Farm Progress Show 2007: Karlie's Take

For Once, Glad We Missed the Rains

2007-08-27T05:36:00.001-07:00

As a farmers daughter, I have a sincere appreciation for rain. It was always a blessing when the rain came and I often felt it was a security factor. No matter how the farming season faired, there never seems to be enough precipitation, which was always welcome.

However, I will not complain this time though, as we did miss the rains. For my sake, I am very thankful, as during the 2004 Farm Progress Show in Henning, Illinois, the entire show was rained out. As a young girl, I always remember my parents talking about taking me to the "big show," but with school, we never made it. Then in 2004, I had the opportunity to attend the show for the first time and work at it! I was thrilled and the one day I was able to attend was magnificent ! Arriving at the show at 5:30 in the morning that year, watching the sun rise with my dad was an amazing site. The site that shocked me the most, was the massive grain cart that rotated 50 feet above the ground on a flag pole! That was I a site I had never witnessed before. With so much to see besides the great grain cart, I couldn't wait to roam the grounds. However, days two and three of the 2004 show never happened as a major storm blew through Vermilion County Illinois on the evening of day one. My hope to fully immerse myself in the show were squelched, as the final two days of the show were cancelled.

Today, as I count down one more day to the show, I was excited to hear that the rains avoided Decatur, Illinois. With a great line up for the show, I hope all enjoy this agricultural super show. The Farm Progress Show is an event to see and I am anxiously counting down the hours until I arrive!

Mission Possible- Farm Progress Show 2007

2007-08-26T19:49:00.000-07:00

As I prepare for my mission to blog for Monsanto, I am overwhelmed by the opportunities that await visitors. I hope all Farm Progress Show attendees are as excited as I am for the event and all of the scheduled programs.

Just yesterday, I was informed that United States Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns is attending the show on Wednesday. With my interest in agricultural policy, this is a great chance for me to communicate about agricultural policy and learn more about this sometimes abstract area. My goal as a professional is to better the communication of agricultural policy, especially to farmers and ranchers. Often, there seems to be a disparity between rural and urban America. With this, there is an even greater lack of understanding between rural life and Capital Hill. Events such as Secretary Johanns visiting the Farm Progress Show, help link our farmers and ranchers to The Hill. Thus, I highly encourage all show attendees to come see the secretary as now especially is a critical time as we wait for the passing of the 2007 Farm Bill. I hope all agriculturalists take advantage of this opportunity to meet with the secretary to voice their concerns and learn how Washington is working for all of us. Welcome Secretary Johanns to the 2007 Farm Progress Show, I look forward to seeing you there!

Be sure to check in daily as I count down to the 2007 Farm Progress Show!

Preparing to Journey to the 2007 Farm Progress Show

2007-08-23T20:43:00.000-07:00

Join me, as I prepare for my Fellowship with Monsanto Company at the 2007 Farm Progress Show. It is my utmost pleasure to share this show with you, through my eyes. Learning more about how Monsanto Company initiatives work every day to improve our agricultural industry is a great experience.

Whether you have visited the Farm Progress Show in the past, or this is a whole new experience for you, I highly encourage you to learn more about this "Super Bowl" of agriculture! Comments and questions are highly encouraged, as I too look forward to learning with you!