Changing Roles

This time of year is a busy one on the farm.  People are switching from maintenance odd jobs to field work, and filling in for others during harvest and hunting seasons.  Everything needs to be winterized, repaired, and bedded for the cooler weather.  The heaters are put on and plugged in again.  The corn dryer is serviced, and the bins are cleaned and swept, awaiting the new crop.

Tuesday, we also underwent the changing of our government, with the national, state, and local election.  Even though we now have the same president, his role has changed from a new upstart making inroads in world of politics, to a seasoned veteran leader.  He is now unafraid of the repercussions of his decisions with regard to the electoral college.  Compromise and collaboration now become possible in his eyes, as he ultimately will not have to answer to the voters again.  He is looking to move forward.  The republican candidate has gone from a high profile politician, back to a business and family man. 

In my job, I have transitioned into less of a secretary, and more of a vital decision maker.  I have spent one year on the job, and am beginning to have a better grasp of what I am facing.  I can see the merits and pitfalls my education has given me.  I am in a period of adjustment, gathering my tools and resources; putting them to use in new combinations.

As an industry, agriculture is in the process of changing roles.  It is moving towards a period of openness and away from the recent years of perceived deceit.  Farmers are vocalizing their beliefs and showing the work they are doing to the public.  They are embracing technology, society, and the environment.  We are learning to work with what we have and defend our positions.  We are realizing that the bottom line is effected by public perception more strongly than it used to be.  We too, are moving forward.