A couple of weeks ago, I attended a cattlemen event and when I got home I mentioned to my husband how lucky we are to work in agriculture. He asked “why do you say that?”
And I said because of the people. I had visited with so many good folks that day and it just made me grateful. While attending the event I ran into a friend of my parents who had worked with them years ago and still works with my dad today. He mentioned how influential my parents had been and the leadership they brought to the industry.
Agriculture is so much more than just the day to day tasks of growing and raising the food we eat. It’s about the community of people who come together to make this world a better place. I didn’t grow up on a farm, but I have my parents to thank for raising me within this industry.
My mom and dad both worked in the commercial hog industry so I was exposed to production agriculture at an early age. I can remember the days of showering in and out to help my mom feed sows and move pigs to the nursery.
My involvement in 4-H and livestock showing also helped mold me into the person I am today. And I can’t thank the mentors and club leaders enough, who invested their time in me. My upbringing in ag is why I decided to attend Kansas State University and continue a career path involved in the industry. It’s the people I get to be surrounded by and work with, dedicated leaders who want to make a difference in this world.
Kylie Reiss can be reached at [email protected].
