A Parent Perspective by: Natalee's Mom

 My daughter has officially been gone a week on the Summer Ag Tour. I’m taking a break from crying to discuss my experience. I’m only joking. I did cry when she left, and I’ve gotten a little emotional a couple of times during phone calls, but that is only because I’ve never spent this much time away from her before.

As parents, I believe it’s very hard to find a balance of holding on and letting go, which is what these teenage years are all about. I am thankful for this awesome opportunity the Summer Ag Tour gives us. It allows us to give our kids some freedom from us parents while also knowing they are being guided and cared for by trustworthy teachers. I really couldn’t ask for a better scenario.

The trip itself has been great so far. We have a family group chat with myself, my husband and both of our girls. Throughout the day, Natalee sends pictures and videos. She tells us about the cool things she is seeing and experiencing. It almost feels like we’re on the trip with her. When she has the opportunity she calls and just hearing the excitement in her voice makes all of us happy.

My least favorite part of the trip so far would have to be receiving a text from Nat telling us how great the visit to Mississippi State University was and how she wants to be a bull dog in a few years. Her being gone for 10 days is enough of an adjustment, not sure how I will feel if she really does decide to go 10 hours away for college. At least I have a few more years to get her excited about some Florida schools. :)

My favorite part of the trip so far is just knowing how passionate she is about Agriculture, and feeling that through her calls and texts. She is seeing and experiencing so many different aspects of possible future careers and that kind of up close and personal insight is so valuable.

She says when she gets home she’s going to make a power point to show us all of the pictures and teach us about all of the things she’s learned. Let me tell you I can’t wait for that, and I can’t wait to give her a huge hug (even though she’s not a hugger). Maybe next year I’ll chaperone ;)

Exploring the Southeast

 

The last “Summer Ag Tour” was in 2019 traveling to Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Ontario Canada. The goal of our trips is to expose students to as many agricultural industries, new technology, history and college opportunities outside of our little world.

 

Usually, as soon as one tour is planned and stops are finalized, we are thinking of the next summer trip. The thoughts of 2020’s trip to the “4 Corners States” were in the works. As we were tweaking the stops for Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico, we went home for Spring Break and the pandemic hit! That cancelled our trip for 2020. The hopes of getting to make the trip in 2021 didn’t look promising either.

 

When approval for field trips opened back up, the planning began again. To help ease the fears of parents we opted to stay closer to home and travel in cars instead of a flying. We are so excited to be able to take students through North Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. Many hours of planning, contacting people, adjusting the plans, double checking the routes and finalizing the stops is about to pay off! Starting early morning on June 1^st, we will be on the go through late night June 10^th.

 

Watch the blog as students and chaperones write about their experiences on this journey. Stay in touch through Facebook and Instagram.

 

And yes, next year’s ag tour is already being planned! Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois will be the destination. We would love to have you come along, either in person or virtually.