As a thriving college student, I enjoy getting out there meeting people in the agricultural community. There is something exciting about mingling with professionals while networking. What more better place to do these things than at the Farm Progress Show? I had the privilege of heading to Decatur for a day full of new cutting edge technology.
It was great seeing the brand new equipment while being with friends all day. The Farm Progress Show is more than a day off from classes or work, rather it's a day filled with learning. From the newest combines to the top-notch ag schools in Illinois, there is something for everyone on the grounds. For all you John Deere fans out there, John Deere unveiled their new gator, tractor, and combine today. For more information on happenings go to farmprogressshow.com. The Farm Progress Show will be going on until September 1. I know I had a blast, but what is your favorite part of the Farm Progress Show 2011?
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Schrock's Sheep Story
As a little girl, and even now, I love going to livestock shows whether it is sheep, cattle, or hogs. There is something about being in the barn on showday, the blend of excitment and craziness as exhibitors prepare their animals for the ring. One such exhibitor, Brad Schrock, from Congerville, Illinois never dreamed of where showing sheep would lead him when he got into the business as a young 4-H member.
"I got my first ewes by laboring for my dad, basically if I did the daily chores down in the shed as far as feeding and vaccinating sheep, he would give me a ewe lamb every year. That's how I started my herd. Now I'm up to 25 ewes of my own, and that's where I'm at now," said Schrock.
Growing up with sheep, Schrock became fascinated with the business side of his project. He went on to judge livestock at Lincoln Land Community College after high school. I know in my experience of showing, the hard work dims in comparison to all the new friends made in the barn. Schrock can definately relate to this as he met his wife at the Illinois State Fair in the sheep barn.
"You can meet all kinds of friends in the sheep business. You don't have to show, you can meet people at sale barns or coordinating buying sheep with people, but the real fun is at the shows. It's kind of like a big family reunion because similar people are there every year and it's something everyone looks forward to so everyone has a good time while they're there. I met my wife, Kelsey, at the state fair 3 years ago. We just got married this summer so that was cool," said Schrock. Currently, Schrock is in the process of building his herd back up and helping young 4-H members get started with sheep projects of their very own.
Schrock's Champion Hampshire Ewe, Illinois State Fair
.To hear Schrock's full interview, click here.
So, you see, showing sheep is more than a 4-H/FFA project, like any livestock project. It is getting out there, meeting new people, building new skills, but most of all having fun with what you're doing. What are your favorite fair memories?
"I got my first ewes by laboring for my dad, basically if I did the daily chores down in the shed as far as feeding and vaccinating sheep, he would give me a ewe lamb every year. That's how I started my herd. Now I'm up to 25 ewes of my own, and that's where I'm at now," said Schrock.
Growing up with sheep, Schrock became fascinated with the business side of his project. He went on to judge livestock at Lincoln Land Community College after high school. I know in my experience of showing, the hard work dims in comparison to all the new friends made in the barn. Schrock can definately relate to this as he met his wife at the Illinois State Fair in the sheep barn.
"You can meet all kinds of friends in the sheep business. You don't have to show, you can meet people at sale barns or coordinating buying sheep with people, but the real fun is at the shows. It's kind of like a big family reunion because similar people are there every year and it's something everyone looks forward to so everyone has a good time while they're there. I met my wife, Kelsey, at the state fair 3 years ago. We just got married this summer so that was cool," said Schrock. Currently, Schrock is in the process of building his herd back up and helping young 4-H members get started with sheep projects of their very own.
.To hear Schrock's full interview, click here.
So, you see, showing sheep is more than a 4-H/FFA project, like any livestock project. It is getting out there, meeting new people, building new skills, but most of all having fun with what you're doing. What are your favorite fair memories?
Monday, August 22, 2011
A New Day in Paradise
Where would this world be without agriculture? Scary thought, isn't it? I mean without farming there wouldn't be the obvious things such as food, clothing, and shelter, but more than that, the world would be without some of the most hard working people I have ever met: farmers. Growing up on a family farm outside of Wyanet, Illinois, I have been privileged enough to live the 'good life' as some folks would say.
From a young age, responsibility and hard work have been drilled into my being. It didn't take me long to learn the harder I worked, the more benefits I could reap. Whether it was pruning the apple trees, weeding the garden, feeding the chickens, working cattle, baling hay, riding horses, or any other activity that sprang up on the farm, I learned the more I'd invest in these projects most of the time (not all the time) the more I'd reap during harvest.
I would not trade in one single day of gowing up on the farm. There is something about gathering around the dinner table to a meal that was raised right there in our backyard. My brother, sister, and I have experienced things many kids our age were not able to discover just because they live in urban areas. It is so sad to think people are clueless to where their food comes, or how much work a farmer's job really entails. I remember summer days, where my family and I would literally work from sun up to sun down just to get the job done so at the end of the day we really accomplished something. There was a sense of teamwork and bonding when coming together to finish chores.
I hope, as you follow this blog, throughout the rest of semester, you too will learn something new of the agriculture industry. Whether it is talking with farmers, appreciating what they do, or just thanking a farmer for everything they have done for you, my goal is to bring a new appreciation of the agricultural community. Join me for an exciting journey through the fields and farms of the Midwest!
From a young age, responsibility and hard work have been drilled into my being. It didn't take me long to learn the harder I worked, the more benefits I could reap. Whether it was pruning the apple trees, weeding the garden, feeding the chickens, working cattle, baling hay, riding horses, or any other activity that sprang up on the farm, I learned the more I'd invest in these projects most of the time (not all the time) the more I'd reap during harvest.
I would not trade in one single day of gowing up on the farm. There is something about gathering around the dinner table to a meal that was raised right there in our backyard. My brother, sister, and I have experienced things many kids our age were not able to discover just because they live in urban areas. It is so sad to think people are clueless to where their food comes, or how much work a farmer's job really entails. I remember summer days, where my family and I would literally work from sun up to sun down just to get the job done so at the end of the day we really accomplished something. There was a sense of teamwork and bonding when coming together to finish chores.
I hope, as you follow this blog, throughout the rest of semester, you too will learn something new of the agriculture industry. Whether it is talking with farmers, appreciating what they do, or just thanking a farmer for everything they have done for you, my goal is to bring a new appreciation of the agricultural community. Join me for an exciting journey through the fields and farms of the Midwest!
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