Teamwork makes the dream work.

Together, everyone achieves more.

There’s no “I” in team.

Successful teams don’t happen by accident — they are made, not born.

I’ve been a part of many teams including sports teams, boards of directors and community teams. I’ve cheered on many teams like the Panorama Panthers, Iowa State Cyclones, Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Minnesota Vikings. But I can tell you that I have a new favorite team: the Farm Progress team.

I’ve had other great work teams, but this one raises the bar. I started as the editor of Wallaces Farmer in February. While I knew several people who were a part of this talented group prior to my employment with the company, I’ve grown to realize I’m finally where I need to be.

I recently attended the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa — my first one as a staff member . I was part of the new products team and stopped to speak with every exhibitor in my assigned quadrant to find out about their new equipment, technology, or programs. It’s a lot to do in the three days of the show, but it’s also so neat to see what’s new with these companies. Sure, I’ve interviewed many people during my journalism career, but this was the first time for me to be on this team, and I want to do it right.

Meet the team

This new products team was coached by our veteran Indiana Prairie Farmer editor, Tom Bechman. When it comes to team members, this guy is the real deal. I am certain he’s forgotten more than I will ever know about new products and crops. I’m thankful to be on the team with him and would really like to talk him into never retiring.

Also on the team was the Prairie Farmer editor in Illinois, Holly Spangler. I have always enjoyed reading her work. She is an award-winning wordsmith and a great role model for ag journalists. Plus, we have the similarity of raising children in the cattle show ring and on the family farm. Those are ingredients for forming a great team.

Next on this team is Chris Torres, editor of American Agriculturist, from Pennsylvania. I enjoy finding out things I have in common with each of my team members, and where they excel. Focused and fun are two things that come to mind after meeting Chris. He’s like the team umpire.

We had several supporting team members who had jobs of their own and made the Farm Progress Show a success, including Willie Vogt, Mike Wilson, Jacqui Fatka, Don Tourte, Matt Jungmann, Max Armstrong and so many more. We even welcomed our new team member, Betty Haynes, who found her way up on the stage Lee Brice performed on to get pictures of the new event. It’s so great to have our new recruit.

What do all these people have in common? They go above and beyond time after time to make an event like the Farm Progress Show successful year after year. The team is passionate about agriculture, always supporting each other, filling in where needed, and helping make us look good. This is what a winning team does.

My dad’s favorite quote is, “Shoot for the moon. If you miss, you are still among the stars.” Being part of the Farm Progress team has put me among some champion stars.

Comments? Email [email protected].