I am approaching my one-year anniversary of not being on an airplane or in a rental car. When the shutdown first occurred in March 2020, I thought we would return to “normal” by the end of July 2020. Well, that date has since come and gone. It now appears that a return to “normal” may not happen until July 2021. Since the beginning of quarantine, my team has conducted over 160 online presentations to participants throughout the United States, Canada, and around the globe. This has resulted in a new platform of engagement with a whole new audience. The traditional boring webinar has also been upgraded with polling, chat, and invited guests to provide more energy and mimic face-to-face events.

Questions from participants, chat, and polling results have been rich sources of ideas for new presentations, articles, and discussion themes. The audiences are also adjusting by participating in webinars and listening to dialogue from tractors, combines, and pickups. Education and information are now being delivered in “snack bites” or snippets available at any time and any place, particularly if the programs are recorded.

While some may have online fatigue and clamor for face-to-face meetings and interaction, others find that through technology they have developed advisory teams or can engage expertise without requiring days of travel. Some business owners are using technology to employ the services of consultants from around the globe, which can require creativity and flexible scheduling across different time zones.

Related:COVID relief bill includes $16B in farm aid payments

The agriculture industry is one of an economic and financial divide, which will accelerate through the 2020s. Those on the positive side know how to capitalize on price and cost volatility with a plan that is executed and monitored. Others have shut down mainstream media and social media to avoid the drama. Proactive producers focus on managing the controllable variables such as operational efficiency, cost control, and people management. These producers manage around the uncontrollable variables rather than ignoring them.

During quarantine, many individuals have found new things in life that provide a cup half-full perspective such as more family time, not being overscheduled, networking with people from other parts of life, and spending more time with pets or farm animals. This past year has highlighted the need for a flexible, adaptive, and positive attitude that can be mastered through a process of focus and intensity.

As the journey of life continues, realize that agriculture is the foundation of success for any society. If you ever feel like you are running on empty, take a minute to remember that you are a part of an industry that makes a difference in many large and small ways.

Related:Time to look closer at COVID relief money

 P.S.

One of my favorite activities is touching base with individuals that have made a difference in my life. The other day, a call to Coach Kibling, a highly respected home area coach who has been confined to a nursing home for over 350 days due to the pandemic, provided an uplifting moment. I gave him and Coach Murphy, my former basketball coach, many thanks for teaching us not only basketball at summer camps, but valuable life skills. Coach Kibling indicated that many former players and camp participants call and send letters of thanks. This is what life is all about!

Source: Dr. David Kohl, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.