I recently attended a meeting of communication directors. The passion and talent in the room was beyond good, and they all represented a different entity directly or indirectly involved in agriculture. Each individual is charged with developing and communicating messaging for agriculture that is truthful, passionate and sincere. The job of the group is to coalesce and learn from one another, creating partnerships that make us better at what we do.
The sharing of knowledge and passion is always stimulating, especially when the ultimate goal for everyone in the room is to do things better. This particular group of communicators meets quarterly to share and discuss the issues, challenges and triumphs they have experienced in their jobs. It is a dynamic group that crosses lines of gender, generation and commodity. I always leave the group with the hopeful attitude that I am not alone in my personal quest to share the real story of what farmers do each and everyday. But, I had an epiphany during our meeting this time that reminded me how important it is to stay connected and sincere in our associations with others who share common goals.
During the arrival/social time of the meeting prior to the start of the official agenda, I ran into someone I had met two years prior who was a significant connection for me. Due to timing and job shifting, we never got the opportunity to work together as I had hoped, and I remember at the time being disappointed in a missed opportunity. Now, here in this room is a woman I greatly respected, connected to me through a completely different association, and the door of opportunity for both of us suddenly swung wide open.
With a brief conversation, an exchange of calendars and mutual admiration for our positions, we have set a date to move forward with the goals we had once discussed that could prove mutually beneficial and positive for agriculture in the near future. Why is this important? Well, I almost did not attend this meeting. I was conflicted due to personal constraints and had struggled with the justification of the travel and time. Philosophically, I knew it was important to attend, understanding that there is always something new to learn. I never anticipated that in addition to learning something new about communication, I would reunite with someone grossly important to my professional cause.
Six degrees of separation. They say that every sixth person you come in contact with knows you, or someone you are connected to, or someone you will eventually connect with. This meeting for me was not a chance meeting, and I am looking forward to the impact it will have on my ability to positively influence the agricultural community in the future. But the big take away for me is the what if. There is always an excuse for not going the extra mile and forming partnerships and associations with others. It's hard work, requires our time and personal investment, and there is no guarantee of the outcome. My lesson for today ... It is worth the risk.
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Editor's note: Lawrence and her husband Bryan raise turf grass, alfalfa, corn and purebred Hereford cattle near Princeton, Minn. She works for the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation and is state coordinator for the Speak for Yourself program. Reach her at marytinathefarmerswife@gmail.com .
