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peta2 is wrong. FFA is not lame

READ THIS POST ON MY NEW AND UPDATED SITE! http://www.wanderwithgrace.com/agriculture-1/ffaisnotlame





Go to any agricultural college in America, find a class studying agriculture of any variety, and ask those students if they dislike PETA. I guarantee the response from 90% of the class is that they actually hate PETA. That sounds a little harsh, but it's true. Because PETA tries on a daily basis to ruin the very thing that gives us drive, fuels our passion, and provides us with a future; agriculture.

Recently peta2.com, an animal rights group that claims to be an expansion of PETA, put out an article that angered many of my Facebook friends. The post was entitled "FFA is Lame AF". I sighed with disgust before I even took the time to read the article. Sure enough, five minutes, later I too, was angry. 

Temple Grandin stood before me and 349 other agriculture students at Texas A&M University and said, "some people are just too radical; you can't even talk to them, it's not worth your time". So, my response is not for the small minded person who wrote that article, this is for my friends and family that might read it. I want you to hear our side of the story. Why FFA is not lame.

Touching on the same points as the peta2 article:

1. "Develop my potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success."

The other article used this point to bash FFA, saying we as members are encouraged to raised animals to be slaughtered. Not true. Each FFA member is required to complete a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) and fill out a record book. At no point in my FFA career did I ever hear my advisor encourage a student to kill an animal, as the article suggests. Personally, my record books were done on swine finishing. I purchased a pig, treated it with the utmost respect and care, and exhibited it with pride at the county fair. Yes, I then sold my pigs at the Junior Livestock Auction. But no one is forcing us to do so. If I wanted to keep that pig for the rest of it's life, even when it weighs 500+ lbs, I could do that. (With parent approval of course). So peta2, FFA does not encourage killing! A record book can be kept on a job at McDonald's if that's what the member wants. 

2. "Make a positive difference in the lives of others"

Meat judging is in fact a contest FFA members can participate in. It prepares members with an interest in meats for their possible future careers as meat inspectors, meat scorers, etc. peta2 briefly touches on this event and then moves on to say what happens in slaughterhouses. There are many standards and regulations on how an animal is to be ethically slaughtered. Also, FFA does not have a direct effect on what happens in the slaughterhouse!  

3. "Dress neatly and appropriately for the occasion."

This time peta2 decided to talk about the wool judging teams. Yes, we evaluate wool. Wool that is removed from the sheep carefully and ethically. There is no harm done to the sheep in order for this contest to take place. FFA does not control what happens in the wool industry in Australia. Their comparison is once again irrelevant. 

4. "Respect the rights of others and their property."

Oh it's time to bash the dairy industry. *insert eye roll here.*  I could have seen that one coming. Participating in the All American Dairy Judging Contest was one of the highlights of my year, every year in FFA. We spent the day judging multiple classes and testing our knowledge of the industry. During this event, members proved to be respectful towards each other and the cows. Once again, I'm no expert, but I'm knowledgeable enough to know that the cows and their calves are not harmed during milk production. Dairy farmers treat their cows better than many humans treat their children. Let's think about that for a moment.

5.  "Be courteous, honest, and fair  with others."

Multiple contests revolve around the dairy industry; dairy judging, handling, knowledge, etc. Many of my fellow FFA members come from family run dairy farms and will one day be managing their own herd. So, these contests educate them, prepare them, and allow them to execute their skills and knowledge while being courteous, honest, and fair with others. peta2 doesn't bother to address this, instead they take to bashing the dairy industry once again; specifically, artificial insemination. When this is done the cow is artificially impregnated. But no peta2, I've never heard of this happening in a "rape rack". So, good one. You may be vegan, and good for you. However, I like drinking milk produced by cows and so do millions of other people in this world. In order for the dairy producers to efficiently produce milk for us, artificial insemination is key. The process is fast, precise, and efficient. Once again, no cows are harmed and it is done with care. 

 6. "Communicate in an appropriate, purposeful, and positive manner."

Props to peta2 for using their imagination, I guess? I'm kidding. But where does poultry evaluation and bashing the poultry industry fit in here? It doesn't. To gain these skills listed above, FFA members compete in public speaking contests; another event that is near and dear to my heart. From reciting the FFA Creed, by E. M. Tiffany as a freshman, to competing on a regional winning Parliamentary Procedure Team my senior year, this is where I developed and polished my public speaking skills. FFA members conquer fears, gain skills, and become effective communicators.

7. "Demonstrate good sportsmanship by being modest in winning and generous in defeat."

