Raised in a Barn

Well as we wind down the Van Wert County fair and having just completed the Allen County fair last week, I couldn't help but feel really proud of all our students who have been involved at both fairs. I had a chance to see some beautiful work the students completed and also saw some of them compete in various competitions. I hope all of you had a chance to stop by either fair and talk with them and see the hard work they have put in all summer. If you missed the opportunity, then please mark it on your calendar for next year. You won't regret it.

Visiting the fairs has also given me a chance to think back on how important the Ag instructors are to our students. I thought back to when my two boys were at Delphos Jefferson and were President of their FFA chapter. I thought of all the hard work they did but also the great instructors they had leading them. There was Mr. Mike Miller (not Vantages Mr. Miller), Mr. Scott Elwer & Mrs Lucy Bambauer. I thought of our own Mr. Mike Miller and what an awesome job he does for our students and how he has brought new life into our FFA. I remembered Mr. Vern Fischer who was here before Mr. Miller and also thought of Mrs. Susan Farr who has been involved in teaching AG for many years. Now talk about timing. While I was thinking about them, I came across a great article from a website raisedinabarn.org that was titled "Why Agriculture Education Instructors Are Important" and I would like to share that with you now:

For many that enroll into FFA in high school, they can’t imagine the impact one class will have on their life. An Agriculture Educator is key to success in the agriculture industry. These professors and teachers get their students involved in something that can eventually lead to a career or a better understanding of how things work. Agriculture instructors are the agriculture students driving force at school, and they take care of their students just like they are their own children.

I’ve had strong influential agriculture leaders my whole life. These people have taught me so much more from knowledge first hand, than they could from some book. In high school I had a great FFA Advisor. Later on in college I had a handful of more great agriculture instructors. They do so much for their students and deserve a thank you. So here is a list on why you should thank you agriculture teacher.

• They get you involved even if you don’t want to be. “You might not want to learn this now, but later on down the road it will benefit you.”
• They are your parents away from home. “Remember that our school is on the back of your FFA jacket. Don’t embarrass me or your school.”
• They are on speed dial on your phone. “Don’t be afraid to ask me questions if you aren’t sure.”
• They don’t like excuses. “Life doesn’t care about your excuses.”
• They know everyone. If you are in the middle of nowhere, they will find someone they know.
• They want you to know how important agriculture is. “If you know how to raise your own food, you’ll never go hungry.”
• They are hard on you because they know your potential. “I’m not sure why you made a C on this, you can do way better.”
• They can get anywhere without a GPS. “I’ve been there a million times, I should know it.”
• They are at every show, rodeo, and contest. They are your coach, and biggest fan all at the same time.
• They want you to reach your full potential. “Run for State FFA President. Even if you lose you can say you gave it all you got.”
• They know everything about agriculture. “The more you know, the better off you’ll be.”
• If you lose a show, rodeo, or speech contest they are the first person to comfort you and critic you at the same time.
• They understand because they have been there. “College is hard, but the harder you work, the easier it will be.”
• They remind you over and over again that the stuff outside on the ground is soil, not dirt. Dirt is misplaced soil.
• They help you meet people who will help you get where you need to be. “If you want to livestock judge, let’s go talk to some colleges.”
• They will remind you about how expensive college is every day, and help you fill out scholarships to pay for the college of your dreams. “College isn’t cheap, and scholarships are free to fill out.”
• They don’t care about your drama. When you are in their classroom you are there to learn. “Leave that drama at the door before you come in.”
• The most important reason to thank an agriculture instructor is because, they care. At the end of the day they want to see you doing what you dream about. They help you set goals and get you on the right path to reach that goal. “Go big or go home.”

Thanks teachers for guiding us, inspiring us, and making us what we are today.You are the inspiration for so many of us to pursue an agriculture career.

I would just like to say my personal thank you to Mr. Miller and the great job he does with our students here at Vantage. Also, remember: An industry that feeds us, is an industry worth caring about.