The power of perspective

While October was a quieter month for Princess Kay appearances and events, this allowed me to focus on academics and the opportunities I have here at school. My experiences here give me more perspective as a dairy advocate and expand my knowledge on topics connected to the dairy community. During this quieter season, I have had the chance to reflect on what it means to represent Minnesota’s dairy farmers. As both a college student and an agriculture advocate, I am constantly reminded of the importance of adapting my perspective. Shifting our views — whether looking at dairy from the eyes of a consumer or seeing the farm through the lens of a future industry leader — helps us connect with a wider audience and share the value dairy brings to our tables.

This October, many students from across the country traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana, in their blue jackets for the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo. They gathered to learn, exhibit their knowledge, and discover different perspectives on agriculture. As a past FFA member, I once competed in the creed speaking contest, a contest for seventh through ninth graders that evaluates them on their ability to recite the memorized FFA creed by E.M. Tiffany and answer three related questions. A quote that resonated with me from that contest over four years ago was, “I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging.” These FFA students who chose to engage in this opportunity with one another are truly the future of agriculture. There is no doubt, this future is looking bright.

On the St. Paul campus at the University of Minnesota, I am a part of a community of ambitious students, many of whom have similar backgrounds, whether growing up on a farm, in 4-H or FFA, or in a rural community. Sharing this common foundation gives us a unique bond as we navigate life as college students, challenge ourselves academically and expand our knowledge while away from the comfort of home, and for many, the farm. As a college student, I find that a shift in perspective is most helpful when balancing academic workloads, campus jobs, leadership in clubs and organizations and more. Adjusting my outlook to “I get to” instead of “I have to” when approaching these challenges has been transformative. Shifting our mindset even in small ways helps us see the privilege we have to study agriculture, expand the knowledge we have from work on the farm and be part of this industry.

I saw a quote recently that read: Not all classrooms have four walls. This speaks volumes to the importance and privilege it is for those who get to grow up, live or work on a farm. Working on the farm teaches important skills like resilience, teamwork and a can-do attitude. These are the traits that truly set “farm kids” apart when we step into our first interview, apply for our first job or continue working on our family’s farm. When I speak to my peers, many of us share a similar starting point on our resume. For many of us, our first job was working on a farm and there is no doubt this experience shaped who we are today. Yes, harvest season is busy, and low commodity prices create challenges, but let’s shift our perspective to celebrate the privilege we have to be a part of a farm and the industry that feeds the world.

As we continue through the fall season, let us celebrate the success and completion of harvest and the dedication it takes to bring wholesome dairy products to our communities. By seeking to understand new perspectives, we can strengthen our ability to effectively and authentically share our dairy story. I am beyond proud to represent Minnesota’s dedicated dairy farmers and am so excited for what the rest of the year has in store.

Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Rachel Visser, serves as the Minnesota dairy community’s goodwill ambassador. Rachel grew up in Hutchinson, Minnesota working on a neighboring dairy farm. She attends the University of Minnesota double majoring in Agricultural Food and Business Management and Agricultural Communications and Marketing. Her favorite dairy food is cheese sticks. Her parents are Barry and Shannon Visser. Princess Kay is active doing school visits and events representing dairy farmers, and sharing the importance of dairy farming and dairy foods at appearances across Minnesota.