FFA members foster the importance of both winning and losing with grace. We compete against our best friends many times. There is no better way to learn these lessons. As for the peta2 article, bringing hunting into this again makes little sense. However, hunting was a way of life even in biblical times. That's one tradition all the animal rights campaigns in the world won't end.

8. "Make myself aware of FFA programs and activities and be an active participant."

Participants have the ability to chose from an abundant variety of activities. peta2 relates this to the billions of animals being killed for food every year, stating, "no compassionate person should ever want to participate." The way I see it, (everyone's entitled to their own opinions) is that there are animals put on this earth to be companions; like dogs and cats. But livestock are here to provide for us. Does that make me not compassionate? No. There is no greater compassion than a farmer awake in the wee hours of the morning feeding a new born calf to keep it alive. 

I could finish the list, but you see my point. FFA members across the country learn the best life lessons, the best way Americans know how. We are hard working. We are kind and courteous. We are respectful.  But you know what else we need to be? Tolerant.

Part of why we have a strong disliking for PETA is because they are everywhere. Just like the article I'm referencing. There are millions of people out there who don't agree with us and follow them, even if their information is inaccurate and misleading. We need to see their point of view, but work our butts off to educate the public about agriculture; respectfully, courteously, and accurately. It is time for us to get creative and get loud. We need to shout our ag stories; share our knowledge and our passion! As FFA members, we make up the largest youth organization in the country. We hold the power to educate the world and beat PETA to it.

peta2, FFA is not lame and your article does not even make sense. I am completely okay with anyone being vegan. Live your life how you wish. But please, please, please stop criticizing me. You may love tofu, but I love a big, juicy, steak. You tolerate me, I'll tolerate you.

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2016; time to stop comparing ourselves to others

Sometimes I feel lost in a sea of Texans here at A&M. Truly, I am a small fish with big dreams in an even bigger pond. Especially in my classes relating to agriculture, it doesn't take long for me to feel discouraged just for a moment. Many of my peers come from agricultural backgrounds that are hard not to be envious of; exhibited and even won at major shows, family owns a huge livestock operation, extensive FFA opportunities, etc. Heck, last semester a girl in my animal science class competed for the title of Miss America in 2014. If that's not intimidating, I don't know what is.

I suppose it's human nature to think this way, but for me it's a constant struggle that needs to end. With the new year I made a few goals for myself. Not a "new years resolution" because I hate them and in case you haven't noticed people, they rarely stick! So I prefer to make goals. One of them being to stop comparing myself to others; academically, physically, aesthetically, etc.

Anyone want to take a guess at whether I achieved that goal yet? Uh obviously not, if you read the first paragraph... It's a nasty habit to break. But maybe just maybe it's like what they say about going to the gym; if you recruit a friend then you're not only obligated to do it for yourself, but you definitely can't let them down either. So who is with me on this one?

It's easy to compare and social media has become the ultimate culprit. With the help of social media, not only do we compare ourselves to people in our lives, but people we've never even met. How much fun is that? Ugh. It's 2016 and we need to cut the crap. I've said it before and I'll say it again, social media isn't a true representation because generally, we only post the good stuff. I know I sure don't post a selfie on a bad hair day!

With that being said, now who is actually with me?

This year, I'm not going to stop being an avid social media user (because I love it). I will however, be boycotting any jealousy or negative energy that comes my way when I come across a rockin' Instagram account. When I meet someone who has had some pretty awesome experiences in their life, instead of being jealous, I'm going to think about all the cool things I've done. And rather than putting myself down when the girl beside me in class is having a way better hair day than me, I'm going to compliment her! Then, of course, wake up a little earlier the next day to make sure bad hair doesn't happen two days in a row.

All kidding aside, to stop comparing myself to others in all aspects of life is a current goal of mine. If by reading this you thought, "hmm I do that too, way more than I ever realized and I need to stop it right now" make it your goal too and let's make it happen!

                                                    Just here in my natural Thursday habitat..


Thank for reading this lovelies and feel free to share as always! Have a happy Thursday and make this weekend unforgettable!

eighteen things i learned at 18

A week and one day ago, I turned nineteen. I left behind the "I'm an adult now" age of eighteen without a bit of remorse. Don't get me wrong, I loved 18; adventures, friendships, love, achievements, but also hardships and lessons. Just when you think you're finally an adult, there is much to learn.

EIGHTEEN THINGS I LEARNED AT 18

1.  I was not ready to be an adult. (I'm still not). Ugh, working, college, cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. With freedom comes much responsibility.

2.  Whether you think you can make your own decisions or not, you still need your parents. Their wisdom, guidance, and even rules start to make sense at eighteen.

