Chuck's Chat-Welcome to December!

I believe Merle Haggard was right in 1973 when he sang these lyrics: “If we make it through December, everything’s gonna be alright I know”. We’ve got 31 days to find out.

By now I think we all know someone who has been directly affected by the corona virus. The indirect effects are all around us; cancellations, postponements, and rescheduled events galore. Virtual meetings via various electronic means have almost become the norm for some of us.

Is anyone else about “Zoomed out”? I have had many monthly meetings online, and I’m ready to be done with it. I know there are some who are conducting business daily, often times multiple times daily via Zoom. There are a few who thrive in this environment, not having to deal in person with others, not having to deal with traffic, not having to change out of their pajamas. I never realized just how much I thrive on human interactions.

And speaking of virtual meetings, the annual Kansas Farm Bureau State meeting will be held virtually on Saturday, December 5. It will be quite a different scene; not making the trek to The Little Apple, not visiting with friends and fellow delegates from across our great state, not having to sleep in an uncomfortable hotel bed, wondering if the alarm will go off or not. It will be quite the challenge for the KFB media group. Nonetheless, President Rich Felts told me they are group of young professionals that excel in their craft and are diligently preparing for the task. We shall see.

Traditionally, prior to the actual business meeting, there were breakout sessions where delegates could learn about a variety of subjects, such as Farm Bill, taxes, membership strategies, etc. This year, they will also be held virtually, and anyone can view them on December 3 and 4. The sessions will allow all Farm Bureau members in Kansas to participate for free, including Vance Crowe’s keynote address to lead off the meeting Thursday morning. Crowe, the former director of millennial engagement for Monsanto, will share his thoughts on how farmers and ranchers can thrive in a post-COVID-19 world. Members can view the annual meeting agenda and register for individual sessions at www.kfb.org/annualmeeting.

Christmas may be different for some this year. Perhaps your annual get together of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, grands, greats, and in-laws will not be as populated as in the past. I’m sure there are families that are spread out distances that may not want to risk the travel. There will be some families that are going to continue their traditional yuletide festivities as though all is well. Folks, all is not well. Even as much as I don’t like to admit it, the Covid-19 virus is real, it is active, and it is among us. Regardless of how, where, or who started it, it is real. The scary part is that it does not affect us all in the same manner. While some have tested positive with no symptoms, others have died. Can you be sure how your body will react if you contract it?

This holiday season may be one to simply be thankful for what we have, what we’ve accomplished, and who we have in our lives. Maybe a few smaller get togethers instead of one giant feast this year would be best. It would be a great time to remember the reason for the season. Fortunately, we are able to choose how we live our lives. You do what you think is best.

Be smart. Be safe. Stay strong.

God Bless America

Until next month,

Chuck Voelker