"Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve."

It's FFA week, and the blue and gold is near and dear to my heart. It's just one of the many youth organizations I was involved with in the past. Organizations like FFA, 4-H, and the National Jr. Angus Association use the medium of agriculture to teach young people hard work and leadership. While not all the people involved in these organizations go on to careers in ag, all do use the lessons they learned in life.


These organizations wouldn't be able to function without the volunteers. A study by the Beef Check-off revealed that nearly 1/2 of all cattle farmers and ranchers volunteer with youth organizations and more than 1/3 donate their time to other civic organizations. That's great percentages, especially compared with a national average of only 7%.


I know the 50%, they were my 4-H leaders, FFA contest judges, and NJAA advisors. People, who had ranches and businesses to care for, chose to take the time to invest in youth. By helping me and my peers succeed, they showed that they value the future generations. Their encouragement and advice inspired me to work hard and achieve. The best way I can thank them is to pass it on.


We all owe someone our gratitude; after all, nobody makes it on their own. Taking the time and effort to give back isn't hard; it simply involves some sacrifice. A sacrifice somebody made for us, and one we can make for the future.

Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve.

You don't have to have a college degree to serve.

You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve.

You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.  

- Martin Luther King Jr.

'till the cows come home,

Ellie