The Dash

Have you ever heard of, or read the poem "The Dash"?  I think this is a poem that most people have heard of but maybe you haven't read it in awhile.  I've been thinking of this poem a lot this week because of my involvement with the Iowa Soybean Association's Ag-Urban Initiative program.  Some of you may know that I do some independent consulting and contract work, and one of the programs I contract coordinate is the Ag-Urban Initiative.  This leadership program brings together urban and agriculture leaders together to collaborate, find common understanding, and produce solutions that benefit Iowa.  There are two main parts to the program: one - an in depth look at servant, values-driven leadership, and two - creating an individual ag-urban community project.  I truly believe this leadership program is like no other and I'm so proud of the Class of 2013 who graduated yesterday.

This program has evolved every year since it began in 2007 and I feel like this year's class was one of the best year's yet!  This class became a community of their own and I know they all made life-long connections and friendships.  Official recruitment for the Class of 2014 won't begin until January but if you are interested in learning more, let me know, or check out the Ag-Urban Initiative website for updates on details of the 2014 program.

In dedication of the Class of 2013, I'd now like to share with you the words of "The Dash", written by Linda Ellis (Copyright 1996):

I read of a man who stood to speak

at a funeral of a friend.

Her referred to the dates on he tombstone,

from the beginning... to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth

and spoke of the following date with tears,

but he said what mattered most of all

was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time

that she spent alive on earth.

And now only those who loved her

know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,

the cars... the house... the cash.

What matters is how we live and love

and how we spend our dash.

So, think about this long and hard.

Are there things you'd like to change?

For you never know how much time is left

that can sill be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough

to consider what's true and real

and always try to understand

the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger

and show appreciation more

and love the people in our lives

like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect

and more often wear a smile,

remembering that this special dash

might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read,

with you life's actions to rehash...

would you be proud of the things they say

about how you spent YOUR dash?

How are you living your dash?

Step Up and Be a Leader

Have you been thinking lately that you should get more involved in your community, your state, and/or the agriculture industry?  If you answered yes to any of these, you should apply for the ASA/Dupont Young Leader Program!

The ASA/DuPont Young Leader Program is a great opportunity for soybean growers and their spouses who are interested in developing their leadership skills and knowledge of the soybean industry.  The knowledge gained from the program is beneficial both on the farm and off.  This program is open to soybean farmers in the twenty-six soybean growing states and Canada.  One couple or individual per state will be chosen to participate.  There are two phases of the training:

• Part I is held at Dupont Pioneer's headquarter in Johnston, Iowa November 27-30, 2012
• Part II is held in conjunction with Commodity Classic in Kissimmee, Florida February 26-March 2, 2013

The program is managed and coordinated by Dupont Pioneer and the American Soybean Association.

My Farmer and I during Phase II
of the ASA/Dupont Young Leader Program
at the 2012 Commodity Classic in Nashville

My Farmer and I were the 2012 ASA/Dupont Young Leaders for Iowa this past year and had a great time! We both have been involved in leadership programs in the past and weren't sure if we would really gain any new information.  But after the first class session we both felt motivated to do more and tell our story of agriculture, and that is the main reason I actually started this blog.  Besides gaining leadership skills, social media insights, and soybean industry updates, we also gained a lot of great friends.  The networking that we both gained from this program will last us a lifetime.  It is unbelievable how well we got to know the other members of the class and the insight we gained about agriculture from across the United States and Canada.

So if you raise soybeans, are interested in getting more involved, would like to increase your leadership skills and gain new friends, you should apply today for the 2013 ASA/Dupont Young Leaders program!  Applications are now being accepted through October 1.

If you have any questions about the ASA/Dupont Young Leaders program be sure to ask me!

Farm Friday

My Farmer using the grain vac to clean out the bottom of  a grain  bin.

This week we have been busy with hauling grain and cleaning out grain bins on the farm.

Here is My Farmer and LP taking a break while cleaning out a grain bin.

This week I personally was busy off the farm by doing some contract work for the Iowa Soybean Association's Ag-Urban Initiative.  I am one of the coordinators for the program and this week we had our Annual Day on the Hill, as well as the leadership class met for the second time this year.  The class is focusing this year on creating some agriculture and food focused programming to disseminate through public television. During the class session the group also went through some leadership training focusing on creating community and effect change, as well as how to articulate relevant success.  Finally one of the class members presented on successes of his home area which has been getting some state-wide attention lately, Sioux County.  I really enjoy working with this program and this dynamic group of people.