This commentary is sentimental. It is a reflection. Why? Because the ag industry has tremendously impacted my life. I have gotten to know so many amazing folks on this journey, and when I took this role as staff writer, my “bonus family” grew across the Delta. Each day is a new, awesome adventure.

You see, before my life as a writer, I was a teacher and a farm wife in the same small town I grew up, Newport, Ark. Then in 2011, I left my teaching career to stay home and raise my beautiful babies. Eight years later, both girls were settled in school, and I was ready to head back to work. However, I had no interest in returning to the public classroom. 

Luckily, a part-time job opened at my county Extension office, and I began working for cotton agronomist Bill Robertson. At that point, I saw a side of agriculture I had never seen before. The research inspired me. 

I became more familiar with farming and learned everything from cotton production to cover crops. I also discovered sustainability and how soil health boosts the ecosystem beneath our feet. (Oh, and yes, I did help Bill unearth underwear for the “Soil Your Undies” study.)

Fast forward a year and a half, and I accepted a full-time promotion to continue at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture as Technical and Social Media Writer for Ag and Natural Resources. I reported to Victor Ford and learned more about forestry, livestock, and poultry. 

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I also managed the Arkansas Row Crops blog and Twitter handle, gleaning a deeper understanding of row crop production. The educational component was enjoyable, as were opportunities to meet Arkansas farmers. Plus, I worked directly with a stellar group of agronomists, weed scientists, plant pathologists, and entomologists. Of course, the Division communications team was phenomenal, and I still adore any opportunity to ride alongside Mary Hightower and talk about story ideas. 

Then this writing role opened at Delta Farm Press, and my passion for agriculture grew stronger as I joined a fantastic Farm Progress family. What an amazing group! Just recently, I celebrated two years writing for YOU – our Midsouth farmers and stakeholders. To me, this is truly a privilege. I enjoy every minute of it. 

Through it all, I have learned that farming is hard. While we are “family,” sometimes families do not agree. Regardless, we all work toward the same end goal. I am proud to report that the ag industry in the Delta is knocking it out of the park! 

So, thank you for every conversation. Keep them coming. Every call, text message, and handshake are appreciated. I am gratified you allow me to sit at your table, and I look forward to meeting more folks along the way!

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