Will you join my village?

Sweet Home, Illinois. It is a place that in my youth I wanted to leave - I would move to the big city and not return to our state. Certainly not Illinois. And, absolutely not where I grew up.

My dirty background

At a young age, summers were spent drenched in dirt, sweat and the life changing golden corn pollen one could only find within Research Acres. This highly regarded site was set aside for agriculture research by Eugene Funk. E.D. was the son of Issac Funk who in my mind was an elite leader of agriculture.

Light on maturity, a green, college freshman was awakened. Hit with the realization that I had taken a great deal for granted, I was humbled. The hows and whys behind my unique youth is a story for another time. While I did choose Illinois for life (want to know where? Keep reading!), I've had opportunities beyond my wildest imagination to travel globally. There are firm aspirations to continue exploring agriculture world-wide. See, the funny part about roots is while they can be firmly established, in most cases soil allows them to travel which nourishes the whole entity.

How did COVID change you? Read on for how it changed me.

COVID changed all of our lives, we reassessed priorities. In my case, I became more family and community focused. Employing my inner opportunist, I sought out new learning experiences and began planning for future accomplishments and growth.

Mentioning my desire to begin branching back out, a mentor (quite possibly the best storyteller in the agriculture industry) encouraged me to begin a project related to my roots yet focused on the entire state of Illinois. Baby steps towards branching? Opportunities will tell.

The Project & Village

Utilizing a theory that I strongly believe we can prove together, I'm getting to know my strangers and encourage you too as well. The project will be incorporating this sentiment. It's much larger than me and will require village-size assistance.

I'm searching for agribusiness professionals, farmers (rural and urban), farm-connected food gurus, rural healthcare providers, FFA Advisors, small-town businesses, rural childcare providers, broadband advocates and beyond - I want to speak and meet with those making or who have made positive impacts as leaders in Illinois agriculture and rural development. The Issac and Eugene Funks of the world, so to speak.

Can you help & be part of the village? Reach out below, shoot me a message, send a text or email? Feel free to recommend someone or briefly share what you are doing - big or small, I'd bet you are making an impact.

By the way, I live 30 minutes away from my childhood home, 45 minutes from Research Acres. And, I'm proud that my children were able to attend school in my school district. I wouldn't change any of it. :)

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#agriculture #agribusiness #ruraldevelopment #leaders #leadership #illinois #agconnectsusall #rivitalizingrural