Yesterday marked the end of an era here in the Burns-Thompson household… our last school dance, the Senior PROM. Now if you know my family, you know that we’re firm believers in the “go big or go home” philosophy. With that being said, after many long hours on pinterest and months of planning, I am so proud of how our photos turned out. ENJOY!
Have you heard? Today is National Ag Day! To be absolutely honest, had you asked me five years ago I would’ve had no idea that such a holiday (yes, it qualifies as a holiday) even existed. We’ve all heard of the usual National Popcorn Day (1/19), National Watermelon Day (8/3), National Cow Appreciation Day (7/15) and so forth (ok, so maybe not everybody regularly celebrates these holidays). But, did you know that today is dedicated to recognizing those men and women whom work tirelessly, day in and day out, to produce the food, fuel, and fiber that we as consumers all too often take for granted?
Just a few years ago I had the opportunity to take part in the official National Ag Day festivities in the heart of it all, Washington DC. Being the agricultural policy nerd that I am, let’s just say I was on cloud nine to be in the capital city, surround by other young people that shared my deep passion for agriculture. This year I am continuing that tradition, while in DSM (that’s short for Des Moines for all you non-Iowans) instead of DC, I will be proudly representing and advocating for an industry that I believe is one of the greatest assets to our well-being as a nation. I think Samuel Johnson said it best…
“Agriculture not only gives riches to a nation, but the only riches she can call her own.” – Samuel Johnson
So today we “Celebrate Agriculture”… displaying our gratitude and continued support for those who have dedicated their lives to tending the soil, being caretakers to their herds, and supporting our rural communities.
Yesterday evening Drake Law School welcomed back one of its most successful alumni, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad. With the opportunity to hear from the state’s head of command, and a fellow advocate for agriculture, I just couldn’t pass it up.
Governor Branstad
The Governor shared with us some of the trials and triumphs he has experienced along the path from small-town farmboy to Governor of the great of Iowa. If you are from Iowa then you’re likely familiar with the strong supporter that the Governor has been for the agriculture industry in particular. However, not only is he an advocate for Iowa agriculture, but also prides himself on standing up for agricultural production nationwide.
When asked how his farm background has impacted his professional career, the Governor shared how valuable the skills and work ethic he learned on his family farm growing up has helped him to be a better representative for the people of Iowa. He shared that during his two tenures as Governor he has seen some of the worst (i.e. the Farm Crisis of the 1980s) and some of the best (i.e. current) of times for agriculture. With the continued investment and innovation in Iowa (especially with developments in biofuels and wind energy), he believes that we will continue to be an agricultural leader.
At the conclusion of his presentation the Governor shared his “secret to success,” which from someone who holds the title as the state’s youngest elected Governor and the state’s longest serving Governor, I think his advice comes with quite a bit of credibility!
“If you want to be successful, you can’t do everything. Focus on the things that are important!”
- Governor Terry Branstad
