Yesterday was the last day to comment on the extension of the Leave No Child Behind Law (NCLB). Like many laws, the original intent was great but the unintended consequences have been less than desirable. This is one of many laws that gave the federal government power that should have remained at the state or local level. This law has been a total power grab and our kids are being affected! No wonder the number of homeschoolers is growing nationwide.

Parents, grandparents and concerned citizens must stay informed of what is happening in our schools. Each year the Franklin County (Iowa) Farm Bureau invites all local superintendents to a board meeting where we ask questions and share their concerns. The superintendents tell us whether student numbers have increased or declined. We learn about concerns they have with buildings and equipment, staffing and budgets. We even discuss subject matter that is being presented to our kids, as well as school lunch regulations.

Because of the dialogue that happens, the annual meeting with superintendents has become one of my favorite board meetings. It’s made it clear to me that we must not trust someone else is keeping tabs on education. We all must get involved and ask questions.

We can’t just assume that kids are learning what they need to be successful in life. One question I have is how well “new math” is working? Have you noticed how many kids aren’t able to count back change? Last weekend, while attending my grandson’s wrestling meet, I was reminded of this when I made a trip to the concession stand. I was surprised by how much difficulty the young lady, who was taking my money, was having. She did not have the ability to add the price of three food items together and then make change for a $10 bill. I believe computers and even calculators have their place, but this high school student only needed to use the basic math skills we learned by eighth grade (if not sooner)!

The brain washing going on in some schools is out of control, too. Last fall I was asked to present to sixth graders in the Mason City public schools where The Omnivore’s Dilemma was being used as a textbook for all subjects – even art! Not only is this book very critical of modern farming, but Omnivore’s Dilemma is filled with half-truths and misinformation. The author implies that government subsidies force farmers to grow corn, and Americans are becoming obese because corn is “hidden” in so many food products.

The author also states that people are half made up of corn – and that’s simply false. Using basic math, one can deduce this isn’t possible since the average human body is composed 60 percent of water. Again, I question how “new math” is working!

Fortunately, one of the Mason City teachers was concerned about this “curriculum” to contact North Iowa Ag in the Classroom. I can’t say enough good things about this program and applaud the Mason City schools for allowing farmers into the classroom to correct misinformation. However, I wonder how many schools teach false information about agriculture because they aren’t aware of resources available. Ag literacy is a growing problem.

As former House Ag Committee Chairwoman Annette Sweeney says, “Too many individuals in places of power have never set foot on a farm, yet their making laws and rules that greatly impact our businesses and livelihoods.” Yes, farmers are being legislated as to how to “best” raise our crops and livestock!

Knowing what I do about what’s being taught about agriculture, I can’t help but wonder what is being taught about other important issues. How does History change, according to the opinions of teachers and the administrators? What are kids learning about religion? What about health and nutrition? And don’t even get me started on Math… I’ve tried to help my grandkids with some math problems! “Tried” is the operative word as math today isn’t being taught the way I learned to “show my work.”

We know there are problems with the educational system, but what’s the answer? I really believe it’s going to take all of us being involved to make a difference. Ask your kids and grandkids questions about what they’re learning. Then if you have more questions, talk to their teachers. If you have even more questions, talk to the school administration.

Also talk to your elected officials from local school board members all the way up to your representatives and senators at the federal level. My experience shows that elected officials want to hear from you. They appreciate your input. And if they don’t have the right answers, use your power in the next election!

Valentine’s Day is a mere two weeks away. That means many women around the world are hoping bouquets of roses will be delivered to their office, making their coworkers inanely envious. Others dream of tiny boxes bearing jewelry like the stunning diamond earrings that #PrinceFarming Chris Soules surprised Jade with last Monday night on ABC’s The Bachelor. (Many women may even find themselves fantasizing about Cocktails with Chris and The Other Bachelors!)

Since February 14th falls on a Saturday this year, romantic dinner at a favorite restaurant tops some ladies’ wish list. Other women (okay, probably most of us!) have visions of heart-shaped boxes filled with exquisite chocolates and an attached love note that would melt our hearts. (BTW, chocolate makes the perfect complement to any of the above gifts at least IMHO.) I found myself thinking about how I wanted to spend Valentine’s Day, and then I had an epiphany…

Why should Valentine’s Day be all about me – or you? I remembered farm wife Jody Dvorak’s marriage advice, “A supportive spouse is there at the end of the day to listen, to understand that her needs don’t come first every day and to provide a safe space for her husband.”

