It has been quite some time since my last blog and I have gone several thousand miles traveling around northwest Wisconsin. It is finally getting to that time of year when things will slow down a bit as farmers are getting anxious to get into the fields. But before they can do that, Farm Bureau members have one deadline on their mind…early bird membership.
If you ask any of my county board members, they will tell you that I definitely do my fair share of talking about membership and giving them tools to encourage new farmers and agriculturists to join our organization. But really, sometimes, it’s not all about the membership goal but the connections and the networks you can make as you go out in search of the newest Farm Bureau member.
Last week, I had the chance to hit the road with Greg Zwald, a St. Croix County Farm Bureau member who, on a yearly basis, ventures out on a membership drive with me. Some people may find this opportunity daunting while I tend to find it fun. As we are out talking with farmers, we often spend most of our time talking about what’s happening on the farm, the weather, the crops, family, struggles, successes and more. Of course we take the chance to share what Farm Bureau is all about and the importance of being a member but while doing this, we have also made a connection and what we hope will be, a new Farm Bureau member.
We are truly fortunate to be so connected in the agricultural community. No matter which crop you grow, animal you raise, or business you lead, there is a lot we have in common. That is what makes it so great.
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