3.  Stop wishing away high school. It was fun and easy. Teachers actually cared and offered solid advice. Plus, when will you have the opportunity to spend that much time with your friends?
Spoiler alert: probably never

4.  College is expensive. I applied for scholarships like crazy! Who doesn't like free money?

5.  It's okay to be disappointed. Let downs build character and thicken skin.

6.  And don't worry about disappointing anyone but yourself. Your future is yours. Make the decision that is right for you.

7.  Contrary to what people say, you do not "have to go to your senior prom". I spent the majority of my year in a gown as the fair queen. So when it came to prom, I was over it.

8.  Committing to a college without ever being there, especially when it's 1,000+ miles away, is stressful. Colleges provide visits and tours for a reason.

9.  It's true what they say about after graduation. People you thought were better friends become distant, but such is life. And let's be honest, some classmates you'll be glad to never have to see again.

10.  The days between graduation and fall semester fly by too fast, but they're some of the best days and nights I can remember.

11.  Unfortunately, at eighteen I learned to grieve. My whole town did with the loss of two beautiful people; Liv and Mrs. Svonavec.

12.  However, I learned to appreciate life and how fragile it truly is.

13.  I found that it is scary, but okay to leave my hometown (and state). To quote the only Shakespeare I know, "there is a world elsewhere".

14.  Good friends will still be good friends no matter the distance.

15.  As soon as you leave, you'll need your mom more than ever. At 19 I'm still not sure how to do my own laundry or cook anything better than chicken (from a can) tacos.

16.  The first semester of freshman year is lonely. Friends like the ones you had in high school are hard to come by. Many friends come and go in the first semester, but that definitely is not a bad thing.

17.  Attending four concerts in a year, camping on the beach, and moving across the country taught me that there is no better time to make a change and truly live than when you are eighteen.

18.  I learned to love myself for who and what I am. That one thing is oh so important, friends.


I am still learning, every single day. But eighteen taught me more in 365 days than any other year in my life. Now, with a little pinch of adulthood under my belt, bring on nineteen!

the best of my 2015

In less than twelve hours, we will kiss 2015 goodbye. But it would not be right to do so without a little reminiscing.

January 1, 2015 I set myself a few goals. Some seemed simple and predictable goals like get good grades and graduate high school. Others I made to challenge myself, such as, get accepted to Texas A&M and go. The hard work was behind me and getting accepted was out of my hands, but the going part scared me, a lot. Most of all, in 2015 I wanted to have fun and cherish the rest of our simple days of high school with my friends. 

2015 came with a whirlwind of emotions; joy, sadness, excitement, fear, frustration, relief, happiness... But overall, I look back on the last 365 days of my life and feel blessed.  So here's to the best of 2015!

social media vs. my self confidence

How could I let this happen? When did I let social media rob me blind; of my self confidence that is. 

You're probably thinking right now, is she serious? I am. I'll be as real as real gets with this one. I struggle with my self confidence, but for years I wouldn't have wanted a soul to know. I am not writing for a pitty party. You, your best friend, daughter, sister, or girlfriend just may feel the same as me... That's why I'm writing. So keep reading! 

Social media steals confidence right from the hands of naturally beautiful girls. Then, it turns right around and fuels its own fire. Every single day, I scroll, scroll, scroll, down through Instagram. Selfie after selfie appear. Most of the time the same girls post these selfies. I see their 100+ likes, comments with about ten fire emojis, and a few "you're so pretty" "nooo girl, you're so pretty" conversations. I keep on scrolling and soon enough find myself at the end of new posts, and often feel a slight pang of jealousy.

I think I'll post a selfie. I tell myself, the next time I feel really truly good about myself I will post one. I fix my hair, put on a cute outfit, and try to perfect my makeup. The girl in the mirror gives me the go ahead. I take a selfie, but I don't like it. So I take another and soon twenty more. Still none I like. None I feel are worthy of social media, not even with a fancy filter. The day passes and I feel confident while I'm out and about, but I still don't post the selfie. I won't post one tomorrow either, or the next day, or ever at this rate. 

On December 9th, I got pissed off. Not at anyone but myself. I had to give a speech that day, so I wanted to look extra nice. I woke up early to curl my hair, do my makeup, and pick out a nice outfit. I teased my hair and put on my fur vest (Texas style), snapped a quick selfie, and headed to class. Well, the vest only made it to the parking lot before it spent the day on the passengers seat of my car. When I got back to my car, saw my beloved fur vest in a ball on the seat, I was angry. I let just the mere thought of others' opinions talk me out of wearing an outfit I loved...

This war with myself had to end. My brain sang the lyrics to Miranda Lambert's song, Bathroom Sink, loud and clear as I gathered up the courage to post that selfie. 

