I’ve spent a lot of time volunteering with kids. 4-H, FFA, and other groups gave me plenty of opportunities to interact with children on a volunteer basis, first as a member and then as an alumni. Now, through my work with AdFarm, I’ve had the opportunity to continue that cycle. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak at an event for young Holstein enthusiasts. I think they ended up teaching me more than I taught them.

Kids in agriculture are often unique because of their early exposure to the trade. It’s very rare that an industry would have a standard practice of teaching so young, but agriculture definitely fits into that category. By the time farm kids are old enough to start making serious life decisions, they are already well-versed in the industry. This not only creates strong professionals, but also creates strong characters.

Working with these young dairy producers, I was moved by their commitment to agriculture. The whole point of my presentation was to encourage them to engage in conversation with people their age about the benefits of modern-day agriculture. I did my best to supply them with information that they could then use to tell their stories in a way that best suited them. Their enthusiasm in the room was very real and very encouraging.

I’ve always had a strong understanding that helping kids improve their world was an honorable pastime. It wasn’t until I stood in a room with so many passionate and committed young agriculturalists that I truly realized how important these experiences are. I wasn’t just talking to farm kids. I wasn’t only talking to young Holstein breeders. It wasn’t just a classroom of students.

I was talking to tomorrow’s leaders, food producers, and policy-makers. These children are already on their way to becoming successful, well-rounded, and well-informed adults. Agriculture, as an industry, needs to continue to engage these top-notch young people.

I’d like to challenge you.

Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but at some point, get involved with children. They don’t even have to be ag kids. It could be any youth organization. Get involved and work to improve the lives and development of these children. Find and FFA chapter, a 4-H club, a scout troop, a summer camp, a youth group, etc. and dig in. You’ll find that over time, you haven’t just contributed to the future of these kids. You’ve made an impact on the present and probably changed your own life forever.

Youth outreach is a cornerstone to good community involvement. Agriculture, as a whole, has a very strong tradition of youth outreach. As someone whose life has been greatly impacted by it, both as a child and a continuing volunteer, I vote that we keep this trend going. When you work with kids, you come out the other end as a better person.

How will you up your youth outreach ante?

Kelly Rivard, is country girl, agriculture advocate, passionate communicator, Gen-Y’er well-versed in social media and AdFarm intern. She can be found @kmrivard on Twitter or at kelly.rivard@adfarmonline.com