New Member Alert -- Nicole Born

We have some fresh faces around Food For Thought these days - we held a membership drive in August and September and have some great new minds who are excited about agriculture among our ranks! Periodically, you'll see their bios here so that you can get to know them. This post is about new member Nicole Born, a student at the College of Veterinary Medicine here at K-State.

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I am Nicole Born.  I’m originally from a small family farm located just northeast of Topeka, KS where we raise Polled Hereford cattle and dairy and meat goats.  I have a BS in Agriculture from K-State and I’m currently a sophomore in the College of Veterinary Medicine.  Those that knew me in undergrad would know me as Nicole Rosencutter, but I got married to Jonathan Born, another College of Ag grad, in July 2011.  I am very excited to get involved with Food For Thought!  Agriculture has been, is, and will always be my passion.  I have always been involved in the agricultural industry through our family farm and staying involved in many ag activities throughout undergrad and vet school.  A few years ago, I had the opportunity for training through the National Beef Ambassador program with Trent Loos.  At that event, he had us practice “grace under fire”, rapid questioning regarding the agriculture industry.  Since that time, I have had an even stronger passion for being an advocate for agriculture and I’ve had the opportunity to inform others about the industry through various activities and within my vet school class.  After graduating, I plan to practice in a mixed animal practice in a rural community, probably around Lebo, KS, where my husband’s family farm is located.  I am so excited to get involved with this group to strengthen my knowledge of current events in agriculture, further practice my communication skills, and spread the word about this amazing industry on our campus and beyond!

Proactive Vs. Reactive

Many people from different walks of life are guilty of being too reactive in life. I think the Agriculture industry could benefit greatly from being more proactive rather than reactive. That is what a lot of social media is allowing producers to do. It helps puts ag out there in front of consumers more.

In light of yesterday's video release, Trent Loos took the reins and decided to get to the root of the issue. He interviewed both sides of the issue and presents it in an un-biased manner online for anyone to get a hold of:

Kirt Espenson, E6 Ranch, Hart, TX

http://www.rodeoattitude.com/facesofag/2011/04/20/special-report-e6-calf-ranch-hart-tx/

Nathan Runkle, founder, Mercy For Animals

http://www.rodeoattitude.com/facesofag/2011/04/21/nathan-runkle-founder-mercy-for-animals-on-e6-ranch/

Remembering that both sides of the fence agree that animal cruelty is NOT permissible, I appreciate Trent's interviews for presenting both sides.