Week Three with Extension by Emily Stamper

 

 Driving the tractor around WMREC hauling panels

This past week was full of fun. Monday, we had our weekly connection where we talked about “How great leaders inspire action” and I saw that played out throughout the week. Tuesday, we fixed some fencing and did a lot of maintenance to ensure that our sheep and cows stay separated and safe. On Wednesday, we got the opportunity to meet up with fellow interns and extension agents for the professional development tour. It focused on urban agriculture and really opened my eyes to a side of ag that I have not seen a lot of. Thursday, we watched and read some materials on water testing and helped set up a scale for the county fair next month.

I thought that the video we watched and discussed at our weekly connection was very fitting for this week. The video talked about putting your “why” in front of your “how” or “what”. Meaning, people are more likely to engage and, in this case, care about your company, if they know why you are doing what you do. On Wednesday, I saw this concept at each of the places we toured. These organizations started off by telling us why they were doing what they were doing before they told us what it was or how they were doing it. It had me so engaged because there was heart behind each and every one of these places.

This week got me thinking about why I do what I do. Why do I want to work in ag? What is my goal and reason? The root of why I do what I do is my great grandfather. Growing up, I was always his sidekick around the farm. He would take me on tractor rides, down to the shop, or to go feed cows (which I got to name all of). He would always, no matter what, try and teach me things everywhere we went. After he passed away, and I got older, I fell in love with agriculture and animals all because of pap. He got my foot in the door and I haven’t gone back since. My “why” is to continue that legacy for future generations.

fixing fencing at WMREC

growing food for the community at Spring Forward