As we approach June, I recall what I was doing nearly 26 years ago, getting ready to graduate from Cal Poly with a degree in Agriculture Business Management. Fast forward to 2015 and the degree has changed to Agribusiness. I now sit on the other side of the desk witnessing a fresh crop of students getting ready to hit the work force. From technological advancement to the leading crops produced in our state the playing field has changed in so many ways. The one thing that hasn’t changed is how important Agribusiness is to not only California, but to the world.
What is Agribusiness you might ask? Wikipedia defines Agribusiness as the business of agricultural production. The term was coined in 1957 by Goldberg and Davis. It includes agrichemicals, breeding, crop production, distribution, farm machinery, processing, and seed supply, as well as marketing and retail sales. All agents of the food and fiber value chain and those institutions that influence it are part of the agribusiness system.
In Introduction to Agribusiness, taking a lesson from Ag In the Classroom, I would use a loaf of bread to illustrate the industry. Imagine every job that went into producing the product, from the farmer to the retail outlet, one would find sales, marketing, finance, accounting, policy and human resources were occurring. Agribusiness is a complex, broad area of study that represents many specialties and skill sets. But what makes Agribusiness special? Why a unique discipline? Seriously, what is the big deal?
Agribusiness enables one to not only learn by theory but apply it to an industry. One could even say “Learn by Doing.” Agribusiness is an industry that feeds and clothes the world. An industry that employees millions of people. An industry that is celebrated across our nation at fairs and festivals. An industry that involves generations of families, creates a passion, and connects people.
My blog is my content platform. Those that read the posts get a glimpse into my mind set and thought process. Once posted, my words are spread across facebook and LinkedIn with the magical click of a button. However, the readers are basically my friends and family. Many who have a similar background, knowledge base and lets face it a love of agriculture. My reach is narrow in the quest to expand the importance of Agribusiness. Or is it?
The other night I had an epiphany. What if I started a grassroots quest to spread the importance of Agribusiness. More specifically, Cal Poly Agribusiness. I have the skill set, the resources available and students full of content. What was my call to action, the battle cry? #CPAGBMAKESADIFFERENCE was too long and #CPAGBKICKSASS was inappropriate, thus #CPAGBROCKS was created.
In the final month of spring quarter a group of Senior Project students are launching Thirty Days of AGB Champions across on the Cal Poly Agribusiness social media sites. With the #CPAGBROCKS as our inspiration, our goal is to showcase each and every senior. Using simple mathematics if every student shares our post our message will spread faster than a juicy Hollywood rumor. And while you are at it, feel free to use #CPAGBROCKS in any and all posts related to the world of Agribusiness. As I watch the Class of 2015 cross the stage on June 13th, I can silently sing, We are the Champions.. No time for Losers ‘Cause we are the Champions of the World.
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