What a whirlwind of meetings my life has become!! As I approached the sign-in table at the Potatoes USA meetings this morning, I had to do a double take at the date on my watch…. How is it already March 12th? (Seriously, where is time going?!)

As I begin to reflect on my first day at the Potato USA meetings and the mounds of information that was given today, I cannot help but begin a list (a LONG list) of “key points” that I will be researching as soon as I return to the office. One of my favorite things about being a part of this industry is the opportunities I have to continue learning!

I remember starting my job at CPAC, believing that growing up in the industry gave me an advantage because “I already knew the industry!” (Let’s all take a moment to laugh at how ridiculously uninformed I was!) As much as I want to believe that I knew a lot because I “farmed” (if weed control even counts?) with my dad in the summers that I knew the industry, the more I dive into my position, the less I know!! I am so thankful for the Colorado Growers in my area though, because they have a way of seeing my blank stare and understanding that there are SO many questions running through my mind… (What’s that acronym stand for? How can that be implemented at our level? Why not try this? etc.) and they’re always willing to explain or assist in answering the mounds of questions I have. Another advantage that I have with working for such awesome growers, is their ability and willingness to challenge me! They constantly giving me new ideas to chase… That’s the true beauty of my position!! I get to take an idea and turn it into a reality!

As I sit through these countless meetings and take pages and pages of notes… I cannot help but be overwhelmed with thankfulness! I’m working for one of the best industries in the world (I would argue that it’s THE best, but…), I get to work for and with highly influential individuals, and I get to learn to have more appreciation for the American Farmer.

Friends, learn to love, appreciate and trust the producers in the US. (I guarantee they’re the most humble, hardworking and honest people you will meet…) Every time I am at these meetings, I cannot help but hear Paul Harvey’s “So God Made A Farmer” constantly… “It had to be somebody who’d plow deep and straight and not cut corners…” Such a powerful and honest message…

How did I get so blessed? Honestly?

Chat soon!

Jess

P.S. Here’s the link to Paul Harvey’s audio… https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/paulharveysogodmadeafarmer.htm