They said the third time is a charm. It was for me anyway in joining Farm Bureau twelve years ago. Rick Althaus, the Lafayette County president at the time, asked me twice unsuccessfully before I joined just so he would stop bothering me! Looking back it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made as it impacted my life personally and professionally more than I ever could imagine.
Since then I have participated in the WFBF Leadership Institute, state YFA and P&E Committees and the Women’s Communications Boot Camp on the national level. I am also heavily involved at the county level and strive every year to sign up five members and earn a spot in the Farm Bureau Proud club.
My favorite memory is visiting Washington, D.C. and Mount Vernon through the Leadership Institute ten years ago. What a breathtaking place where the history of our country comes to life.
I can still recall walking around President George Washington’s farm, Mount Vernon, overlooking the Potomac River and seeing where his horses threshed grain. Standing in his house is still as vibrant to me as the day I visited. The original lime green paint still covered the walls of the living room. We even walked through his bedroom where we saw the place he died of a throat infection over 200 years ago. That nostalgia has never left me.
Perhaps the best part of joining Farm Bureau has been the friendships I’ve gained and the people I’ve met. The added experiences are just a bonus. I am looking forward to my next years of membership as seeing where it takes my new family.
Centennial story shared by Katie Roth.
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