It’s customary this time of year to reflect upon the past year and set new goals. The New Year is a time for hopes and dreams. But not everyone looks forward to loud parties or even rooms filled with people…

That’s why Retrieving Freedom Inc. (RF) established itself as a nonprofit in 2011 to assist Veterans, children with autism and diabetics. “These dogs don’t just help the person. In the end, they help the whole community,” said Scott Dewey in an April 2013 interview with KWWL. Dogs in training reach thousands of individuals who will benefit on many levels.

The New Year is bringing about new services for RFI as it moves into its new “Thrive Again” facility in Waverly, Iowa. This facility was designed to provide animal-assisted activities with help from local Veterans, schools, troubled teenagers, college students, and community volunteers like Chad Johnson. Johnson served 13 years in the Iowa Army National Guard, through deployments in Egypt, Iraq and Afghanistan. He says helping at RFI gives him a sense of purpose and also allows him give back since he also received, Copper, a service dog from RFI.

“If I’m flashing back, processing different situations I’ve been in and anxiety’s building up, he’ll sense it automatically and just do ‘paws up’ right on me,” said Johnson in a Dec. 1, 2013, WCF Courier article. Copper will get in Johnson’s lap, lick his face, tug his sleeve and calm him by getting Johnson to play catch with a ball or go for a walk.

Another RFI volunteer is Jenna Kyhl, who is currently fostering two puppies for RFI. She says the puppies receive her care from the time they’re weaned until they’re about 8 months old. During this time, the Labradors learn to work and play. She potty trains the pups and teaches them basic commands like sit, stand and lay down. She also teaches them to lead from a person’s left side.

“I take the dogs everywhere I go from the time they arrive,” explains Khyl. “It’s important for them to get exposed to situations like shopping in Wal-Mart and eating in restaurants.” They learn they’re “working” when they’re wearing their vest. When they’re not wearing the vests, they get to explore the yard, walk trails and play. The pups also get lots of exposure to other animals and children as Jenna takes them to work with her as riding instructor and horse trainer at Hilltop Equestrian Center.

In a recent Facebook post, Kyhl gives a look into what it means to foster a RFI puppy:

December 19 at 9:13am ·

I wanted to share this with my family and friends. I know that sometimes it may not be convenient for me to have Ada, Topper or Latham with me. I do understand that having them in your homes or sitting under the table while we are out to dinner or laying on your feet in a movie may not be in your comfort zone. I understand that you are not used to the looks and questions from strangers. I understand that the extra 5 minutes it takes me to walk anywhere because of people asking questions might irritate you.

I want to say thank you for being supportive in my choice to continue fostering. Please understand that I truly believe in what I am doing, and I truly believe I am helping to make a child or veterans life a little easier. This link may allow you to put names, faces and stories with my reasons for wanting to be a foster. (http://retrievingfreedom.org/recipients-and-dogs/)

Thank you for being so understanding and supportive! Especially when the dogs may not be acting like perfect little citizens they will get there! They need to make their mistakes with me so that they are successful in making someone’s life better when it is time for them to move on to the next step.

Thank you again! Ada, Top and Latham thank you as well!

Ada is the name of the first female Lab that Khyl fostered for RFI. In a few weeks, Top (short for “Topper”) will move to his next level of training at the RFI facility. The latest puppy, named “Latham,” arrived on December 18.

Donated by Craig Christians, Territory Sales Manager for Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, our namesake puppy will become part of the RFI’s breeding program. Watch for updates on these dogs by following Retrieving Freedom’s Facebook page or on Twitter as @RFI_dogs.

“Latham” the pup was purchased from Kerrybrook Labrador Retrievers of Chardon in Northeast Ohio, which has developed a reputation for breeding dogs for soundness, temperament, working ability and confirmation – all important traits for service dogs.

My son and I had the opportunity to meet “Latham” on Tuesday, Dec. 23. What a sweetheart! Like any baby, he sleeps most of the day. He also needs to eat good quality foods to maintain a healthy diet during periods of rapid growth, so today we’re sharing a recipe for dog treats that won’t break your own dog’s diet.

You’ve probably heard of Chris Soules, the Northeast Iowa farmer who will star in the 19^th season of ABC’s hit reality show The Bachelor when it premieres Jan. 5. But have your heard of The Other Bachelors of Arlington?

The small town near where Soules grew up wants the world to know he’s not the only eligible bachelor. Twelve single men, who live within a 20-mile radius of Arlington, are on a mission. They posed for portraits that are being featured in a 2015 calendar that’s bringing the community together. A local photographer provided her services, and a local printer finished the job in time for last-minute Christmas gifts.

