An update from MCGA student Agvocate Kendra Davis

For those of you who do not know me, my name is Kendra Davis and I am one of the Minnesota Corn Growers 2014-15 student Agvocates. My parents are Lance and Sharon Davis, and I have one sister named Randene.

I am currently a sophomore at South Dakota State University where I am majoring in Animal Science and hope to someday work in cattle nutrition. Farming has always been something I have been very passionate about as I have grown up surrounded by it.

My family has about 35 beef cows, and we also raise corn and soybeans. I love sharing the story of my farm, and agriculture in general with the public, because I believe that everyone has a right to know where their food comes from.

One of the biggest issues that I believe we have in agriculture right now is connecting with consumers and making sure they are able to hear the farmers’ story, and not just what they pick up from various sources like activist organizations and others who might not be familiar with farming. After all, a farmer is the best person to talk to when you want to learn more about farming.

That is one of the biggest reasons I decided to apply to be one of the MCGA Agvocates this year. I wanted to help to fill the gap between the farmer and the consumer.

So far as an Agvocate, I have been able to attend many events, including the Minnesota Ag Ambassador Institute in Morris where we learned how to properly promote agriculture and how to effectively communicate with consumers. We also were able to meet young adults from across Minnesota that shared the same passion for farming as we do.

I’ve also been to events promoting corn and MCGA at Farmfest in Morgan, the Freeborn County Ag Open Golf Tournament, and most recently, A-maize-ing Corn Day at the Minnesota State Fair where we were able to do corn-related activities with youth outside of the CHS Miracle of Birth Center.

Needless to say, I have really enjoyed my time as an Agvocate for MCGA so far. I would like to thank everyone involved with the MCGA because it really is a wonderful organization that I am proud to say I am a part of.

Thanks again, happy harvest, and I am looking forward to what the rest of the year will have in store for us.