30-31 May, I attended the 6th Annual Rural Business Conference. This event was co-sponsored by Senator Bob Bennett R-UT and the Rural Business Development Council. They fed us every two hours, gave us access to the latest in cell-phone and electronic media including wireless credit card processing, and introduced the forthcoming Farm Bill expected to pass Congress about the end of July. Then Senator Bennett delivered a major policy address on the new “Healthy Americans” Act which he is co-sponsoring with the Senator from Southern Oregon D-OR. Stay tuned in: the Genealogy Message is GO!
I wear another business hat–CEO of Eakle Farms, LLC. And I went to find out what is new in agriculture in general, and in dairy farming in particular. My next assignment is to keep the cattle records on dairy cows, replacement heifers, new-born calves, and breeding bulls. So I looked for software and instructions on how to use it.
Imagine my surprise to discover that the bulk of the Conference had little direct reference to agriculture. The one session taught by an AG professor showed graphs and slides and statistics that only 85% of farmers supported their farm efforts from income generated on the farm! These “enlightened” yeomen (remember the sacred yeoman farmer of Thomas Jefferson’s day?) had full-time jobs and supplementary businesses to generate their income: fish ponds, cheese packing and distribution for the gift market, honey bees, petting zoos, and other consumer-oriented products. He was not encouraging at all.
Eakle Farms and its parent Eakle Enterprises still generate all of their farm income on the farm. We are among the 15%–at present supporting three families, with some benefits to two other families.
The new farm bill will place at least 25% of the responsibility for alternative fuels on agriculture. Corn and soy beans–commodities that were once considered food for people and their animals, and will now become fuel to power our vehicles, our weapons, our lives. The Congressional sponsors of this new bill are very encouraging.
What does this have to do with your genealogy?
First, as I master spreadsheets, production charts, and other analytic tools on the computer, my technical skills for this Genealogy News Sheet and e-delivery of articles, books, and other genealogy information products will be enhanced. The delays will shorten and you will have the tools you need to locate your hard-to-find ancestors more quickly and more easily. The genealogy message is GO!
Second, genealogy like agriculture is changing rapidly. And I don’t want any of my News Sheet readers to conclude that only “big business” survives change. For the full message of the Rural Business Conference was that small companies and even one-man (or -woman) businesses can succeed! I left with such excitement and renewed determination to make my small genealogy business thrive! And to share my enthusiasm and encouragement with you.
You see, I’m looking for those genealogists who want to earn money with their skills and knowledge in genealogy and family history. Later this year I will announce a new training program to make those skills and knowledge marketable. This is a heads up for that program. You can work where you are, using tools and data from wherever the genealogy is located.
Kathryn, my webmaster and I will set-up a registry where you can post a resume and contact information if you are interested. Or send me an email so you get on my list.
Once in a Blue Moon
Last night was the Blue Moon–the second full moon in the month of May. A somewhat less common event in our night skies. And in that full moon, my grandson, Scott, graduated from high school, with a great send-off, a family dinner at Olive Garden, and an all-night party with his friends and classmates. Actually we have graduated all week–family events and barbecues, Seminary graduation, and lots of pictures. And the Blue Moon illuminated us well into the evening.
Not once in a Blue Moon! He goes on to college to become a web designer. On his way to other graduations in skill and knowledge.
Skills and knowledge in genealogy that can be adapted and used regardless of what changes occur. We can embrace change rather than be discouraging about it. The genealogy message is GO! Your favorite genealogist, Arlene Eakle
P.S. Very little genealogy research this week, I’m sorry to say. In my next Genealogy News Sheet, I will begin a major review of a newly updated research guide for German Genealogy. