In a time when there is large amounts of concern in the agricultural industry due to low commodity prices, regulatory pressures and attacks against the technologies we use, it is easy to become discouraged. Lately, I have been taking the opportunity to step back. I have tried from my limited view to see the changes that are happening around us and have come to the conclusion that we are living in an era that history may look back on and view as the most disruptive in human history. I feel that depending on your attitude, it can be either extremely frightening or extremely exciting.

“Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” I heard those words long ago, but they have taken on a new meaning recently as I have made the choice to slow down and remember what life is really all about. For me, that has meant stepping away from my off-farm job.

So often when we are advocating for agriculture we are worried about the people outside of our personal circle, whether it be an acquaintance on social media, neighbors we do not know that well or strangers in a grocery store. So many times we are told these are the people we need to be reaching out to.

Clichés are the English versions of ancient Chinese proverbs. I think people who use clichés are actually saying to you, “I don’t have the time or patience to talk to you about your problem, so here is some wisdom I read on a coffee mug.”

Our annual “State of the dairy industry” issue is where we take stock of where the industry has been in recent years, what the present picture looks like and what the future holds.

We bought our farm in 1991, and I learned very quickly that it was impossible to get my crops planted early in the spring. By planting late, it really cut into my crop yields. Back then, I was way in debt and couldn’t do anything about it, though.

“Tennessee Williams lived in this house,” the landlord said. She was a quiet woman in her 60s who had tried to shut the door on me, having explained that she wasn’t showing the room today. I handed her the check and said I was desperate and would take it sight-unseen.

“For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he ...”—Proverbs 23:7 That quote is a powerful, life-changing statement. Our minds – or our thoughts – allow us to achieve greatness or to remain in abject poverty.

When I got asked to write the HERd management column for the “State of the Dairy Industry” issue, I knew it could be a challenge. After all, how do you summarize an entire year into so few words?

There’s still snow on the ground, but have you started thinking about your outreach goals for this spring? And specifically, June Dairy Month? If not, you aren’t alone. That being said, it is time to start thinking. There’s nothing worse than being rushed and stressed while trying to throw something together at the last minute.