So how can you put your main man first this Valentine’s Day? If you want to wow a guy, you have to climb inside his mind! At least that’s the advice Matt Bean gives in a Women’s Health magazine article entitled, “6 Perfect Date Ideas from a Man’s Perspective.” Men tend to goal-oriented and action-minded.

Bean is obviously sharing dating ideas based on his personal preference, so I decided to “pick the brains” of three bachelor farmers ranging in age from early 20s to mid-40s. “I can have fun doing whatever, but if I were to choose, I’d take a date to a sporting event,” says Jake Fedeler, aka “Mr. June,” one of The Other Bachelors of Arlington. “It doesn’t really matter if we cheer for the same team or have a little fun playfully cheering against each other. Going to a sporting event, followed by a bite to eat and a few drinks is pretty ideal.” Below are responses I received from other bachelors I know:

• A perfect date could be so many things from taking a drive in my pickup and then laying on a blanket under the stars to an evening at the community theatre. I always enjoy a nice supper, whether we’re cooking together in my kitchen or going to a restaurant. During planting and harvest, I really like having someone special next to me in the cab. When you’re working 12- to 16-hour days, just having someone next to you can mean the world to a guy. (Really, this is a direct quote from a bachelor farmer friend of mine!)
• “I don’t have just one dating style, but I tend to plan adventurous yet romantic dates.” (Yes, this is another quote from a bachelor I know. And, yes, the following ideas all came from him!) I love visiting brew pubs like the Potosi Brewery. I enjoy eating dinner in the harbor. Sunset pontoon rides are so much fun. I’ve enjoyed taking dates on an evening dinner cruise like those offered in Stillwater, Minnesota, and La Crosse, Wisconsin. I really enjoy hiking. I love dates at sporting events like a Minnesota Wild hockey game or a Twins baseball game. Holiday parties like St. Patrick’s Day or Halloween can be so much fun because you can and your date can enjoy a night out with a group of friends. I’ve always wanted to take a date zip lining at Mall of America and then eat afterward at Crave or Tucci Benucch.
• “I’d like for a lady to take the lead every now and then.” It doesn’t matter if you’re single or whether you share a bank account and a last name, according to the unscientific research I conducted this week. Every male I interviewed told me he’d appreciate it if his partner hit the ATM and then treated him. “I’d even go on a picnic if she planned it!” said one of my bachelor friends. “Honestly, it’s a lot of pressure for a guy to plan every date. It doesn’t help when you ask a lady what she wants to do, and she says ‘I don’t care’.”

The stakes seem higher once you’ve dated a while because men say they don’t know if they should repeat “great dates” or whether they must come up with new ideas. As someone who’s been married for years, I can empathize with couples who struggle to talk about anything other than their children, their children’s activities or their jobs. I also understand how hard it can be to carve out time for “date nights” once you become a parent.

Studies show how important it is for married couples, as well as dating couples, to spend time together doing what makes them happiest. There are 10 needs that shouldn’t be ignored in a relationship. But “what makes him (or her) happiest” really depends on, well, your date! Each person has his or her own personal preferences.

One of my friends swears by using the book If… Questions for the Game of Life to get to know a lot about a person in a short amount of time. She also claims it’s a great way to spark conversation between couples who have been together for years.

The book “If,” according to an online review, “poses hundreds of questions ranging from practical to maddening, moral to hilarious – which, if read alone, inspire self-exploration; if shared, spark fascinating discussions at gatherings, dinner parties, or meetings.” Here’s one example: “If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be?”

This example question made me laugh since my husband and I discussed history, politics and religion after attending an Iowa State men’s basketball game on our first date. (How taboo, right?) Nearly 20 years later, we’re still cheering on the Cyclones together!

If you need more ideas on how to treat your sweetheart “during the month of love,” check out these related posts:

• Do Your Heart Some Good
• 5 Pieces of Tried & True Marriage Advice
• 5 Things a Bachelorette Should Know before Saying “I Do”

While watching Monday night’s episode of The Bachelor starring Iowa farmer Chris Soules, I couldn’t help but think about how fun it would be to have my hair styled and then slip into stylish shoes for an evening inside a ballroom. This “dream” can become a reality for those fortunate enough to score tickets for an upcoming Iowa appearance by Soules and The Other Bachelors of Arlington.

