“Spend time in the place you want to impact” was a tip Jeff shared in a recent news article highlighting his role as an agricultural educator.
The article entitled, “Sowing the seeds: Farmer leads pathway to agriculture course at Grayslake District 127” shares the story of Jeff’s role in becoming the first agriculture educator in Lake County. Give it a read!
In typical Jeff fashion, he didn’t expect the warm reaction the article received.
From current co-workers within the Grayslake high school district and Liberty Prairie, to family and former landscape architect friends, to our college alma mater, Beloit College, the reaction was the same: keep building!
The reactions surprised him for three reasons:
First, he’s humble!
Second, he (we) never consider farming, or education, an individual accomplishment. Every success depends on collaboration and teamwork.
Third, the true heroes of the story are the students who are open-minded enough get their hands dirty, try something new and consider caring for the land, food and life.
On Saturday afternoon, we finished up the week teaching interns to trim goat hooves, care for the goat’s medical issues, and learn about natural instincts.
Afterwards, Jeff turned to me and said, “Wow, that feels good to have goats cared for and to see students becoming more confident in their [animal husbandry] skills.”
The students spent time in the place they wanted to impact. We’re grateful that they are making an impact on our farm.
Your farmers,
Jeff, Jen, Gavin, David, Cleto, Anacleto, Miguel