So God made a farmer...and I wrote a blog post.

As I type this Monday evening, I realize that last night's buzz over Dodge/Ram Trucks' "Farmer" Super Bowl commercial has continued on across blogs and social networks throughout the day. By now you are probably well-aware that the ad is part of their "Year of the Farmer" campaign, that Paul Harvey's narration was from a speech he delivered at the 1978 FFA Convention, and that his speech had been used previously in similar videos. So instead of rehashing what's already been written and said, let me give you my personal take.

My Twitter timeline started blowing up after the commercial aired during the second half of Super Bowl XLVII. I tweeted out a few related thoughts and was overwhelmed by the number of re-tweets, "favorites", and new followers they garnered me. Ditto that for my farm's Facebook page. What really made me smile, though, were the messages I received from people who told me they thought about me and my family when they saw the commercial. What a great feeling!

Thought of @gilmerdairy when I saw this. Best Super Bowl commercial. google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j…
— Phyllis Olive (@PhyllisOlive) February 4, 2013

As I've thought about this through the day, it's really driven home the point that I may really be the "Face of Farming" for some folks. Whether we've ever actually met or have only conversed via social media, their perception of modern agriculture is shaped at least in part by my willingness to share and discuss what happens on my family's dairy farm. That realization gives me both enthusiasm and a heightened sense of responsibility to continue doing what I love: farming and telling you about it!

If you are a farmer or rancher, there's a pretty good chance you've received similar feedback. You're the first person that comes to mind when someone thinks about agriculture, so stand up straight and proud and keep up the good work! And if you're one of the folks that took the time to acknowledge me, my family, or another farm family somewhere in the good ol' USA, thank YOU for deciding somewhere along the way to get to know us and listen to our stories. 

There's an old saying that "it takes all types", so God made a farmer.  I'm mighty proud He made me one, and I'm thankful you've given me the opportunity to tell you about it.

Photos from Farm Bureau's Annual Meeting in Atlanta

If you've been paying attention to my Twitter feed lately, I'm sure you know that I was recently in Atlanta for several days attending the American Farm Bureau Federation's 2011 Annual Meeting. Here are a few photos to help explain what was going on:

Accurate Ag Books project

On Friday morning our YF&R Committee traveled to Covington for an Accurate Ag Books project.

We read the story Senses on the Farm to a classroom & followed up with learning activities.

"Extreme Stihl!"

Even though we were very busy Saturday with committee business and preparing for our national competitive events, we still managed to have a little fun with one of our promotional sponsors.

YF&R Cmte members Scott Sink & Will Gilmer with eventual
Achievement Award winners Paul & Monica Minzenmayer of Texas

Sunday morning before devotions, we kicked the day off with a networking breakfast for competitors in the Achievement Award and Excellence in Agriculture Award.  We announced the Top 10 finalists in each at the Opening Session, and then spent the afternoon managing the round robin and Sweet 16 rounds of our Discussion Meet event.

icy Atlanta

A winter storm passed through Sunday evening and coated Atlanta in a layer of ice. It didn't slow down the meeting, but it did ultimately effect lots of people's travel home.

The 2010-2011 AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee

With out committee business and competitive events in the books, we took a few moments to have our photo taken in front of the stage before Monday afternoon's closing session.

retiring YF&R Chairman Will Gilmer & AFBF President Bob Stallman

Monday's closing session began with a recognition of retiring members of AFBF's Board of Directors, which included me and three retiring state farm bureau presidents.

US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack

One of the guest speakers for the closing session was none other than US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. The USDA boss shared his thoughts on a number of issues with our membership.

Following Sec.Vilsack's address, it was time for the YF&R segment of the program.  The crowd was treated to this video featuring our committee's members and activities.

Will Gilmer addresses the crowd at AFBF's Annual Meeting

It was my honor to address the membership from the podium during the YF&R segment. I helped announce the winners and runners-up for our three national competitive events and recognized our three promotional sponsors, Ram Trucks, Case IH, and Stihl.  My last act before leaving the stage was to introduce Ben LaCross, my successor as YF&R Committee chairman.

Mike Rowe gestures to the crowd during his Keynote Address.

The final and keynote speaker for the session was Mike Rowe.  He spoke of his respect for farmers and ranchers and reminded us that we are the best spokespeople for agriculture.

"Hit the Virginian"

Whenever our YF&R Committee is together, we always retreat to our suite at the end of the day to debrief and enjoy each other's company. Occasionally, though, a few may slip out for unsanctioned activity. I cannot confirm if these photos are real, much less who is involved or where it was taken. But it appears as if this activity involves throwing bean bags at a volunteer seated some 10 floors below.

AFBF's voting delegate session in progress (full size)

My last "official" act as YF&R Chairman was to represent the program in the voting delegate session, the meeting in which our organization adopts its policies for the coming year.  I had a front-row, center aisle seat for the proceedings.  I also addressed the floor concerning two different issues: temporary supply management for the dairy industry and the YF&R Program's age limit.

And that pretty well sums it up.  We worked hard, got lots accomplished, and had a great time with one another.  I can't wait to get back together with everyone for one last hurrah at our National Leadership Conference next month in Orlando!