Tickets are on sale now for “Cocktails with Chris Soules and the Other Bachelors of Arlington.” This once-in-a-lifetime evening is being presented by Hy-Vee on Feb. 12, beginning at 6 PM, in the Marriott Hotel ballroom, 1200 Collins Road Northeast, Cedar Rapids.

Place your order now as approximately 175 tickets remain. NOTE: 525 have already sold! It doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, happily married or happily single. It doesn’t matter if you’re 21 or 81. It doesn’t even matter if you drink! Buy two tickets and grab your BFF or your BF (or husband) and head to the Marriott Hotel in Cedar Rapids.

Support Arlington as this small Northeast Iowa town wraps up its $1 million fundraising campaign. Proceeds from silent auction will benefit construction of the Arlington community center. Silent auction items include:

• two lower level tickets to an upcoming home Iowa State men’s basketball game
• Hawkeye-themed gift basket
• 20″ by 40″ framed print of Finally Payday by Charles Freitag
• 2-night stay at J&J Hideaway with gift certificates to local restaurants
• 4-hour boating package for 6 with Chris Soules
• Cooler filled with assorted meats from Edgewood Locker
• Dates with some of the 12 “Other Bachelors”

“As ladies browse the auction items, we hope they keep their significant others in mind,” says John Fedeler, Community Center Capital Campaign Committee member, who conceived the idea for The Other Bachelors of Arlington calendar. His oldest son, Jake Fedeler, is Mr. June. “There are some great auction items that would make wonderful Valentine’s Day gifts.”

Before you scoff at buying a sports package, remember that “recreational companionship” is a Top 5 need for the average red blooded male. (Yes, sporting events and active outings like hiking and biking are more than a “want” for many men. Recreation is a true “need.”) Studies show it’s important for married couples, as well as dating couples, to spend time together doing what makes them happiest.

In addition to winning bids on silent auction items, those in attendance at the Feb. 12th event can listen to live music by Beau Timmerman. Bachelor calendars will be available for purchase, plus there will be opportunities to get autographs and to take photos will the bachelors.

More information for auction items will be released next week, so check out The Other Bachelors of Arlington on Facebook for more details!

Also look for Part III of “The Bachelor” blog series to post Monday, Feb. 2, on TheFieldPosition.com. Here are links to Parts 1 and 2:

• 5 Things a Bachelorette Should Know before Saying “I Do”
• 5 Pieces of Tried & True Marriage Advice

Before I delve into the main topic of today’s blog, I want to make a quick mention about mental health. Governor Branstad defends the plan to close two Iowa mental health facilities and there are threats of lawsuits being filed. What’s right? What’s the proper way to proceed?

Here in Franklin County IA, we’ve invited local mental health experts to attend our next Farm Bureau board meeting with the intent of becoming as informed as we can. Our board tries to make a difference in all areas of our community, not only with farm issues.

Last Friday morning I was on my way to an Ag in the Classroom board meeting, when an incident happened that made me even more interested in investigating mental health issues. I was driving down the highway – before daybreak – when an oncoming set of headlights suddenly crossed into my lane. No swerving, no slowing down. Those lights came straight at me! Without time to even click off my cruise, I took the shoulder.

Because this car came directly at me, it made me question the driver’s intent. Was this person suffering from health – even mental health – issues? Concerned that the safety of other drivers was a stake, I considered calling 911. But what could I report? It happened so fast, I wasn’t even sure if it was a car or pickup. Nonetheless, it was a wakeup call!

Now about what I really want to talk about this week…

While speaking at a 140 conference in Des Moines a few years ago, I shared how our North Central Ag in the Classroom program helps educate students about farming and its importance to our state. In attendance was Desmund Adams, who had grown up in Chicago. He asked why we don’t do Ag in the Classroom in Chicago. He shared how growing up he didn’t know meat came from an animal; he grew up thinking meat simply came from the grocery store.

Unfortunately, people without a direct connection to farming only know what they hear and see through images portrayed by Disney® cartoons or those in a Little Golden Book like Old MacDonald Had a Farm. Helping Iowa students know their food comes from the farm, not the grocery store, is a goal of the North Iowa Ag in the Classroom.

The vision for this program started in 1998, but it took several years to organize. An IRS 501(c)3 organization formed in July of 2004. Since then, North Iowa Ag in the Classroom has grown to five employees, who work with 28 schools in 10 counties, thanks in part to sponsors like Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds. The AITC programs reached nearly 9,000 kids during the 2013-2014 school year.

