Ana Engen was one of numerous local FFA chapter members who offered their help at the Breakfast on the Farm event at Anderson Farms on Labor Day, September 2, 2024.
Last fall, the Pope County Farm Bureau selected Anderson Farms as its host site for the 2024 Breakfast on the Farm event, which has been held every year since 2019. On Labor Day last week, the event was pulled off after a full year of planning went into it.
They were assisted by numerous Pope County 4-H youth, Pope County Farm Bureau members plus FFA students from B-B-E, Hancock and Minnewaska. Over 50 community sponsors provided donations and support to allow for free admission and make it a successful event.
Beyond the 1,800-plus served a free breakfast meal, the most popular activity that morning was the farm tours that were led by members of the Anderson family.
John Anderson, a 1976 Belgrade graduate, began remarks on his tours by thanking guests for attending, "You're doing us a great service by being here and learning about our farm operation."
"One of our philosophies in farming is, 'We're not going to be the cheapest, but we are going to be the best at what we do.' We want to add value to agriculture."
Education holds high importance
"My dad was a big believer in education," said Anderson. "When I was in high school, I wanted to stay home and farm, but dad wouldn't let me."
Jack Anderson told both John and Jim that they either had to pursue a four-year college degree before they could farm, or they had to jump into the workforce or choose a different career path.
"I knew I didn't want to go to college, but I wasn't stupid either. So I figured that if I wanted to farm, I better go to college first."
"It was far and away the best thing I ever did," he said.
"Yes, you learn a few things at college, but the most important thing you get from college is your friendships. I have friends who I've known from college my whole adult life."
Anderson noted that he was just with some of his college friends the week before. He also flew out to Colorado to watch his alma mater, North Dakota State University, play in Boulder, CO against the Colorado Buffaloes on August 29.
"My main message to all of you on this trailer, especially the younger ones, is to continue your education. Agriculture is a wide open field for today's youth."
The full story appeared in the print edition of the September 19 issue of the Bonanza Valley Voice newspaper.
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