FFA and 4-H members were given VIP treatment during Ag Night at the April 14 hockey game between the Nashville Predators and the Edmonton Oilers. In addition to enjoying the raucuous action on the ice and touring Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, the students received valuable information about careers in agriculture from an impressive panel of ag professionals.
The event’s panelists included Journal Communications Chief Operations Officer Kim Holmberg, Farm Credit Mid-America Financial Services Officer Devin Gilliam, Middle Tennessee Ag Research and Education Center Director Kevin Thompson, and Catesa Farms owner George McDonald. Lee Maddox, director of communications for Farm Bureau, emceed the event.
“I’m so glad I was able to attend this!” said Culleoka FFA Chapter Vice President Hannah Demastus after the event had concluded. “The panelists provided amazing insight into the many careers in agriculture. I have been involved in 4-H throughout my life, but FFA especially has helped me get out of my comfort zone and has given me opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise. I’m thankful to be able to learn from the panelists.”
Kim Holmberg, who works with Farm Flavor, a division of Journal Communications that profiles American farmers, stressed both the importance of doing well in school and the value of cultivating relationships. She recommended that the students find people in the industry whom they respect, collect their business cards, arrange to job shadow, and ask for the opportunity to learn about their career face-to-face.
“Developing relationships is key in this industry,” said Holmberg, a Dyersburg native who served as the 2001-2002 Tennessee FFA state president. “Careers in agricultural communications are rewarding, and I have been blessed to have learned from established communicators throughout my career.”
She also recommended identifying your interests and then exploring the available opportunities in the marketplace.
George McDonald, owner of Catesa Farms in Smith County, pointed out that education is vital to success, too, whether it be a certificate, apprenticeship, college, or a technical school.
“The world’s population is growing rapidly, and farmers are having to produce more food as most people are now generations removed from farming,” said McDonald. “I encourage you to understand the basic science of agriculture and to always challenge yourself. Let FFA and 4-H help provide you with a skillset for the future.”
McDonald produces row crops and specialty crops like strawberries on his family’s farm. He says that farming is a family tradition, but it’s also a business. He explained that advances in technology are making farming more efficient, but the rapid rate of change requires farmers and those involved in agriculture to be continuously learning.
Middle Tennessee Ag Research and Education Center Director Kevin Thompson provided insight into the University of Tennessee School of Agriculture and careers across the state within the UT system.
“There are so many career options in agriculture across our state,” said Thompson. “Consider getting a two- or four-year degree in agriculture. Intern or work on a farm to gain real world experience or find yourself an apprenticeship. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has a variety of classes and degree programs, and our staff is always willing to help guide you.”
Devin Gilliam, who helps support farmers and rural residents with finances and funding for home construction, equipment purchases, and harvesting through Farm Credit Mid-America, also encourage the attendees to conside a career in agriculture.
“We know that people are further
removed from the farm,” Gilliam
said. “You are the future of agriculture,
and it means a lot that you are invested
in your future enough to attend this
panel.”