SERVICE
"You shall harvest what you plant." - Galatians 6:7 -
Every day there are more people born, more mouths to feed, more backs to clothe, and fewer farmers to do the job. In Alabama, the average age of a farmer is 55 years old. There are fewer than 50,000 farmers in our state and fewer young people are pursuing farming as a means to make a living. If our country is to continue as a world leader in agricultural production, we need more young people to become farmers. That's an important goal of the Alabama Farmers Federation's Young Farmers Division. At the age of 17, I joined the Blount County Young Farmers to lend my hand in building an even stronger farming future for myself and generations to follow.
Over the past seven years, I have helped coordinate Kids’ Day on the Farm, an annual field trip attended by over 800 second-grade students in Blount County. A few of my responsibilities include assigning and coordinating the work of our committee, volunteer high school students, food vendors, farmers, equipment, and livestock. I also take care of last minute quick fix issues, keep the committee officers, venue managers, and teachers updated and ensure the event expenses are within budget and fundraising limits. Spreading knowledge and helping others while investing in our future makes this event one of my favorites every year.
All photos are used with permission.
All photos are used with permission.
All photos are used with permission.
All photos are used with permission.
Farm Safety Day is a biannual farm equipment extrication seminar attended by about 200 area emergency response personnel and farmers. This valuable training comes at no cost and allows EMTs the opportunity to earn three hours of continued education. Rescue techniques are demonstrated on at least eight types of equipment that differ greatly in movement and source of power. Seeing these demonstrations and hearing techniques, emergency managers will be able to successfully and confidently respond to farm emergencies.
In preparation for this event, I assist the committee with sending out invitations, gathering RSVPs, recruiting donors, and communicating with everyone involved. On the day of the event, I assist with registration, food preparation, and maintaining the overall flow of the day's activities. This event was awarded American Farm Bureau’s County Activity of Excellence in 2012, placing our committee in the top 25 counties nationwide.