Fit to Farm

After my first two posts, I realize I haven't put out there why I am here and what I want to do.  What is my angle?  Do I have a purpose for writing?  Who am I to my audience?

I'll start to answer these questions by looking at the name I have chosen.  Fit to Farm. With my educational and cultural backgrounds, I find myself fit and ready to be part of the new generation in agriculture.  I am more open to change, more open to differing opinions, and less entrenched in traditional agriculture.  Not to knock farming practices, but everyone needs to update now and then. 

I don't just care about the farm now, but the impact I am making on our future.  I had a professor who once said that great leaders take time to develop a plan for the next generation and prepare the people to replace them to lead.  This is one of the goals I have for each endeavor I undertake.  I need to make things not only easy for me, but easier for the people around me.  I need to teach, not instruct.

Agriculture is changing very quickly.  It is an exciting time for me to be a part of the industry, as I may get a hand in shaping the direction we are going.  Being able to talk to other people who are figuring out better and more sustainable, profitable ways of business is inspiring.  It is possible for us to be so innovative when faced with problems.  

I believe that a farmer's life is a fit one.  I love to be active.  I run marathons, canoe race cross country ski, and take kettlebell and yoga classes once a week.  I try to be healthy by being safe in my physical work on the farm, and by eating well when I get to the table.  Through the course of this blog, you will probably hear about all of these endeavors from time to time.  As mentioned in one of my earlier posts, I see things as cyclical, thus no one part of my life goes on without affecting another facet.  Each thing I do shapes the person that I am.