Well, as you can tell, I have taken a bit of a hiatus from blogging in the past… year… and I am ever so sorry! But, I have to tell you that a lot has been going on, and I am so excited to share it all with you!
In the past year, I have:
- Graduated College
- Begun working at my first beef industry based job, as an administrator at Cows in Control Inc.
- Volunteered for the very first Canadian Beef Industry Conference ever
- Got on my first Ranch Saddle Bronc
- Entered a few Ranch Rodeos with a few of my close girlfriends
- Entered a few Ranch Ropings (and placed in them I might add)
- Begun building up my own herd
- Begun working for a radio station
- Won the Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture Competition (AYSA)
This is just a quick glance at how busy I have been! I wish I could give you the full details of each and every event, but I will do my best to fill you in on a few.
The Canadian Beef Industry Conference was AMAZING! I kind of fell into the whole volunteer position but it was one of the best industry based experiences I have had so far. The conference itself was attended by a wide age range of producers and cattle enthusiasts. The one and only Mo Jessa even made an appearance during the Consumer Demand Panel. I will admit, hearing him speak changed my outlook on him. He was humble, apologetic and open to conversations with Canadian farmers and ranchers about supplying Earl’s with high quality beef.
The Ranch Rodeos, Ropings and the Bronc Riding were fun! I managed to keep myself pretty busy (and uninjured) roping and riding over the summer months. There is really nowhere else I’d rather be than sitting on top of my little dun mare, Newt, with a rope in my hand. I am pretty lucky to have surrounded myself with so many down right handy guys and gals that enjoy the west as much as I do.
AYSA was also another really exciting experience. It was another one of those opportunities that I completely fell into and had little expectations for, but miraculously I managed to come out on top! I spoke about what the next generation of farmers and ranchers will bring to agriculture. I dug into the fact that although we are constantly being exposed to new technologies and improved practices, agriculture is, more so now than ever, being questioned by consumers. Although consumer pressure is just another thing for farmers and ranchers to worry about, we are all still fighting to be in this industry – because we truly do love it!
Since I was the winner of AYSA, I will be competing for the national title in November at RAWF in Toronto! There were so many phenomenal speakers that I was absolutely honoured to be chosen as the winner. Look out Toronto – The Alberta girl is coming in hot!
My first few months beyond the Lethbridge College Campus have been bitter sweet. I have learned so much and have had so many great experience but I’ve been missing all my classmates and instructors.
One thing that has really stuck in my mind over the past few months though is this: Make a list of things you want to do, and then do them. That’s all there is to it!
Until next time, friends! I hope you are enjoying this fall weather as much as I am!