Learning to Keep it Local
- Haley J. Clark
- Mar 12, 2022
- 3 min read
In my last post, we had just come to the harsh reality of being in the public eye. While a lot of good came from being featured on 60 Minutes, I also was reminded of how far removed 99% of our population is from agriculture. I certainly don't expect everyone to understand our lifestyle, yet with the number of goods produced from agriculture that we rely on to live, there should be some understanding.
A few weeks ago a friend shared some statistics that made me stop, re-read and then promptly wonder how 1% of the population can do so much for so many. But just like the hardy people who came before us, it can be done. The doer of many things and I'd say a master to many. Just since I've come home to the ranch the list of tasks that I can do have grown greatly. I learn best by doing and boy, is there a wealth of things to do! Mechanicing is still my weakness, but I'm sure there will be ample opportunities. With these opportunities in front of me, it made me think, don't we have a great chance for the 99% to learn as well just by telling our story?
Learn by doing.
Learn by listening.
Learn by watching.
And most importantly, learning to ask questions.
A favorite podcast of mine coined the term, "Ask smart people dumb questions." Well I'll be the first to say that there are no dumb questions, because I have no doubt asked a few in my time. But giving the chance for the public to ask their questions freely, may just be the starting point we need to bridge the gap. This spring I took an opportunity to be a pen-pal to a local First Grade class as the Rancher. They have other professions doing the same in natural resources, mining and oil and gas. It's a great time for kids to get involved early and learn by asking their questions. I will say that I may have the upperhand on the others since calving season is approaching quickly. From having two kids of my own, it's very clear that kids LOVE baby animals. Period.
*Que all the baby animals*
While I lived in Cheyenne I also had the privilege to talk to inner-city students in Washington, DC through the Wyoming LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) program. This truly opened my eyes to the disconnect between our Nation's cities and rural America. The very basics of our life, such as clothing choices, made them ask many, many questions. By the end of our time there, I felt inspired that I made a connection to these students who may never see a farm or ranch in person. I hope they are just as curious about us as they were then.
I urge you to get out of your comfort zone and mentor local students, community members, friends, family, social media followers, etc., to learn more about our lifestyle. A simple conversation can create a pathway of becoming passionate about the industry. Here's a short list of some ways to become involved here in Wyoming and be that resource to others. If we can make a unified goal to raise the next generation to become interested in agriculture, we will be able to change the narrative.
Wyoming Ag in the Classroom - Education for students grade 2-5. If your local school is not involved already, urge teachers to consider incorporating this into their curriculum and volunteer if they need help.
If there are youth who are interested in agriculture but aren't sure where they can become involved tell them about FFA or 4-H programs. It's a wonderful place to learn from others about our industry, become a more well-rounded responsible person and make lifelong friends and connections. I was in 4-H for 9 years and it was an experience I cherish!
If you are a producer, you have another avenue to "market" your quality product. Information about your business can be found easily by anyone on the internet and you can also promote eating locally by starting at local schools.
Think outside of the box too. Taking on a big volunteer role isn't always the right answer but reaching out to people in our communities is a good place to start. Simply taking the initiative to create an opportunity could make a huge impact as well. Invite others to enjoy our lifestyle, create a friendship and plant the seed of interest.
Let's make the internet more local and start creating lasting connections about our way of life.
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