When I look back on summer and think about the moments that belong on the highlight reel… the Ag PhD Field Day is near the top of the list!
Of course, there were all the things you would expect from a great field day: Good food, valuable research, agronomy discussions, equipment demonstrations, and the latest ag technology.
But what made the day especially memorable for me wasn’t found in a test plot or underneath the hood of a new piece of machinery…
It was found in the people.
There were so many new faces in the crowd and so many open, honest conversations with farmers and ranchers from across the country. Despite the challenges facing agriculture, the positive energy and good vibes throughout the day were impossible to miss. While Rob and I were onstage hosting our live SharkFarmer SiriusXM show, the Morton Building was filled to capacity. Everywhere we looked, we saw smiling faces and people eager to join the conversation. At one point, we asked, “How many of you are attending the Ag PhD Field Day for the first time?” Nearly 70 percent of the people in the room raised their hands. That response surprised us, but it also gave us hope.