“The calendar is really helping boost fundraising efforts underway for the Arlington Community Center,” says John Fedeler, the Community Center Capital Campaign Committee member, who conceived the idea for the calendar. Approximately $750,000 has been raised and another $150,000 is needed.

Helping raise the remaining funds is something the Fedeler family is taking “personally.” One of John and Jackie Fedeler’s daughters helped develop the list of bachelors for the calendar. Their oldest son, 22-year-old Jake, is Mr. June. After attending Kirkwood Community College, he returned home to the family’s row crop and beef operation.

Agriculture is the backbone of Fayette County, so it’s no wonder that all 12 of the “other bachelors” either grew up on a farm, are engaged in farming or are employed in an ag-related field. Mr. July is currently a football player at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Mr. August was the second generation to be raised on the farm his grandfather purchased just Northeast of Arlington. He graduated from Upper Iowa University in Fayette, and teaches business at Starmont High School.

Each of the bachelors agreed to participate to help raise funds for the Arlington Community Center. Calendars sell for $14.99 and there are two options for ordering: (1) send an email to: arlingtonbachelorcalendar@gmail.com or (2) pay through PayPal using an order tab on “The Other Bachelors of Arlington” Facebook page.

In just one week, 500 calendars have been sold. The group has a goal of selling a total of 1,000. Get yours ordered today while supplies last!

Sometimes the truth hurts… but it doesn’t have to! Sometimes you find yourself laughing while listening to ridiculous situations being dramatized by a funny motivational speaker and think, “Yes, I do resemble that comment!” The latter is the situation I found myself in earlier this month while listening to Colette Carlson deliver her presentation, “3 Truths Female Business Leaders Need to Know,” during the 4^th Annual Executive Women in Agriculture conference hosted by Top Producer magazine and Farm Journal companies.

“Leadership is not a job title,” said Carlson. “Leadership is a state of mind. Be the kind of leaders others need.” Since the number one characteristic people want from a leader is trustworthiness, it’s time to “speak your truth.”

CAUTION: Speaking your truth is not the same as speaking your mind, says Carlson. Speaking the truth means you say what needs to be said with tact and diplomacy. Respect yourself enough to speak up; respect someone else enough to tell them what you need.

“We teach others how to treat us,” says Carlson. “Most likely, you’re teaching your company, your boss, your kids, and your family that you will keep taking on more and more responsibility to make their life easier. By saying ‘yes’ to everyone else you are saying ‘no’ to yourself.  It’s time to speak your truth.”

Women often don’t get what they want and deserve because they don’t ask for it. Too many of us don’t say what needs to be said with clarity and tact because it makes us feel uncomfortable. Too many of us complain over what little power we have in a situation, rather than using the power we have to go after what we need to live the life we desire. It’s time to dig deep, be brave and stand in your truth.

Literally speaking of “standing in the truth,” remember that body language shapes who you are. Body language affects how others see us, and it also affects how we see ourselves. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy has shown that power posing — standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don’t feel confident — can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain. A “power pose” might even have an impact on our chances for success!

“The Wonder Woman power pose – legs wide, fists on hips – has been proven scientifically to boost self-confidence by increasing testosterone and decreasing cortisol,” writes Carlson in a blog post entitled, Do You Know the Wonder Woman Truths? “…Try this effective hormone manipulation next time you’re faced with speaking up for yourself. Take two minutes in a private place (bathroom stalls work great), strike the Wonder Woman pose, and notice how much easier it is to face your fears.”

Keep in mind that not even Wonder Woman depended on herself alone. The ruby in her tiara allowed her to connect with colleagues and loved ones back home. Who’s there to support you when you have tough decisions to make? If you haven’t already done so, Carlson recommends cultivating a mentor, sponsor, friend, or coach to help you meet your goals. Also be accountable to yourself.

Hold up the mirror and be honest, challenges Carlson. Are you doing what YOU want to do? Stop the “lies”! Limiting Ideas Eliminate Success. Be honest about yourself or your choices.

“Avoiding the truth limits your potential,” says Carlson. “What is not speaking your truth costing you? Risk being real!”

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Sometimes a woman is her own worst enemy! We find ourselves saying “yes” to one more thing, especially during the holidays.

“Do less. Be More. That’s my goal this Christmas season,” Lysa TerKeurst, author of The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands,” posted last Saturday on Facebook. Limiting items on the to-do list is one sure fire tactic to reduce stress during this season and always.

We end up stressing because we try to put too much into our day, said certified professional speaker and human behaviorist Colette Carlson December 5 to a group of about 300 women in attendance at the Executive Women in Ag (#EWA14) in Chicago. “The truth is you’re never going to get it all done,” she said. “What you really need to do is create a Not-To-Do List.”