It is one thing to create curriculum, but it’s an entirely different matter to have the opportunity to present that material in the classroom. I honestly believe in-person presentations by AITC staff are having great impact. Last year AITC reached another 571 students in special request. In the classroom with presentations on a variety of subjects. Classroom presentation, as well as farm tours, may be requested by teachers at any time of the year. Farm tours also are organized upon request, and last year 201 students went on tours of area farms.

North Iowa Ag in the Classroom provides students with a broad view of farming. Most AITC counties sponsor an Ag Fair Day, which last year reached 1,039 first through fourth grade students. Ag Fair Days allow students to learn about a variety of topics such as healthy food, conservation, livestock, farm safety, and machinery.

By connecting farming to food and the classroom, it’s my hope that we’ll help kids develop critical thinking skills. By improving the knowledge young people have of farming and food production, it’s our hope that the younger generation will know better than to accept information from Dr. Oz and the Food Babe as truthful and factual. If kids acquire more knowledge, perhaps such misinformation won’t be quite as effective.

Together we can make a difference! Contact Linda Anderegg about how you can support Ag in the Classroom efforts, or feel free to contact me for more information.

Guest Blog by Kaitlyn Bartling

I’ve struggled over the past several years to come to terms with the process of agvocating. I have honestly questioned whether my voice counts as an agvocate.

I am married to a farmer, who is a part of a Century Farm in Hardin County Iowa, but I work full time at a job that is not agriculture focused. I know there are as many views of agriculture as there are producers. Organic, GMO, natural, antibiotic free, free range, confinement, commercial – listing those made me feel political not agricultural. I don’t really care for politics. Since my agricultural experience isn’t always going to align perfectly with another producer’s reality, even in my own township, am I harming their farm story when I talk about ours?

I’ve hesitated to call myself an agvocate because I do not have amazing technical or creative skills to do musical parodies like the Peterson Farm Bros or Farmer Derek Klingenberg. My work removes me from our farming operation and daily chores. I have a blog, but it is really about my interest in creative writing. It chronicles the life that goes along with being a farmer’s wife and the meals I make along the way.

I only saw barriers and reasons I couldn’t be called real agvocate. Then I rediscovered something…

I have a deep and abiding dedication to this life I have made, standing next to my husband and kids. The ignorance of the consuming public about the basics of agriculture will impact my children’s ability to raise livestock and food crops, even as youth project participants. The masses of consumers who have no connection to or knowledge of how food comes to them will certainly impact the opportunities my kids will have to be involved in our family farm as another generation. These same voting consumers will impact the issues of food security and water quality for the world’s population. Most importantly, My Farmer’s Wife blog gives my kids a voice and an identity that is as linked to our family farm as the seasons are linked to crop production. If I don’t support and encourage them and my husband’s vocation, I’m not the mom and bride I set out to be!

I decided to begin to support other agvocate projects and develop a voice locally. I take time to write personal notes to other agvocates when I see them approach a difficult topic on a blog or news outlet. I involve my kids and husband in ways they are comfortable in reaching consumers.

My family agreed to submit a video for the “Happy” parody that Derek Klingenberg put together last year. The week this parody was released was the only time my son was willing to participate in preschool show and tell, and he talked to his classmates about the cattle in our clip.

When our daughter had a week to share with her 3^rd grade class, she chose to have her dad bring three piglets from our farrowing barn. She told the class what she does at our farm and asked us to talk about how pork is produced at our farm.

This year our kids will be giving out Ag-tines instead of commercially produced Valentines. We have designed ours from pictures that fit our interest. They are just from a publisher postcard template, but they serve the purpose of giving our kids a conversation starter.

Our family doesn’t have an amazing, high dollar, coast-to-coast, super charged communications platform. We wouldn’t know what to do with it if we did. We do have a willingness to engage with others and give a little time on a regular basis to think about incorporating agriculture into the everyday world of others. We can’t be afraid of telling our farm’s truth while still respecting the place and the value of other farms that may not be exactly like ours.

It has taken some time, but I’m finally ready to say I’m an agvocate. I hope you’ll join me!

There has been a lot of chatter since the American Farm Bureau Federation recently presented a Distinguished Service Award, its highest honor, to Dr. Temple Grandin during the 96th AFBF Annual Convention.

