By Julie (Orchard) Bacon on June 27, 2018

Jen and I are attending National Guernsey Convention in Dubuque, Iowa, this week. It’s not easy getting away from the farm and we are very thankful to have family at home to allow us this opportunity. Oftentimes, we can only attend these events virtually. So we are going to do our best to keep those at home updated with convention activities.

One of the things we cherish the most about Guernsey cattle is our fellow breeders (i.e., the Guernsey fraternity). Convention is more like attending a family reunion than going to a business meeting. We’ve been so fortunate to grow up in this breed and make life-long friendships. The people are truly amazing and always go the extra mile to help each other out.

Tonight we attended a listening session. There’s been quite a bit of change in one area of the organization over the past six months. It was a chance for membership to get questions answered and find out more about why decisions were made and plans for the future.

These types of sessions are what make conventions so valuable. We have easy access to information today. The Internet offers us so many different ways to meet, learn, collaborate, express ourselves, monitor and measure. We use laptops, tablets and smart phones to quickly connect, research, share, comment and update.

Is there even a reason to leave the farm and attend events anymore?

Yes. Here’s why:

1. Renew your excitement. Too much time in the barn can cause you to feel stagnant. While there’s a whole world of information available to you online and hundreds of ways to consume content, getting out and hearing from people who are as passionate about cattle as you, can reignite your enthusiasm.
2. Meet fellow breeders face to face. We all have the ability to make strong, positive, connections using digital technology. We’re able to connect, collaborate and share information easily and quickly—there’s no denying that. Yet, there’s something powerful about interacting with to someone face to face.
3. See other farms and how they’re implementing new ideas. The highlight of Guernsey convention is the tour day where you visit some of the host state’s finest farms. It’s beneficial to see other herds and learn about their breeding programs and what’s working for them. You always come back with something valuable to bring back to your own farm.
4. Make new connections. Meeting new people and making connections can be invaluable. You never know when you may be able to be a resource for each other.
5. Get off the farm and just have fun. Think of it as an investment in your own health and well-being. Farming is stressful and there’s a lot to be said about getting away from the daily grind and having fun. People who include fun in their work tend to be happier, healthier and less stressed.