As this is my first success story, which includes a full year on the job, I can say that the lessons I have learned this year are numerous. However, one success that points to my ability to perform in my role stands above the others. Building a national brand is one of the keys to successful extension programming; I have started doing that this year. I regularly write for Southern Ag Today, a consortium of Southern Schools that release popular articles each day regarding the current state of the Farm Economy. Since last June, I have written seven articles for Southern Ag Today. The topics span from the impact of river levels on a commodity basis to changing grain markets with the push for deforestation-free soybean production. Of these seven articles, I have had five re-published by Farm Progress.

Farm Progress is a nationwide publication that focuses on farm news. Although direct reads are hard to quantify, Farm Progress is mostly known for the Louisville farm show and has a subscriber base of 85,000 producers. My work being re-published in Farm Progress is a huge success for me, as it is something I have aspired to since reading their publications in my grandpa’s shop as a child. The republications reflect the work I am doing and spread my name, as well as the recognition of the work by UK Extension at the national level. I look forward to continual growth of my brand in Kentucky as well as the national level.