“There’s no question that Dr. Grandin’s work has transformed the livestock industry,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “Her groundbreaking (livestock processing) systems have become popular across the country for their capacity to reduce animal fear and stress while making handling and transport easier.”

While Mr. Stallman says there’s no question that Dr. Grandin’s work has changed the livestock industry, I believe we raise a few questions: How many of these changes were based on science rather than emotion? How has Dr. Grandin moved the conversation forward between foodies and farmers? How does autism affect how she’s perceived?

One thing I do know for certain, Grandin’s achievement award has been a conversation starter among farmers and ranchers for the past 10 days or so!

Farmers and ranchers use science every day! How I take care of pigs is all based on science, and yes, a little instinct. Feeding these pigs in a controlled environment and keeping them healthy has been done through research and experience – that’s science! Many of the words and terms I use to explain how and why I farm are like a foreign language to non-farmers.

“Emotions” are a universal language. When I traveled to the Ukraine a couple years ago, I found that scientific terms did not translate but the Ukrainians could see my passion (emotion) for crops and livestock. We discovered common ground through the passion and emotion.

So not only do we have a problem speaking the same language, science can be interpreted in different ways. For example, the Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) is claiming the rivers from which they draw water are more polluted now. If you study DMWW’s own data, however, you can clearly see the nitrates have decreased 25 percent in the past 15 years. Of course, that information doesn’t work in to their emotional plan to sue three Iowa counties!

But back to Temple Grandin… I had the opportunity to hear her speak in Des Moines a few years ago. She explained all that she has done for cattle, and not being a cattle guy, I couldn’t argue with what she was saying. When she started talking about pigs, however, I could tell right away she had no experience raising pigs. Her presentation condemning gestation stalls was based on just emotion!

Temple told this crowd of Iowa farmers that we “had” to get rid of gestation stalls because consumers would demand that we do. That is just plain wrong! I have personal experience raising gestating sows many different ways, and I can tell you these stalls were designed for the welfare of the sow! There have been several studies (real science) that show, given the choice between being in a gestation crate or in with a group, she picks the crate over 90 percent of the time. Why?

Sows feel comfortable being in a crate, similar to how some dogs prefer to be inside their kennels when they feel threatened. My dog, Tucker, feels safer inside his kennel. Sows are the same way… and I’m fine with using “emotion” this time to help people understand pork production.

I’m not fine, however, using “sensationalism in place of science” as Trent Loos goes on to explain. A sixth generation United States farmer and host of the daily radio show, yesterday Trent outlined some reasons why “Temple Grandin is the greater threat to the future of a domestic food supply than all of the animal rights groups combined.”

Here’s an excerpt from Trent’s article, “Choose a Better Path,” that published January 19, 2015, by the High Plains Journal:

“One of her (Temple’s) favorite sayings is, “Gestation crates for pigs are a real problem. … Basically, you’re asking a sow to live in an airline seat. … I think it’s something that needs to be phased out.”

Here again she comes to that decision based on emotion and not one shred of science. She leads the discussion regarding sow gestation housing by saying the consumer chooses pork production systems with group housing. However, in every study done that compared the two systems, when sows were allowed to choose they preferred to go lay in gestation stalls rather than in the group housing area. So are we doing this for the pigs or not?”

When Temple tells farmers how to raise livestock to appease consumer’s emotion instead of using a science-based way to raise livestock, everyone – and the animals – lose!

Marriage is marriage, whether the couple is living on or off a farm, as Jody Dvorak so wisely reminded me last week when the two of us were chatting about ABC’s reality show “The Bachelor”.

“A supportive spouse is there at the end of the day to listen, to understand that her needs don’t come first every day and to provide a safe space for her husband,” said Dvorak.

Words of affirmation are a love language for all men, according to 10 Secrets of a Happy Marriage as penned by author Karen Kingsbury in her bestselling book Forever. Women need respect and nurturing. Always show appreciation and remember to say “thank you.”

While both partners must “work” at a marriage, I’m focusing on what women can do. Why? Iowa bachelor Chris Soules has a worldwide stage now, which provides an opportunity to showcase Iowa in particular and agriculture in general. Last Monday on TheFieldPosition.com we addressed 5 misperceptions bachelorettes had about Iowa agriculture during the season premiere. Today I’m offering marriage advice from experienced farm wives.

