Ahh, the power of You

Say cheese!

This past week, the state officers had the opportunity to visit First District Association in Litchfield. Fist District is a cheese making, whey making, milk selling machine! First District Association processes over 1.5 billion pounds of milk a year, producing over 45 million pounds of whey and lactose powders, 140 million pounds of cheese, and 190 million pounds of milk. There we learned the impact First District is playing in the food supply nationally and globally. First District makes their own cheese titled “Fieldgate Cheese,” sell milk to bottlers such as Kemps and Schroeder Milk, provide cheese products to Frito-Lay and Taco Bell, and whey and lactose products to numerous baby milk formula companies. Cheese blocks and barrels are also sold.

The facts and information gained that day really hit home for me in two ways. First, my family is a part of the First District Association Cooperative and sells their milk there. My supervised agriculture experience involves me working on our 140 cow dairy farm. Never had I realized the impact I had on First District and providing dairy products to consumers. The milk from my cows on my farm is utilized for so many different products; cheese, Kemps milk, Frito-Lay Cheetos, and more! My cows are providing products for consumers around the world and I have a stake in that. Never have I realized the impact my supervised agriculture experience has had. I grew up taking care of and milking the cows resulting in a wholesome product; milk.

Secondly, we as individuals have the chance to make an impact in the lives of others. It may first be a simple step of talking to someone or having an interest in something we are passionate about. We may think it’s just one person or just one thing, but we need to step back and look at the big picture. For instance, one person we inspire could take that inspiration and pass it on to numerous individuals. Within our FFA chapters, sports, and other groups we have the chance to make a difference and impact not only through words but actions.

Always remember the impact and difference you can make through everything you do and say, small or big.

Stationed by the emblem of Washington,

Tyler Warren