experiences that have impacted my career choice in agriculture.

I had a wonderful time presenting to more than 500 individuals from both agriculture and non-agriculure backgrounds during my Thanksgiving break. I look forward to visiting more schools and civic groups during Christmas break. I view collegiate breaks as an opportunity to continue to learn and to educate others about issues in agriculture through my role as an Ambassador.

Kindergartners learned the MILK song and where diary
 products originate to end up on our grocery store shelves. 

I spoke with local Rotary Clubs about the impending
population increase and its effects on agriculture.