Young Farmer and Rancher Update
Susan Wilki
S
Wilkins, YF&R Ch
Chair
i
Being West Virginians, we are
accustomed to occasional feelings
of cabin fever during the winter
when the snow is piled up, the
electricity is out, and there’s no
one to talk to but your family and
the cows outside. I learned last
month, however, that cabin fever
isn’t something you only get when you’re isolated in the
mountains. You can also experience cabin fever while
staying in one of the world’s largest resorts, surrounded
by a 1000 other people, with restaurants and shopping
just steps away.
Dubbed “Atlanta
2.0”, this year’s FUSION
Conference in Nashville,
Tennessee continued the
tradition of bad weather
following the Farm Bureau
family. We thought it would
be a year for the history
books as weather forecasters
were calling for the storm
to be among the top three
biggest Nashville had ever
had. That did not turn out
to be the case, but we did get a nasty ice storm. As the
ice encased Opryland, our farm tours were cancelled and
the schedule shuffled to entertain the folks who hadn’t
fled the conference ahead of the storm. While we were
disappointed to miss out on the tours, seeing the fantastic
documentary “Farmland” more than made up for it! The
Grand Finale Event at the Wildhorse Saloon was a much
needed distraction from the weather worries; although
I’m not sure the stressful bus trip across town was really
worth it!
By Tuesday, with more storms forecasted for that
night and the next day, we were all ready to get out.
Despite the ice still on the roads, the State of Emergency
called by Tennessee’s Governor, and the inevitable travel
delays facing us, we packed up and hit the road before
the next storm hit.
West Virginia’s Young Farmers were represented
by Mariah Hatton, Silas Sattler, Nicole Sattler, and
myself. We had a terrific time attending sessions and
meeting young farmers from across the country. It
was also a good opportunity to build our relationship
with our state Women’s Leadership Committee who
were also in attendance.
A recurring theme in the speakers at this year’s event
particularly spoke to me. From Keni Thomas, a combat
veteran of the 75th Ranger Regiment and Bronze Star
recipient, to Dr. Dale Henry, an educator and former
Marine, to presenters of breakout sessions; we were
encouraged to make the
most of the gifts we have
been given.
Keni Thomas reminded
us of the scripture from
Romans 12:6-8 – “We have
different gifts, according
to the grace given to
each of us. If your gift is
prophesying, then prophesy
in accordance with your
faith; if it is serving, then
serve; if it is teaching, then
teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if
it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it
diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
A breakout session presenter on advocacy encouraged
us to find the things we are good at and that we enjoy,
and excel at those. We don’t have to try to be great at
everything we do. Some of us might be better county
leaders, while others are better at teaching kids and
doing ag lessons, and others may be better bloggers and
speakers. And that’s ok. We have all been given gifts
and we need to embrace those gifts.
So, as we shake off the last of our cabin fever and
prepare for a new season of spring, give some thought
to the unique gifts God has blessed you with. How can
you use those gifts to help grow and strengthen this great
industry that we all love?
West Virginia Farm Bureau News 11