Measuring Success

I have often wondered how the best way to measure my success as an agvocate and a producer is. I have had several incidences in the last month that have helped to boost my confidence and realize that my work is worth it and its actually being read.

While washing a hog barn a few weeks ago I found out from the owner that the neighbors had a wedding reception right next door to the hog farm over the weekend and they were all curious what was in the barn because there was no noise, smell or bothersome activity coming from the hog barns. That's when I realized that our management practices are keeping the pigs happy, safe and healthy. I was very glad to hear about the interest in the hog farm and surprised that they didn't have any issues with it because of how close to town it is.

Within the last week I was asked by a friend at the Ohio Pork Producers Council to volunteer at the Ohio State Fair helping with Ohio Pork's portion of "Ag is Cool".  My friend said he has been following my activity on facebook, twitter and blogging and is really impressed with what my family has been doing for the pork industry. He told me about the help he was looking for and he said that he wants my help because he has confidence that I know how to describe the actions of a hog farm and answer basic questions from children and their parents about pigs, pork and the industry.

These things have shown me that my work is being watched and seen. I am glad that others think I do quality work with my agvocating and my management in the pork industry. I'm pleased with the response from both my local community and the ag community to so much of my blogging. I guess these things have helped me to measure my success and help me see what I can do to improve.

I'm thankful for friends, family and a great community to support me in my efforts. I can't wait to help others outside of my local community across the state and the nation!

Our Side Of The Barbwire

Today at work I spent some time out in the woods mowing trails for our future trail rides. As I was mowing I came across an area that was amazing for our area and the type of farm country I'm used to being in. The place was calm, private, peaceful and shaded from the peace of the day.

 I took a few minutes to think about why I love the farm lifestyle. A few weeks ago I did an interview with a local tv crew for a documentary on farm families and they asked the question, "why do you love living in the country?" I found my answer today. I realized that farming is more than a career, to me it is a lifestyle. A lifestyle that my family made many generations ago. I love being able to have freedom when I work to make my own decisions, watch my hard work flourish and grow into something better, and I can always find a peaceful place to clear my mind.

Today I realized that God has given me many blessings, some in disguise and some yet to come. Somewhere along the way I acquired a passion for agvocating and providing helpful and truthful information about agriculture and especially the pork industry. I hope that my thoughts, reflections, pictures, etc. help those who don't see things through the eyes of the farmer, on the outside of the gate, across the barbwire.

Hopefully my reflections help others to shop with confidence in American., locally raised products and help others understand the farm lifestyle and why we do what we do.

Update From The Farm

It's been a while since I posted my last blog. I have been extremely busy with my new job at the hippotherapy place as well as helping my dad on our own farm. I'm, learning so much about working for other people besides my parents, as well as working with horses. Both of these things are new to me and I admit, its taken a little time for me to adjust to it. I think I've adjusted very well and things are going very smoothly.

 I have been working on several projects at Steps To Your Dreams as farm manager. These projects have ranged from daily chores to long term projects that we plan on finishing by the end of summer. As I work towards these goals I have rediscovered my need for patience while working on the farm. While I keep owrking on these projects I will try to post more about what I learn and do.

I have been having trouble loading pictures onto my blog, so I have been putting pictures on facebook so if you're interested in pics of what I've been doing I would love to hear your comments and questions. My facebook link is http://www.facebook.com/sam.wildman1

On our farm at home, I've been busy running errands for the farm and picking up loose ends as well as giving some relief to dad as we finished our field work. All the 28 has been applied, crops sprayed and looking good as of July 4th.

PBS TV has been spending time over the past month video taping our family and getting footage from the hog farm as part of a documentary on their farm families. I have had minimal involvement in this due to my job off the farm but have had fun and learned a lot from the conversations I've had with the tv crew.