The Zipline

When I first joined Farm Bureau as a young farmer, my goal was simple: to make a positive impact and uplift the lives of my fellow farmers.

From iron plows to driverless tractors, new ideas and innovative businesses have continually pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in farming.

Spring is a time of planning, planting and new growth on the farm. From preparing to plant seeds for the next crop to tending trees freshly in bloom, farmers are working hard to ensure strong yields in the months ahead.

There’s not a day that goes by, when farmers aren’t thinking about how to leave the land better than we found it.

For decades now, farmers and ranchers have been advocating for a solution to our nation’s broken agricultural labor system.

The strength of Farm Bureau shines through when we speak with a united voice on behalf of our farms, ranches and rural communities.

Many times, while standing on the very land my father and grandfather cultivated, I reflect on how things have changed. From the adoption of new sustainability practices to our approach to livestock management, our farming methods have evolved significantly.

Farmers and ranchers don’t shy away from hard work. When there’s a storm coming, we band together to bring the crops in. When our neighbors need a hand rebuilding, we pack our tools in our trucks and head right over.

The investment and protection of the next generation to enter agriculture or keep their family farm running has long been a priority at Farm Bureau.

From a window atop my grandfather’s old barn, you can see my family’s whole farm, from the hayfields to the chicken houses to the pasture where the mama cows are grazing.

I can still remember my first county Farm Bureau meeting like it was yesterday. After becoming frustrated with challenges on my farm, dad encouraged me to get outside my own fencerows.

When a storm comes rolling through or tragedy strikes, farmers and ranchers are always willing to pitch in to help our family, friends or community. It’s how we are wired.

We have just wrapped up our 105th American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention and Trade Show in Salt Lake City, and I am so grateful for the time we had to look to new frontiers in our organization and across agriculture.

With a few new calves on our family farm, we have gotten a chance to pull out the old-fashioned milking stool. It’s a simple design, but those three legs keep you steady.

There’s nothing quite like the fresh start of a new year. After all the holiday decorations are put away and the college bowl games have wrapped up, many of us start making our resolutions for the year ahead.