Posted: Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Author: Kimberly Lowry, Broker | Licensed in MT
Raising kids immersed in agriculture develops a sense of discipline, hard work, tenacity, and creativity to work through unexpected challenges that may appear in an otherwise seemingly smooth afternoon. This unique way of life was something I enjoyed as a child through early mornings at the barn taking care of horses and while preparing for competition at horse shows. I knew firsthand that hard work in the barn was directly proportionate to provide exhibitors with a competitive edge when at a show. Raising my own kids around livestock while raising cattle, hogs, and lambs has presented them with some unique challenges throughout their lives, preparing them for college and beyond. As individuals, they spent countless hours in the barn working toward their livestock goals while preparing to show cattle, hogs, lambs, and goats at a local, regional, and national level over the years. It has been challenging at times and has offered many rewards and has created important qualities in them as they head into adulthood.
While traveling, we met and made friends with some amazing livestock families around the country developing strong friendships through a common thread of competition and respect for the hard work we know is required behind those closed barn doors during early mornings and late nights working together as a family. It has been a pleasure to meet some exceptional young people who I trust will rise to the occasion and be much-needed leaders serving our country in a variety of critical roles in the future. One of those special individuals is a young Montanan cattlewoman named Claire Murnin. When I first met Claire, she was a softspoken young girl who was constantly moving; a young gal on a mission toward greatness. She worked quietly and diligently with a passion for the little details needed to reach big goals. It always caught my attention that when she was at a cattle show and had completed all of her own tasks, instead of sitting in a lounge chair playing on a cell phone or goofing around with other kids, Claire would help other showmen around her. I first met Claire when she was stalled next to my daughter, and the pair worked seamlessly together to support each other through a week-long show. She is the kind of young person parents want their own kids to befriend and to look up to, as she sets an amazing example for others to follow.
Claire is humble and modest and is one of the most passionate young people about agriculture that I have met. In addition to a successful show career, she has set herself apart from others by taking on a role as an ‘AGvocate’ and engaging other passionate youth to do so as well. Once a very quiet young girl, Claire has grown into a passionate young lady with a strong voice advocating for the agriculture industry. By developing an educational platform to utilize as a tool to provide a friendly glimpse into what it is like for her to live “365 Days of Agriculture.” Her educational platform has developed quite a following and I had the pleasure to visit with Claire and to ask her a few questions about her life and the things that inspire her to be an AGvocate.
What does growing up in agriculture mean to you?
Growing up in the agriculture industry has been one of the most fulfilling experiences. Through being involved in the cattle industry, I have been able to learn the value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, skills that can be used in so many areas of my life. I believe that growing up in this industry has allowed me to truly comprehend how important agriculture is and why the agriculture industry needs to continue for years to come. Without agriculture, we would not have food on the table, clothes on our bodies, or shelter over our heads. Thus, this has made me want to dedicate myself to being a part of the next generation of agriculturists.
What inspired you to create 365 Days of Agriculture?
I was inspired to create 365 Days of Agriculture by Extemporaneous Public Speaking. As I was preparing for National FFA, I was practicing potential topics that I could draw for the contest. One day, I drew a topic on the use of social media in the agriculture industry. This got me thinking: what could I do to use my own social media pages to promote agriculture? After thinking about the question further, I thought about the idea of highlighting agriculture every day, as it is an industry that works 365 days a year. Thus, the idea for 365 Days of Agriculture was born. I decided that starting in 2023, I would post daily videos, photos, and various media to show how agriculture affects people every day.
Who is your target audience that you hope to reach with your educational message?
My target audience is those who might not be the most involved in agriculture. Growing up in an agriculture rich community, I noticed that lots of students at my high school are aware of agriculture, but not really the full picture of the industry that agriculture is. My goal is to reach people, no matter if they have a college education studying agriculture, have grown up in agriculture, or have no knowledge of the agriculture industry, to create a community of people who are willing to learn new facts and watch my experiences through agriculture. By doing so, I hope that people will be able to make informed decisions and see the agriculture industry in a new light.