The following 5 Tried and True Pieces of Marriage Advice are the result of me sifting through Facebook comments and emails from my farm friends and summarizing them for bachelorettes:

1. Keep the faith.
2. Never doubt for one moment that you are loved.
3. Date nights are weather dependent, regardless of the season.
4. Learn to speak “farm talk” or “ag talk,” an unofficial love language.
5. Enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

Keep the faith. “Pray for safety for your ‘man’ and for patience to sustain you throughout the season,” as Chris Cornelius of Andrew, Iowa, wrote lovingly in a letter to the lady who is now happily married to Chris’ oldest son. Farming is a consuming business. Both the body and mind are taxed during the busiest seasons of the year. Remember, “This too shall pass.”

Never doubt for one moment that you are not loved. There will be weeks of long hours and sacrifice,” adds Chris. During the planting and harvest seasons, recognize it’s “not about me,” it’s about the business. “Farming is a matter of attitude.”

Attitude is everything, agrees Laura Cunningham. Growing up on a North Central Iowa grain and beef operation, she knew what to expect when she married a farmer. It’s also why she chose to become a third generation Iowa farmer herself! Laura and her husband Aaron are partners in SkyView Farms. Aaron focuses on raising row crops and feed for their livestock. Laura’s focus is the cow-calf operation and marketing their locally raised beef products.

On the other hand, Jody Dvork says she was clueless about how long a farmer’s hours are. “Before cell phones, it was tough to know what was going on in the field or even what field he was in! I also didn’t realize how much time I’d be spending alone.”

It’s times like this when many supportive farm wives look for opportunities to rendezvous. Laura and her husband share a May birth date. Sometimes they share birthday cake in the tractor cab. If it’s too windy to spray or the soils are too wet to work, the Cunninghams may find themselves celebrating their birthdays with a boat ride or a day at the lake. They spent their fourth wedding anniversary with a romantic picnic in a field of beautiful purple flowers – never mind that Aaron stepped down from combine and took time out from harvesting monarda.

“Date nights during planting and harvest equals time in the tractor or combine with your husband,” shares newlywed Jenny Dewey Rohrich on her Prairie Californian blog. “Dates during any other time of the year besides winter equals checking crops. If you want to see him or spend time with him, this is where you will be.”

Most dates are weather dependent. Unlike your non-farming friends, you’ll be happy for rain on Saturdays in the summer adds Jody Dvorak. “Rain means you may go to a movie or out to dinner with your guy, and your guy is usually happy for the rain because it makes his crops grow.”

Know that a majority of the conversations during your meal time will be about farming, advises Jenny Rohrich. Farm talk will become table talk during supper. “Talking farming” is a love language. It’s okay to let your farmer talk; you can practice your listening skills. J You will get to hear all about how the crops are growing. You’ll get an update on commodity prices. You’ll probably hear about equipment that broke down, equipment needs or his equipment wish list.

Regardless of the season, weather is always a favorite topic of conversation. Weather dictates what farming operations can be performed during spring, summer and fall. Summer weather plays a major role in crop yield, which greatly affects farm income. And in Midwest during the winter, weather dictates whether or not you’ll be leaving home. Prepare yourself for delays, postponements and cancellations due to inclement weather.

Even though Iowa’s average daytime temperature in January is 15°, you’ll find beauty in the countryside. While the constellations are a sight to behold in the fall and summer, they shine even brighter on a cold winter’s night. On the coldest days, you’ll find beauty in the form of sun dogs. Sunrises and sunsets can be brilliant, too.

Learn to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.“I really enjoy sitting around the fire pit and admiring the view,” says Jody. “Even though I rode the city bus to hang out with my friends on weekends as a kid, I’ve learned that my little town doesn’t need a mall or even a spa to be awesome. I cherish the friendships I’ve made here, too.”

It’s possible for a woman who wasn’t raised on a farm to find happiness on one, but Jody advises the bachelorettes to know what they’re in for! Here are three things she wishes she would have known:

• That “slow time” between harvest and planting seasons is pretty much a myth. The work is hard, and the laundry is dirty. When that pricey equipment breaks down, you’ll just shut off the stove, throw the kids in the car, run to pick up your stranded farmer. Later that night, you eat gluey potatoes and are happy that everyone is home safe and sound.
• Most of that beautiful corn growing in all those fields you drive past doesn’t end up in cans of Del Monte niblets. The majority of Iowa’s corn is made into livestock feed, and there is definitely a difference between “feed” and “food”! Field corn goes into feed; sweet corn goes on your supper table.
• Strategically choose your seat at the annual seed dinner. Make it a point to stop and “tie” your shoe casually as you pass one of the banquet tables. If you see a red dot under one of the chairs, take that seat. There might be a centerpiece or Latham® spatula in your future!