The whole point is, I faked courage and confidence for far too long. My mom always said, "fake it 'til you make it", and damn it, it was my time to make it. But it's not just my time, it's your time too. 

So here's the deal:

1. Take care of yourself
2. Love who you are
3. Post the freaking selfie, if that's what will make you happy
4. Compliment others generously &
5. Don't believe all you see on social media  (everyone has access to makeup tutorials and photoshop these days)

It takes time and I'm working on it too. This blog post weighed on my mind for two weeks now... You may think, what a trivial post; maybe to you it is. However, as a millennial striving to brand myself and my blog with the help of social media, I can't let it win the battle over my self confidence. We need to stop comparing ourselves to others, stop letting likes determine our self worth, and stop allowing social media and the opinions of others control our happiness.

"Glamour at it's finest just means someone's hiding from their own reality in the mirror at their bathroom sink" - Miranda Lambert

a little throwback thursday; my barn

About a month ago, Nolan suggested I do a "throwback Thursday" blog. My travels home to Pennsylvania last week inspired me, so I decided to take Nolan's suggestion.

I was ecstatic to be home and to feed my ducks and cats (the only animals left) in the barn. People use the word, "bittersweet" all the time, but I've never truly known what a bittersweet moment felt like until I walked into my barn and found it basically empty... Sadness overcame me at first, but then I quickly recalled all the happiness it brought me over my childhood.

I recall the bittersweet feeling and shed a few tears, mainly because I'd give anything to be shivering my hiney off in the Pennsylvania snow, working hair on a steer, rather than preparing for finals. I found this perfect "throwback" that I wrote in Mrs. Robley's english class 3 years ago; around the time I realized I like to write. Enjoy!

The Massive wooden doors of the wold white barn rumbled on the old tracks as I struggled to pry them apart. I could barely reach the handle so I stuck my hand through the small crack in the doors and pushed with all my might until the opening became wide enough that I could squeeze through. The aroma of ancient dust and fresh hay overwhelmed me. My sister, Emily, and I started our adventure to find a litter of stray kittens amongst the clutter that filled the barn wall to wall. Dressed in our finest hand me down shirts and old jeans we tried our hardest to sneak around the barn without alarming the kittens. Empty light sockets that used to hold light bulbs years ago seemed to taunt us as we trudged around with our flashlights. Thick cobwebs hung everywhere; on every piece of wood from ceiling to floor. Giant horse shoes nailed in rafters hinted to the history of the barn. My dad’s old International tractor posed as an obstacle to get around. But on the other side kittens could be hiding. Til we found the kittens cobwebs and dirt covered our clothes, but we didn’t care.

At age ten the barn was finally home to livestock of my own. Two goats, Sweet Pea and Sally, lived in one makeshift pen. It wasn’t much, but it was shelter from the harsh winter weather. A rusty broken fence, spare boards nailed up as a wall, and a piece of ply wood supported by two stacks of cribbing that were also supporting the falling through floor served as a pen to contain my goats. An old plywood election sign with two shiny hinges functioned as a door. A single light bulb hung from the ceiling. It created enough light for me to feed in the morning before I went to school. Around the pen the rusty old International still stood and the rest of the clutter remained. I’ll never forget when I heard that strange cry come from the barn. I knew what it was and I took off running through the December wind and snow with my dad right behind me. I tore open the barn doors and flipped on the light and gazed with amazement at the two baby goats standing in the pen with Sweet Pea and Sally. My once empty barn now came to life.

Now my barn steals me away from the rest of the world when I’m home. The once cluttered mess of a barn still stands, but without all the clutter. Thanks to all of the back breaking work of my dad the upstairs floor holds its own weight, the once drafty walls block all the wind and snow, one light became a long strand of bright white lights on a thick yellow chord, and the space once occupied by one makeshift pen and the rusty old tractor transformed into three pens for many goats and a few pigs. Some of the holes in the concrete still remain. On the cleanly swept floor you can see my name along with Nolan’s and Jed’s baby hoof prints where he ran through the wet cement during Nolan’s attempts to patch the holes.Though my barn changed a lot over the years, even as a sixteen year old girl I still see it as an adventure.

I wrote this at sixteen. Since then, my barn brought me the joy of raising the Champion County Born and Raised Swine, housed two peacocks, and gave my friends a little "ag education". It provided me with a stage and audience to practice my winning fair queen speech for countless hours. It transformed into the perfect set up with my dreams of raising a steer, which turned out to be one of my favorite parts of my senior year. My barn housed my most prized possessions for years. Now that it's empty, I am thankful beyond words for the experiences I've had. One goat led to two, two led to four babies, and the rest is my life.