Tell me a little bit about your experiences and accolades in FFA…
The National FFA Organization has allowed me to become the person that I am today. I know it might sound cliché, but through my experiences and the opportunities I have been granted, it is easy to say that it has had a major impact on my life. I remember very vividly the first time I walked into the agriculture education classroom at my rural Montana school. Looking back, it was clear that I was extremely shy, lacked a lot of self-confidence, and did not really understand the impact that I could make on others around me. After attending multiple leadership conferences, including the Washington Leadership Conference, and being involved in the National FFA Convention as well as the Montana State FFA Convention, I have been able to learn new skills that will be extremely valuable to use throughout the rest of my life. Additionally, competitions in FFA have pushed me to work hard so I can achieve success. Through this hard work, I have gained different soft skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership that I can use for the rest of my life and as I move into a career one day.
What do you intend to pursue following graduation from high school?
That is the big question right now! I am planning to run for a State FFA Office next spring, which will definitely have an effect on my future plans. If elected, I will take a gap year to serve Montana FFA to the best of my abilities without school getting in the way. If I am not elected, I plan to go straight to college. No matter what, I plan to eventually attend college out of state. Living in Montana for most of my life, I am ready for an adventure in a different place, and I believe that college is a great opportunity to do that. While in college, I plan to study Agriculture Business and Political Science on a pre-law path. After obtaining a Bachelor's Degree, I would like to attend law school. With that education and those degrees, I plan to pursue a career as a Lobbyist for Agriculture Policy. I believe we need far more people raised in agriculture to fight for the importance of the agriculture industry, and with my love for being an advocate for agriculture, I think that career path is a great fit.
Since I met you when you were little, you have been passionate about raising and showing Angus cattle. What do you like about the Angus breed?
The Angus breed is my home and passion. I have been heavily involved in the National Junior Angus Association since I was eight years old. Through this organization I have attended conferences, shows, and so many other events that have made me fall in love with the atmosphere of the American Angus Association and its affiliations. I believe that the Angus breed is an extremely functional breed of cattle that has a lot to offer from both a maternal and carcass standpoint. Outside of the cattle, I believe that the opportunities and exposure to the Angus breed have introduced me to some of the best people around. I have had the opportunity to learn from my peers to help make me a better Angus breeder, something that I believe is unmatched in so many other breeds.
What are your most notable accomplishments showing on a national level?
I have had the privilege over the past nine years to show cattle all across the country through the National Junior Angus Association. Through my parents’ dedication to helping me work hard to reach my goals, I have been able to learn a lot about cattle to help me achieve success. I have shown many cattle that have been extremely successful, but some of the most special achievements were those that were achieved across the country. In 2020, I had my first big regional win as I showed the heifer that was crowned the Supreme Champion Heifer at the Idaho Junior Beef Expo. This was the start of some of the larger achievements I have had. I have had four Reserve Divisions at the National Western Stock Show held in Denver, Colorado. Additionally, I was crowned Reserve Division at the Eastern Regional Junior Angus Show this summer in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. My trip to Pennsylvania also included a success for me as I was able to be crowned the Champion Intermediate Showman at that show. In addition to all of those amazing successes, I have shown a class-winning heifer at the National Junior Angus Show, which is a large accomplishment as there in over 1,600 entries in the show and only about 30 class winners.
Claire Murnin's dedication to agriculture and her proactive approach to advocacy reflect the profound impact of growing up in this field. Her commitment to showcasing the agricultural industry through 365 Days of Agriculture and her achievements in FFA illustrate her commitment to both personal growth and the future of the industry. As Claire continues to advocate for agriculture, her story serves as an inspiring testament to the positive impact of an agricultural upbringing and the importance of nurturing young talent in this vital industry.