Items that bog you down should be moved from the “To-Do” to the “Not-To-Do” list. Some tasks currently identified as Not-To-Do’s may someday make your To-Do List, says Carlson, but right now other values and goals take priority.

It’s time to speak your truth, says Carlson. Women – in general – must learn to express themselves. When you say “yes” to everyone else, you’re saying “no” to yourself!

So why do women agree to take on more when we really want to say “no”?  Most of us are afraid of disappointing or angering someone we love or respect. We don’t want to be criticized, talked-about or judged. (Hmmm… Isn’t it ironic that women tend to be more critical and judgmental of other women?)

To help determine whether accepting a request to help is worth your time and effort, Carlson recommends asking yourself these questions:

• Will this task give you access to, or recognition or respect from, a connection you’re cultivating?
• Will it simply take energy, focus and time away from other vital deliverables?
• Or will it develop a skill set you’re looking to grow?

Recent research by Lise Vesterlund, economics professor at the University of Pittsburgh, reveals that women in the workforce are more likely than men to: (1) Volunteer to do non-promotable tasks; (2) Be asked to do non-promotable tasks; and (3) Agree to do these tasks.

“No” just may be your password to the next level. The second “truth” that Carlson shared during her presentation to Executive Women in Ag is “To go to the next level, you must grow to the next level.”

No matter your position or career goals, you can benefit from adapt these truths to fit your situation. “Leadership is a state of mind, not a job title,” says Carlson. Whether we’re managing our own household or leading a Fortune 500 company, all women know what it’s like to feel overcommitted. That’s why it’s so important to know when to take control and when to let go. “Let it go, let it go!”

“Get your ask in gear,” advises Carlson. By multi-asking rather than multi-tasking, you just may find yourself singing a new tune this holiday season.

I was listening to NewsRadio 1040 WHO early one morning last week as talk show hosts Van & Bonnie were broadcasting live from a Des Moines-area mall. Van mentioned how the “mall walkers” were surprised by the station’s early morning activities. My first thought was, “Why would anyone be in the mall that early to walk?

That thought prompted me to consider how physical activity has changed during the last century. We all know that our eating habits have changed throughout the years. We consume far more calories today than we ever have, but these calories come from different foods than those that graced our ancestors’ tables. Many foods today are processed, unlike a generation or two ago when homegrown foods were eaten fresh or canned to last throughout the winter months.

In the old farm house where I grew up, there was a “potato room” in the basement that was like a root cellar. There also was a “fruit room” where home canned goods were kept. A dumb waiter, or manual elevator, lowered food onto the basement floor where it was keep it cool since there wasn’t any refrigeration at the time this house was built.

Now back to the mall walkers… When I was young, walking was something we did to get to the barn or to a field. Chores on Saturdays involved a pitchfork and a shovel. Three or four times during the summer months, we baled and stacked hay. No wonder farm kids were in pretty good shape for sports!

In “the good old days,” cows were milked by hand. Barns were cleaned by hand. Even corn was picked by hand. This has changed to where today many farmers do not even need to steer their tractors across the field! In fact, 41% of the U.S. workforce in in 1900 was needed to grow food. As of 2000, only 1.9% of Americans farmed.

It stands to reason that just as farm chores transformed in the 20^th Century, off-farm jobs also have become more mechanized during the past 100 years. A pallet of seed that I plant is now stacked neatly by a robot. Much of the welding in a factory is done by robots. I toured a factory where my hog feeders were built, and the steel is cut and placed by robots!

Even households chores are different today. Central vacuums have eliminated the need to pull around a big vacuum, and coming on strong is the Roomba… you guessed it, a robot vacuum!

Entertainment has changed through the years, as well. When I was young – after chores, of course – neighborhood kids would get together to play football or basketball. I either rode my bicycle or my horse to get to the neighbors. Going outside to play was the most entertaining “option” as we only had three TV channels, and cartoons only aired on Saturday mornings. Video games were nonexistent.

The mechanization of American has created a new industry. Instead of “working off” calories, today we must “work out” to stay fit. Don’t get me wrong – I admire those early morning walkers in the shopping mall. But I can only imagine

what my grandmother, who milked cows by hand, would think of someone driving to the shopping mall to go walking. Come to think of it, I wonder what she would think of an actual shopping mall. Times have certainly changed!

“The most peaceful thing in the world is plowing a field. Chances are you’ll do your best thinking that way.” – Harry S. Truman

Since I practice minimum tillageand no longer plow, I do my best thinking early in the morning while listening to the radio. Thanks for allowing me to share my thoughts with you today!

