Knowledge Center Blog

In many areas kids have already gone back to school, and Labor Day is just around the corner, signaling the unofficial end of summer.  Even though it may feel like summer is ending, the wonderful fresh produce and other food products available at farmers markets across the country are still going strong.  A quick stop by a local farmers market will show an abundance of green beans, tomatoes, beets, cucumbers, many different types of squash, peaches, apples, grapes, watermelons and much more!
 

We’ve all seen the labels in the grocery story, and have probably seen posts on social media and articles on grass fed beef versus grain fed beef.  A quick search today showed an abundance of articles on the subject (my favorite one was from a blogger who actually took a Farm to Fork tour, and she shares her entire experience – even when she was uncomfortable.  You can read it here.)  My husband sells beef in halves and quarters for the family farm, and one of the most frequent questions he receives is “Is this beef grass or grain fed?”  That seems like a fairly easy question to answer right?

It’s National Farmers Market Week!  I have to admit, summer is not necessarily my favorite season – I’m a fan of the cooler temperatures and colors of fall – but one of my favorite things about summer has to be the abundance of farmers markets and fresh products. 

600+ people. 1.5 days.  And an incredible story.  It’s amazing what those three things can do.  Last week we were fortunate to be able to participate in a national event with the Farm Credit System, which brought together over 600 people, including several of our Ag Biz Planner graduates, to help tell agriculture’s story in a place that needs to hear it – our nation’s capital.  Starting with a lunch featuring Secretary Sonny Perdue as the keynote speaker, to an afternoon session that included a speech from Senator Roberts on the Farm Bill, and a full day of visits all across Capitol Hill on Wednesday, Farm Credit employees, board members and customers from across the country to share their stories directly with members of Congress and their staff.
 

Do you ever feel like someone has drawn one giant line in the sand and people have jumped on either side of it and are screaming at the top of their lungs?  Pick your topic – politics, parenting, food choices, agriculture…you name it and I can guarantee you don’t have to look very far to find people who are screaming so loud about their point of view that they can’t even hear themselves think, let alone take a breath long enough to hear the other side.