A farmer has been described (at least by Paul Harvey in his “So God Made a Farmer” speech) as “somebody with arms strong enough to rustle a calf and yet gentle enough to deliver his own grandchild. Somebody to call hogs, tame cantankerous machinery…”

This week I feel like the farm broadcaster’s legendary speech should be amended to read: “… somebody with shoulders broad enough to carry the weight of the world but humble enough to know he can’t do it alone. Somebody with the acrobatic artistry to juggle eight balls for eight days without dropping a single one.”

One of the issues that’s currently weighing heavily on my heart and mind is the vote by Des Moines Water Works to sue three Iowa counties over nitrates. On Monday of this week, Iowa farmers and the Iowa Soybean Association spoke out against the intent to sue. Yesterday, Iowa farmer and cattle producer Dan Hanrahan posted follow up comments on his blog where he writes:

“Soil and water quality have always been a concern and a focus of many producers’ efforts. If anything has changed… it is Des Moines Water Works’ approach to the problem. I believe you would find LD Mc Mullen (Stowe’s predecessor as director of Des Moines Water Works) was a proponent of the collaborative approach and built many relationships in that regard with the community upstream. Stowe has ended many of those and seems to be intent on going it alone. At the end of the day the challenge for improved water quality is such a complicated issue, I don’t see how it is going to take anything less than all of us working together to find a solution.”

With many fellow Iowa farmers sharing their stories about soil conservation and water quality efforts this week, it frees me up to talk about some other projects in which I’m involved. Winter, although considered the “off season” for farmers, is one of my busiest times of the year. I have pig chores to do, regardless of the season. I also have year-long responsibilities and obligations to my family and my community, which includes attending meetings for everything from church to the local chamber.

Winter is truly the meeting season. This week has reminded me of a circus performer who juggles three, four or more objects in the air at the same time. The trick is, of course, not to let a single ball drop. This week I felt like I had eight balls in the air, and I really don’t want to drop a single thing! It’s a week filled with many meetings and events that I am really proud to be a part of, but each more meeting has given more projects to coordinate.

Please understand that I’m not “playing the violin” here. I know community involvement (and over commitment) isn’t a farmer-specific problem. I do, however, want to give you a snapshot of what my week is like:

• Sunday, January 11, I was ordained as an elder of our church.
• Monday was filled with many phone calls, as I worked to tie up loose ends for this week’s events. I had two meetings Monday night, a political responsibility at 5 PM and a church meeting at 7 PM.
• Today will start with the Franklin County social media breakfast on the importance of using hash tags, followed by some more detail work for the Greater Franklin County Chamber’s inaugural Town & Country Expo (#towncountry).
• Tomorrow I’ll travel to the Des Moines airport to where I’ll greet California cattle baroness, Celeste Settrini, who will keynote Thursday’s Expo. I also have a few errands to run before that evening’s Meet & Greet. This day will pass way too quickly!
• Thursday is a BIG event! The Town & Country Expo, which is FREE and OPEN to the public, will take place inside the convention center on the fairgrounds in Hampton, from 10 AM until 3 PM. At 6 PM, I have a county Farm Bureau board meeting.

P.S. One of my grandsons is wrestling on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings. I can only be at one place at a time, and I have to tell you that I’m always feel guilty when I have to miss something!

• Friday will bring a very early trip to the airport and a good bye to Celeste.
• Saturday there is another wrestling tournament, plus a kick off banquet for a membership drive.
• Sunday, January 18, I’ll return to church for an all-day event that I have helped plan for nearly a year. “Walk through the Old Testament” is a hands-on, interactive learning experience that begins at 9 AM with the service at Bethel Reformed Church in Aplington. You don’t have to be a member to attend, so let me know if you’re interested!

Meeting season to me is very important, yet I just need to remember to include those near and dear to me. This week I was reminded that as one works so hard to serve the greater good, those closest to you may not be getting the attention they deserve. My church and my family deserve more of my attention. My farm operation needs more of my attention, too. I feel called to promote agriculture and share my farm story because I want to help consumers understand what farmers are about and why they farm the way they do.

Advocating can be a juggling act in itself… Here’s to eight days of not dropping the ball!