Women tend to look at themselves in the mirror and think, “Today is not a good hair day.” (Yes, some women actually begin the day with a personal put down! I just may be speaking from personal experience.) When someone offers us a compliment, we downplay it. For example, someone might say to me, “I love your scarf.” I might respond, “This old thing? I got it on clearance last year for $9.99.” Sound familiar?

The truth is that every woman has incredible strengths, said motivational speaker and author Colette Carlson as she addressed a group of about 300 U.S. farm women, who gathered Dec. 5 in Chicago for the 4^th annual Executive Women in Ag conference.

“Learn to express your success” is one “truth” Carlson shared during her breakout session entitled, “3 Truths Female Business Leaders Need to Know.” Start playing to your strengths by taking three relatively simple steps:

1. Milk a compliment. Humbly accept kind words rather than diluting a compliment. When you devalue a compliment, you send the message that you either aren’t confident in your work or that you don’t respect the opinion of the person who gave you the praise. Learn 7 ways to accept compliments graciously – and then make the most of them!
2. Be a human highlighter. It’s much easier to compliment someone else; highlight the accomplishments of a professional ally, who will in turn, make others aware of your achievements. If you’re a business leader, be sure to champion the strengths of every individual on your team, advises Carlson.
3. Talk yourself into, rather than out of, opportunities. Studies show that women’s lack of confidence consistently holds them back. Whether speaking your truth, delivering a presentation, requesting a promotion, or undertaking some other fear-inducing endeavor, Carlson says confidence is the catalyst propelling us forward.

Clear and direct communication is necessary whether we’re dealing with customers, employers or employees. Employees stay more engaged in work environments with sincere communication and clear expectations.However, when women are too direct, Carlson says it’s mistaken for arrogance. When they’re too succinct, they sound abrupt.

To avoid sounding *itchy, match your tone and body language to the words you’re saying. Carlson demonstrated this by asking the ladies in her #EWA14 workshop to say the word “oh.” This simple two-letter word can convey a host of meanings, depending on tone: curiosity, understanding, disappointment, surprise and affection.

The same hold true when saying “no.” The meaning of this two-letter word also takes on different meanings depending on the tone used. Quite honestly, I have a hard time saying “no” because I don’t want to disappoint anyone. (After all, I grew up providing customer service and made a living providing client service!) But as Carlson points out, we don’t have to be mean when we’re saying what we mean. It’s all about the words we chose and the tone we use, so I’m going to practice saying “no” with clarity.

Saying “yes” all the time can be a career-limiting factor, adds Carlson. Plus saying “yes” adds to our stress levels. This holiday season – and all year long – I’m resolving to practice ways that take off stress. If this sounds like something you want to try, be sure to read Part II of my “The Truths Every Female Needs to Hear” series where I explain how (and why) “No is your password to the next level.”

P.S. My husband and children had been watch out because I’m “getting my ask in order” as Colette Carlson would say!

Colette Carlson, CSP, www.speakyourtruth.com

People generally fear what they don’t understand. Nearly 98% of the American population is no longer engaged in food and fiber production, so it’s easy to see why so many consumers have questions about choosing safe and healthy foods for their family.

So how can be bridge the gap between consumers and producers? It stands to reason that greater understanding leads to greater appreciation… and results from a survey recently commissioned by the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) prove just that!

During a news conference held yesterday during the 2014 Seed Expo in Chicago, ASTA leadership shared research findings from a study of 600 moms, millennials and foodies. These three consumer segments are recognized for driving conversations about food issues, and survey findings verify that they greatly undervalue the role of seed and seed improvements in their everyday lives.

Once consumers were presented with specific examples of environmental, economic and health benefits of seed, however, they had a greater appreciation for how seed innovation contributes to quality of life. Survey respondents were provided examples of seed improvements in areas of food, feed, fuel and fiber. Total positive impressions among millennials increased by 18%; total positive impressions among moms increased by 13%; and total positive impressions among foodies increased by 16%.

These results are extremely encouraging! I couldn’t be more excited about the three-year campaign that’s getting underway to reach consumers with positive messages about seed improvements.

“ASTA is uniquely positioned to help educate consumers about seed improvements that are providing solutions for the increasing demands of a growing world,” ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne. “It also gives our organization an opportunity to focus on ‘why’ we do what we do.”

The seed industry – like the farmers we serve – has an honorable story to tell. That’s why Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds is committed to doing whatever we can to help consumers understand – and appreciate – how better life begins with seed. Better seed equals better life, here and around the globe!