International Collegiate Agriculture Program

I have always loved wearing my corduroy blue FFA jacket as a member of the National FFA Organization. But, I never knew my passion for FFA and agriculture could take me to Asia.

This May, I will journey to Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore as an ICAL, International Collegiate Agriculture Leadership Program, delegate. ICAL is through FFA and selects 12 college students in the nation each year to be a part of the program.

I am honored to have been selected as a delegate for the 2012 ICAL program. I will be touring international agriculture facilities in three countries in Southeast Asia and networking with college agriculturists from different universities across the country.

I had filled out the application this winter, and was hopeful-but nothing more. As a freshman, I did not think I had a great chance. So when I received a phone call at the University of Missouri Starbucks, announcing my selection, I almost spilled my Frappuccino in joy.

Soon, I began receiving emails, information and schedules for the impending trip. (Good thing I already had my passport!) I will be traveling for around 2 ½ weeks, before beginning my summer internship. I fly to San Francisco for training and then am on an international flight to Hong Kong. Then, weeks of global agriculture educational and first-hand experience will be before me!

I feel truly blessed to be seeing a part of the world I never anticipated visiting at this stage in my life. In the words of a friend, “Maybe you will learn to eat rice and beans now.” We shall see! 

The last time I wore my FFA jacket was at the Gallatin FFA Chapter Banquet. I celebrated four years of dedication to agriculture and the National FFA Organization. A highlight of the night was being named Star Farmer, just as my dad was when he was in FFA. Now, my FFA journey continues to Asia. 

Off to Great Places

“Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're off to Great Places!

You're off and away!”

No matter how many birthdays may pass, Dr. Seuss books will always offer inspiration. I read Seuss books throughout my childhood and received “Oh the Places You’ll Go” as a gift from my parents on my high school gradation day.

In high school, I was very fortunate in my traveling opportunities. I won essay contests, obtained leadership positions and attended conferences in order to see parts of the United States I had not been to. I also worked a part time job throughout high school and usually used my savings to purchase plane tickets.  

But, I honestly did not know how far I would be able to travel in college. College students are notorious for being constantly broke and limiting their activities to campus. Nonetheless, I came to college with a travel goal list that included participating in study abroad and collegiate traveling programs.  

Thus far, I have been able to continue traveling in college, even on a lower budget. Scholarships, paychecks and yes, my parents, have made this a possibility. Now, I have also realized that there are not just 50 states to see, there is the entire globe. There are countless countries I want to visit, culture events I want to be a part of and moments I want to photograph.

And this week, I received the news of a lifetime: I was selected to go to Southeast Asia this May through an agriculture leadership program, ICAL.

You just might be surprised at the places you will go.

You are never too old for Dr. Seuss. 

Graduation day was one I had looked forward to since I was a kindergardener. I was a "planner" even back then. I have always dreamed about the future and am so excited to discover what life has in store. Last May, nearly one year ago, I ended the high school chapter of my life. Since then, the university chapter has been brimming with opportunities. 

Where's Your Destination?

Traveling and life have one major factor in common: they are both all about goals. My senior year, I was sitting in a conference at the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia. A speaker there left a profound impact on my traveling perspectives. She said, "Travel while you are young, don't you ever put it off. Because you just might miss your life's adventures." Since then, I have followed her advice, and formed a travel bucket list. I may not reach every destination on my list, but it will be the journey though life and the lessons that I learn that will have the greatest impact.

Here I am my junior year of high school. I was about to travel to one of my favorite destinations, Washington D.C. No matter where you visit, a beach, mountain or city there is always something special about the region. Our nation's capital is filled with rich history, and I could spend hours in the Smithsonian and Newseum. 

One of my travel goals is to visit the 50 states all U.S. territories by my 50th birthday. So far, I have visited 24. Hawaii has been my favorite state- so far! Thanks to family vacations and the 4-H Equine Tours, I have covered the midwest extensively. 

I am very excited to one day see the New England region of our country. I have always enjoyed reading about the history of the East coast. I am very interested in visiting the Salem witch trials, Civil War battle fields and of course, Hershey, Pennsylvania. 

Professional Development Conference, Lubbock Texas

Welcome to Texas! 

I recently visited the Lone Star state where I learned how to Texas two-step, sampled fried cuisine and experienced southern hospitality. I was serving as a delegate to the Agriculture Communicators of Tomorrow national Professional Development Conference.

After a bumpy plane ride, I and four other University of Missouri ACT members arrived at Texas Tech University in Lubbock Texas. My fellow MU students were all seniors, they had impressive resumes and would soon be in the workforce. Most freshman might have been intimidated with such traveling companions. However, I have been on numerous trips where I was the youngest individual or the “underdog.” In life, it is a position I actually do not mind being in.  Being in this position allows you to experience conferences or leadership positions with a different perspective.

Such was my mindset as I began PDC. At the conference industry leaders spoke about issues directly related to agriculture communications and journalism. It was great to have a conference directed at my degree and career path within the agriculture industry.

In particular, our impressive speakers included, Wyman Meinzer the official Texas state photographer. He gave photojournalism advice to students and showcased his latest projects, which were breathtaking. He has covered some of the largest ranches in Texas and he prides himself on not using Photoshop.

Tours stops for PDC included the American Cotton Growers denim mill at Littlefield, TX. It produces denim for top American jean brands like Abercrombie, Wrangler and several high fashion European companies. I also toured the largest premium winery in Texas, Llano Estacado Winery, has been in operation since 1976. Having toured Missouri wineries, it was interesting to compare the two.

At the Llano Estacado Winery storeroom.  

Our keynote speaker, Rodger Wasson, of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, gave a fantastic presentation. He had spoken at a conference I had attended last fall, but still brought several key industry points to light. Wasson highlighted the need for proactive conversations with consumers and went in-depth about how to make those conversations happen.

Overall, the ACT conference was a great opportunity and I was glad to attend as a freshman. I am excited for the possibilities that ACT has in store for me. Next summer, my calendar will be marked for the national Agriculture Media Summit. Here, I hope to run for national ACT office, network with industry leaders and discover more opportunities in the science and agriculture journalism career pathway. I look forward to the next PDC Conferences in 2013 at the University of Arkansas! 

Delegates from the University of Missouri showcasing our MU pride on university spirit night. Pictured right to left: Breanne Brammer, Sarah Woodhurst, Carah Hart and Jessica England.