At USDA, we spend a lot of time thinking about the next generation of farmers, the challenges they will face, and about the science, technology and knowledge they will need to overcome those challenges.
As assistant chief of the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, I help guide this world-renowned agency in assisting agricultural and forestland producers become better stewards in ways that protect and enrich the land, soil and water on which their operations, plants and animals rely.
Recently, I was able to spend time at my alma mater, Western Illinois University, as the honored 2014 Executive in Residence. It was a privilege to serve in this capacity at a university that stands at the forefront in educating and training the next generation of farmers, agricultural producers and business people. I only had three days on campus, and it was a whirlwind tour!
Each day, I addressed agricultural and political science classes, spoke with students about my career and the issues they will face as they enter their career field, and answered questions on every topic imaginable. Additionally, I gave a keynote address to about 200 students and faculty, met with deans, professors and students and had the chance to explore the college campus. How cool is that?
My message to the students was simple – seize the opportunities here. Nearly 30 years ago, I was a student sitting at the same amazing university with great professors and a wide open future. I told them their professors are at WIU because they love to teach and are incredibly accessible to students. I assured them that their classes are preparing them well for the future.
WIU’s work in soil health, cover crops, and precision farming for organics are well known and recognized at USDA. I noted that many NRCS employees are WIU graduates. I shared that during my time working at the White House, WIU graduates included a White House doctor, a United States Secret Service supervisor and me – a special assistant to the President.
We toured the WIU Livestock Facility, where I met the university’s livestock judging team. I also got to meet the university’s cover crop and soil guru, Joel Gruver, who is a great professor with great students. It was great to see students excited about soil health!
I survived the “Purple Chair Interview,” a university television series, as well as interviewed with Tri States Public Radio on cover crops and the importance of healthy soil for farming operations in the face of continuing extreme weather events.
One evening, I met with the WIU Student Government Association and told them about how important my time as Speaker of the Senate of that organization had been to shaping my career. I conveyed my belief that a career in politics and government is a good and noble endeavor where you work for your fellow citizens on projects that benefit our entire nation.
While in Macomb, I had a chance to visit the local NRCS field office. This office was full of skilled NRCS veterans, and it was wonderful to talk with them about the great work they are doing implementing the new Farm Bill. I told them how proud I am to see the differences they are making on the landscape in Illinois as they help farmers and ranchers be good stewards of the land.
Thanks, WIU, for the honor and recognition as an accomplished graduate. And thanks for a visit that reminded me just how special the university is and how the lessons we learn and the connections we make in life can truly lead you anywhere you can imagine and beyond. I hope I planted a few seeds in some young college minds about the endless career opportunities for WIU graduates – maybe even some seeds that will lead to a promising and passion-filled conservation career with NRCS.
