Growers Need To Take The Ball And Run — Now! [Opinion]
October 18, 2014 
Rarely is someone fortunate enough to have opportunity seek them out. Luck is a myth. You make your own success. That fact of life is evident by just looking through any issue of this magazine. The growers, researchers, and other industry stakeholders we highlight are doing something right to improve their operations and/or the industry overall. Not just relegated to production matters, more often than not, the individuals we’re covering are making a name for themselves through advocacy, leadership, and ingenuity.
Those types of characteristics are not exuded by the timid. Passion, determination, and the willingness to speak up and out is what defines the true movers and shakers.
Bully For You
Recently, Florida Grower’s parent company (Meister Media Worldwide) held its annual Content Summit in which all of the organization’s editors and graphic artists are invited to convene for a few days at the headquarters in Northeast Ohio to discuss trends, critique each other’s work, and exchange ideas. We’re all so busy immersed in our own markets, it’s easy to miss some cool things going on — even in the same company.
This particular gathering is a way to get everyone to take a look at the big picture. For example, one of the exercises we conducted was to vet industry issues that currently affect us all and how we plan to address them in our respective publications. The list we came up with included: digital sophistication; empowered consumers; medical marijuana; water management; the next generation of growers; opposition to GMOs; precision technology; pollinators; and sustainability.
Loading ...As editors, we were encouraged to use all of our available platforms (magazines, websites, eNewsletters, social media, and in-person events) as a bully pulpit to engage, inform, encourage, and inspire readers about these topics.
Similarly, growers can and should use their market knowledge to take on issues that directly impact their livelihood. The modern-day means to deliver your message are many — worlds apart compared to when the term “bully pulpit” was coined by Teddy Roosevelt.
The Squeaky Wheels
Growing a crop is one thing, growing your industry is another. It takes leaders to advance initiatives forward and prevent challenges from encroaching on your turf. The associations do a fine job in this regard to help make your job easier. You can help yourself, your farm, and fellow colleagues by becoming more involved. Don’t wait to get enlisted to help. It might be too late by then.
Picking your battles and fighting for what you believe will put your business in a better position to profit. If you’re committed to the cause, you might succeed. And if you’re lucky, you may find yourself on the cover of a magazine someday.
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