Kansas Farm Bureau®

Give or Receive?  Charlie Sargent

Charlie Sargent is Leadership Programs Manager for Kansas Farm Bureau

Dec. 2009

Is it better to give or receive? Which makes you feel better? . . .and what are we giving or receiving?

What do you have to give? Financially we all have something, but we’re pretty sure there are others who have more and some have less. When it comes to our knowledge of agriculture, the same thing probably holds true - we all have some ag smarts, and yes there are others who know more. The many who know less is the focus of this message. 

Agriculture has many dimensions which are not understood by everyone, and some of those unaware folks give serious financial support to organizations who work openly against agriculture as we know it. That is a real threat. 

Since farmers invest in their operation’s equipment, land, genetics, do they stop there? I hope not. Weeds in a field affect productivity so they should be dealt with, and since the public arena of agriculture has some organized weeds they should also be met head on. 

So what’s a person to do…give or receive? Here are a few thoughts: 

Receive ideas from farmers, ranchers and other ag professionals who have studied this threat. You can no longer stand on the sidelines. Put it in gear. Tell your story with words, pictures, videos, presentations, hands on activities and other actions that can’t be misunderstood. 

Give an earful, in a way that makes the important connection. Doesn’t it tick you off when some story or video tries to send an untrue ugly message about agriculture? Ag producers and other ag professionals know what is accurate, but there are intelligent people who don’t have that farm to plate insight. They can get sidetracked, and unfortunately they do. So we must be creative and persistent with telling the many truths about how agriculture is effective at providing food, clothing, fuel, and pharmaceuticals for the good of all. 

Give your time and talents to strong ag organizations, like Farm Bureau – it represents your industry in a grassroots style with impact locally to globally. 

Give a contribution to Kansas Farm Bureau’s foundations. Money makes a difference. There are scholars, leaders, kids, attorneys, commissions, and boards who can learn how agriculture works if we invest in their knowledge. 

Receive an awareness and motivation that you will not take any of this crap lying down. 

You’re not in this alone. Let’s get after it!

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