Alice in Dairyland’s Post

#UNG is on the MOOOOOO-VE. Come see why and how UNG is leading across the board (and on the farm)! #BoldForward #UNG #agriculture #UNGLeads #cattle #poultry #poultryindustry #poultryscience #UNGCSM

FFA’s members and leaders stress that since its inception, it has expanded its education and training programs to encompass a wide range of fields beyond farming. But the organization is still closely tied to the agriculture industry. "Motivated by this quick response, nearly 400 FFA members, alumni, and former officers sent a letter to Poeschl demanding that the organization set concrete goals to enhance diversity and create a new staff position dedicated to that work. A petition with the same demands has garnered nearly 8,000 signatures. So far, the organization has committed to reviewing its national officer candidates’ social media as part of future vetting processes, but it has not yet responded to the entire list of demands." Similar to most national #youngfarmer networks, it wasn't until recently that that #FutureFarmers acknowledged its failure in recruitment... "Until the mid-1960s, the vast majority of FFA’s members were white men — and the legacy of that era remains. Despite efforts to diversify the organization, nearly all of its leadership positions are held by white people. The organization’s executive management team, board of directors, board of trustees, individual giving council, alumni advisory committee, and foundation sponsors board — over 80 positions — are overwhelmingly white. Of national FFA’s 162 employees, 19 are people of color, and eight are Black, according to a spokesperson." https://lnkd.in/dRfWhiB4

Kansas 4-H has options for any interest, and K-Stater James DeRouchey didn't hold back in trying as many as he could: "Throughout my 12-year 4-H membership, I participated in the swine, sheep, beef, foods and nutrition, photography, horticulture, leadership, and buymanship projects. I participated in 4-H Club Days presentations and the Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes contests. I am currently a sophomore at Kansas State with a major in Ag Business and minors in Animal Science and Personal Financial Planning. I plan to obtain my Master's degree at K-State and my career goal is to manage finances for an Ag operation. Among the most important things I gained from being involved in 4-H was to develop the ability to communicate and talk comfortably in front of large crowds. Public speaking is something that I feel 4-H has helped me grow through project talks, speaking with judges, and sharing/teaching others about my projects." Enroll your child or get involved as a volunteer at https://bit.ly/3MKmN1z 🍀

The produce sector, including asparagus, relies on strong partnerships to deliver flavorful U.S. grown produce to American consumers. Collaboration among all participants in the supply chain, from growers and farm workers to brokers, packers, processors, truckers, retail grocery, CPG firms, and food service entities, is essential for success. Additionally, partnerships with state and federal policymakers are crucial. Michigan's asparagus industry aims to strengthen our collaboration with Michigan Agriculture Director Tim Boring to advance the growth of Michigan asparagus and the specialty crop industry. Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development Michigan Apple Committee Michigan Cherry Michigan Vegetable Council Tim Boring #collaboration #freshproduce #supplychainresilience #localfood #asparagus

Bossville Farms, a legacy family-run hemp farm based out of South Carolina, for instance, has managed to successfully add value to their agricultural processes. For them, adding more agricultural value involves transforming raw hemp materials into a variety of products and uses. This includes harvesting, drying, extracting cannabinoids like CBD and formulating products, quality testing, packaging, and marketing for distribution. These techniques make hemp farming economically viable because they provide several income streams while catering to various industries and consumer needs and increasing the range of hemp-derived products, from CBD oils to textiles, that maximize the use of different hemp components. However, the same concept and techniques can be applied to just about any other raw material. #Agriculture, #Sustainability, #FarmingInnovation, #Donate, #HighTunnelRenovation, #EcoFriendlyFarming, #GreenAgriculture, #SupportFarmers, #BossvilleFarms, #FarmingForTheFuture #Forbes #SouthCarolina #HamptonCounty

Check out our new video. If you've been wondering what Patterson Farms is all about - come visit! In the meantime, watch the video. https://lnkd.in/e2MuZ2Dq

Any level of harm is unacceptable, and we want our farmers, their families and rural communities to be safe. There should be no human cost to producing food that nourishes our nation, economy, and people globally. Joining forces with agricultural industry leaders from across Aotearoa, Garry Diack, our CEO has pledged Ravensdown’s commitment to keeping farmers, their families, and communities healthy and safe as part of Farm Without Harm. To help us set a new standard from the back paddock to the boardroom head to https://lnkd.in/eZ2rChNK

Purpose. It’s what aligns, focuses, and connects us all. The Goodfinds by Gordon program believes in brands and products that stand for and do, more. Because we believe it’s up to us, all of us, to make the world a better place. So, we made it our mission to find purposeful, innovative food brands that share in the same vision. From companies doing good for the environment to those advocating for human and animal rights to those pioneering new movements like plant-based alternatives and new farming techniques—Goodfinds is the place where the best and brightest are gathered to offer you valuable, meaningful food solutions that are driving a massive change for good. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gexsv6mt

Today - March 19 - is National Ag Day. The annual event is organized by the Agriculture Council of America, a nonprofit organization of leaders in the agriculture, food and fiber communities dedicated to increasing the public awareness of agriculture's vital role in our society. The National Ag Day program was started in 1973. Learn more at agday.org #AgDay24

After a weekend in Des Moines, Iowa, for Niman Ranch's 25th Hog Farmer Appreciation Celebration, I am empowered to continue the conversation around the benefits of creating a stronger food system, something the farmers at Niman Ranch are continuing to do through their farms every single day. My key takeaways: - We must rethink and redesign how we support farmers. With numerous barriers to entry (high capital costs, land availability, and cost, economic volatility, etc.), there is a dwindling number of young individuals pursuing careers in agriculture. - You make short-term and long-term investments by purchasing from farmers utilizing regenerative practices. In the short term, you support farmers raising animals the right way; in the long term, you support the next generation of farmers and ensure they have access to healthy soil. Remember, good food starts with good soil. - Realize that you have an impact and spend your dollars wisely by supporting organizations doing things right, like Niman. Conscientious buying can enable a more just and sustainable future. - And yes, piglets are adorable. #HogFarmerCelebration #RaisedWithCare