It’s been said there’s no place like home for the holidays. Yet, I’ve learned it’s also OK to leave home from time to time.

In July 2019, my parents and I took our first “family vacation” in a very long time. We ventured up to Fargo, N.D., to visit my brother and learn about his summer internship with Anheuser-Busch.

During the 10-plus-hour car ride, we crossed through five different states. Watching through my window, I saw everything from wheat and barley fields to bison and sugarbeets. Although some parts of the country looked similar to mid-Missouri, there were also countless new things to soak in.

The following fall, the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources hosted a career connections program. As part of the program, students would travel to northern Arkansas and tour agriculture companies. The focus? Poultry production and food science.

Having grown up around beef cattle and row crops, this program couldn’t have been more outside of my wheelhouse. Yet for some reason, I decided to apply and was later selected to participate.

Switch up your perspective

Looking back, I’m so glad I took advantage of these opportunities.

Within the agricultural industry, we have a tendency to stick to what we’re familiar with. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially as the industry continues to become more specialized. However, agriculture is so diverse — both within our state and across the nation — so I believe there is value in experiencing a different way of doing things.

In hindsight, some time away from home, no matter how long, can work wonders. Traveling to a different part of the country enabled me to learn about sectors of the industry I previously hadn’t given much thought to. While I may still be particularly fond of beef cattle and row crops, I now have an even greater appreciation for my family’s farm and the industry as a whole.

Get social with ag

None of this would've been possible if I hadn’t made the decision to pack my bags and leave home for a few days.

I want to challenge you to find ways to stretch and explore all the agriculture industry has to offer.

Fortunately, social media provides an excellent opportunity for this. By following someone from a different state or who raises a different type of crop or livestock than you do, you’ll broaden your horizons. More importantly, you’ll become more well-rounded, open-minded and see the industry from a new perspective.

Quinlan is a senior in agriculture education, communications and leadership at the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. Contact her at [email protected].