After a busy summer interning with the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Program, I couldn't contain my excitement when I attended my first class on Monday. I am and always will be eager to gain more knowledge pertaining to agricultural communications curriculum.
I walked into the classroom where my Advertising 230 course would be held and took a seat. Once our professor completed her introduction, we begin working through some class material. She began by defining Integrated Marketing Communication, Advertising, Marketing and Branding. When it came to Branding, she discussed the brief history of the brand concept. Three revolutions make up this concept. The first being that of the Agricultural Revolution. She went on to ask if any of us grew up on farms and once the we raised our hands, she thanked us for feeding the world.
That resonated with me.
I was not expecting a professor to express gratitude for the work of farmers outside of my core agricultural classes. This made me realize that agriculture can have a wide array of different effects on our entire world.
For starters, agriculture is so much more than an industry just centered around itself. Agriculture has made an array of connections. Those relations including advertising, marketing, history, and art. For instance, in artist creations, agricultural practices and techniques have been made into the most beautiful work. At our own Iowa State University we have numerous creations of the famous "4-H Calf" sculpture by Christian Petersen.
How amazing is that?
Its not just our tight-knit family values that resonate agriculture with our human population. We can utilize advertising, art, and history to continue to educate our consumers. Although the agricultural industry is facing more difficult times at the moment, it is important to remember all of the ways in which we can make an impact. Therefore, I could not be more ready for all of the future challenges we face as young agriculturalists. With coursework and real-life experience that provides us with an array of opportunities, I know that our industry can take on whatever scenario.
