Meet Me in Cali

Have you ever started a road trip and thought “This is going to be the worst vacation ever!” Me too. I hopped onto a plane for Sacramento, California with this exact thought process. I had heard a lot of things growing up in the Midwest about California, especially on the negative spectrum. The prices are too high, the people are ignorant, and the list goes on and on.  I told myself that I would go on this trip with an open mindset. So, I stepped out of the airport and breathed in the fresh, clean air. For the next ten days, only growth would be allowed. What I did not know, was just how much growth I would be doing. 

We started with leaders such as the California Secretary of Agriculture. We learned about policy, water rights, and why farmers like and dislike certain regulations. I loved listening to their perspectives because growing up in Kansas I had never seen this particular point of view.

My absolute favorite visit was to a biodynamic winery. Biodynamics is adding nature back into the farmland to keep it healthy. They had an insectary full of host plants for beneficial insects, natural manure-based fertilizers, and so many other things to keep a healthy crop. Although cornfields in Kansas would struggle by using biodynamic environments, I was astonished and excited to see that some people could do it, and do it well. 

The closest I felt to home while away was visiting the feedlot and dairy. Although some practices were different, walking through the facility, and even the farmer’s demeanor gave me the sweet taste of home. I realized that even on the other side of the country, there were people just like me. 

Above all, the sense of friendship I found was the most amazing experience! Officers from all over the country with different backgrounds and associations came together to learn just how different agriculture is. Through these ten days, I laughed and even cried with these new teammates and friends. 

California was an amazing experience and it taught me that an open growth mindset is the best mindset to have.

Living to serve,

Jocelyn