As one of the founders and directors of the AgChat Foundation, I would like to take this opportunity to share a couple of observations that may escape some people.
First, it is truly awe-inspiring how the agricultural family and industry is able to come together for a common cause and work together. I do not know of another industry that has this respect and ability. We have small, medium, large, conventional, natural, organic, single family, multiple family and family corporations talking, reaching agreement and taking an idea into fruition. This respect and professionalism that is shared and the acknowledgment that it will take all of us, working together, to keep America’s food supply safe, healthy and affordable is to be commended.
Second, the agricultural family extends beyond the farm and ranch. Many agribusinesses, throughout the country recognize the importance of consumers learning about where their food comes from, how it is produced and why farmers do what they do. It is this realization that has brought forth a tremendous willingness to share resources, skills and time to help the AgChat Foundation in its endeavor. This friendship and feeling of family is what makes American agriculture unique. Certainly, the tremendous diversity presents a multitude of approaches and philosophies. However, it is widely understood and agreed upon what the objective is: communicate and reconnect with the consumer. Farmers voices are invaluable and need to be heard.
Through professionalism and respect, I expect great things to evolve through the unique nature of the AgChat Foundation. I would also like to personally thank all of the individuals who have been involved in the creation of the Foundation, those who have volunteered to serve on the Advisory Board and the businesses that have so graciously volunteered personnel, time and resources. This is definitely the dawning of a wonderful creation.
To see what a positive collaboration of farmers and ranchers results in visit http://agchat.org/.
Monday, April 5, 2010
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About Me
- JeffFowle
- Jeff Fowle is a fourth generation family farmer and rancher from Etna, California. He and his wife Erin and son Kyle raise registered Angus cattle, Percheron draft horses, warmbloods, alfalfa and alfalfa-grass hay. They also start and train horses for riding, jumping, and driving. Their family run ranch has incorporated many environmentally beneficial and water efficient technologies and management strategies. Jeff attended college at Colorado State University for two years and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for four and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. Following college, he worked in Washington State for a year as a herdsman for BB Cattle Company and then returned to Etna, California in 1995 to own and operate KK Bar Ranch and Siskiyou Percherons. The latter was started by his grandfather, Clarence Dudley, who devoted much of his time to the Percheron Horse Association of America, specifically to developing their youth education program.