Over the years, I’ve argued, debated, conversed and commiserated with my kids over myriad subjects and themes, ranging from the length of my daughters’ dresses and my sons’ ability to tuck a shirt in to presidential politics, the price of October fat cattle and serious social issues like racism and sexual violence.

Yer lookin’ at a feller with no tennis shoes, a ’76 GMC pickup, an outhouse and a learning permit for a cellphone. But, lest you lump me into that group of stodgy ol’ dinosaurs who cling to the days of Garth Brooks, pygmy Angus and real spare tires, let me assure you I have stepped boldly into the modern world of manly footwear.

Everyone dreams about their life as a movie, right? Well, perhaps everyone except most dairy farmers, who usually would prefer to remain unnoticed and not concerned with telling everyone about how well we do our jobs.

Remember your driver’s license application? On it, there’s a question related to becoming an organ donor upon death. Based on your experience, what percent of people do you think choose to be a donor?

Technology in agriculture is nothing new. The industry has always been innovating, from the development of chemical fertilizers and tractors to the use of animal health tests and vaccines. Digital and technological advancements in the last few years are taking over the industry, making farms more efficient.

Adaptive management is similar to nutrient trading, wherein point sources and non-point sources can team up to cost-effectively trade to achieve pollution reduction goals. In Wisconsin, adaptive management is a phosphorus compliance option offered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to improve water quality.

Farm safety is not always at the top of the worker’s mind, especially when time is of the essence during the most critical times of the year, like planting and harvest. Due to more movement, often longer hours and increased machine operation, these times tend to be the most dangerous.

Back in September, I was invited to deliver the keynote address at the sixth annual Women in Agribusiness Summit, which was held this year in the Land O’Lakes hometown of Minneapolis.

Is tomorrow’s dairyman a woman? While the number of females receiving degrees in dairy science has increased to the point of surpassing the number of male students in some programs, several key factors make successful careers in the industry possible for women after graduation.

It is a fact; inclusive leaders make everyone feel welcome and appreciated, and when Barbara Wadsworth Jones is around, no one feels left out or out of place. Immediately upon meeting her, you feel like you are talking with a lifelong friend.