What Fills Your Cup?
Author: Samantha Ferrat, Montana Farmers Union District representative
What Fills Your Cup?
Samantha Ferrat
Montana Farmers Union District Representative
For me, it’s building a better tomorrow with what I do today. Advocating for agriculture is one way I fill my cup while building a better tomorrow. Ag advocacy and ag education have been a passionate focus of mine for many years. Recently, my husband and I took a big leap and welcomed a prospective new agrarian to our home and ranch for a weeklong working vacation.
This young lady, a recent high school graduate from Washington State, reached out to me because she wanted to know more about the agricultural way of life in Montana. She decided to take a gap year instead of attending college as she explores pathways and opportunities of a future life she wants to lead. I applaud this young person for her self-awareness and for being brave in pursuit of a career path.
During her week stay on our ranch, she experienced breeding soundness exams on our herd bulls, sorting cows and calves, vaccinating calves, hand feeding small square bales, moving electric fence for grazing, learned how to operate a 4-wheeler, and long days of work – both physical and mental. We engaged in many conversations about farming and ranching, ranging from history of our families’ farms/ranches to irrigation systems, ruminant nutrition, record keeping, ranch finances, beef processing, local food systems, and many other topics in between. We made time to take her on a tour of our county to show our rich production agriculture and stories of family farms surrounding us. We introduced her to other farmers and ranchers, which gave her the opportunity to ask probing questions about their lives and operations.
This experience was rewarding, fun, and fulfilling for this young lady, my husband, and me. Since this visit, I talk to her every week to check in, as well as share opportunities for agriculture-based internships and connect her with others who can also support her in the journey into the agriculture industry. I have so much hope and excitement for my new young friend. I hope this opportunity arises again soon to provide similar opportunities to those who seek experience and education on a working ranch.
If you, as a member producer, encounter a similar situation or want to pursue hosting young or new or beginning farmer and rancher, let’s visit and make it happen! I am happy and willing to help, guide, and encourage others in this pursuit to educate the next generation.
Stay warm and best wishes in the New Year!
Ambassador Samantha Ferrat - Missouri Headwaters Montana Farmers Union Winter Edition Magazine
