Day One Impressions

Ten years ago, on Sept. 11, 2001, Husker Harvest Days was taking place in Grand Island. Lexington veterinarian, Dr. Joe Jeffrey, remembers that day well. Dr. Joe has been narrating and entertaining Husker Harvest Days visitors for decades at the cattle handling demonstrations. Yesterday, as part of the handling demos at the 2011 version of Husker Harvest Days, Dr. Joe was reflective. He recalled that the 10 a.m. cattle handling demo in 2001 was pretty somber. There was only one person attending the demo that year in the morning, because visitors to HHD were trying to digest what had just happened in New York City, the Pentagon and in a field in Pennsylvannia.

Maybe that is why my impression of the first day of the 2011 HHD was more patriotic than usual. Vendors and visitors all remember that day at HHD ten years ago. There are always American flags in full view, along Flag Avenue on the grounds. Yesterday morning, about the time the gates were opening, the sun rose orange and beautiful over the HHD grounds, making the flags along Flag Avenue even more impressive.

But beyond that, flags are flying everywhere, from the top of grain bins and elevator legs to seed dealer tents and tractor cabs. Like ten years ago, as we remember those terrible days in September in 2001, we feel pride in our nation, in our brave soldiers and their families, and in our country's farmers and ranchers. That was my first impression from Day One at HHD.

If you are heading to the show today, don't forget to pack some non-perishable food items for the food drive. You can drop everything off at the gates of the show. Be sure to stop by the University of Nebraska building to learn about a series of programs focusing on entrepenuership, especially in youth. And stop by the Nebraska Farmer hospitality tent to say hi, or for the numerous health screenings available there. Today, on the grounds, we also welcome Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman.

Drive safely. Have fun. Learn something to improve your farm and ranch profitability. Most importantly, feel pride in American agriculture and Nebraska's farmers and ranchers. See you at the show.