College graduate embarks on 50-state trip to tell the story of agriculture
When Natalina Sents moved the gold tassel on her graduation cap to become an Iowa State University graduate, she wasn't headed for a full-time job. She was embarking on the journey of a lifetime. Partnering with Beck's, the largest family-owned retail seed company in the United States, Sents is setting out on the Why I Farm Roadtrip – a year-long, 50 state tour documenting agriculture's diversity and revealing the untold stories of America's farmers.
Partnering with Beck's, the largest family-owned retail seed company in the United States, Natalina Sents is setting out on the Why I Farm Roadtrip – a year-long, 50 state tour documenting agriculture's diversity and revealing the untold stories of America's farmers.
"Farmers are the backbone of our nation," said Scott Beck, president of Beck's. "As agriculture continues to be scrutinized, it's important we tell their story of faith, fortitude and passion. When Natalina approached us with the idea to travel the country interviewing farmers, her dream matched our mission to honor the American farmer. By taking the Why I Farm Movement on the road, we're able to give even more farmers a voice."
Whether traveling by car, plane or train, Sents will spend approximately one week in each state gathering real stories from real farmers who not only open their homes, but their hearts. The Why I Farm Roadtrip began on May 15 in Sents' home state of Iowa. Over the past three weeks, she has visited farms in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Maryland. Sents will be sharing these stories on the Why I Farm social media accounts and blog.
"From the moment I learned about Beck's Why I Farm Movement, I became inspired to tell the story of agriculture," said Sents, a Columbus Junction, Iowa native. "With their help, I get to live my dream of traveling the country, interviewing farmers, and chronicling their lives on the Why I Farm Roadtrip."
Since 2013, Beck's Why I Farm Movement has honored 21 farmers by bringing to life their heartfelt stories through powerful video. Reaching more than 3.8 million people, the Why I Farm Movement has gained fans and followers from across the globe.
"I tell people all the time, I run a maternity ward for pigs. Being a mom, I think that you can relate, and kind of feel, more of what the sows need. I was raised in the city, so when I got to the farm I wanted to do everything. I drove tractors, loaded hogs, power-washed, and drove the feed truck. The farrowing house was probably the last place I went. But immediately, I just fell in love. When I first started doing this, my mother-in-law was in the farrowing house. She was the one that really taught me what to do." - Erin Brenneman of Brenneman Pork, Wellman, Iowa shares her "Why I Farm" story on Beck's Why I Farm Roadtrip
"When it comes to agriculture across the nation, there is so much to see and do," stated Elaine Bristol, program coordinator for Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT. "The Why I Farm Roadtrip really intrigued me because it's going to feature that diversity."
To follow Beck's Why I Farm Roadtrip, visit www.WhyIFarm.com/blog, www.facebook.com/WhyIFarm, and www.twitter.com/WhyIFarm, as well as @WhyIFarm on Instagram and Snapchat. To submit a story idea, please email WhyIFarm@gmail.com.
6.09.2016
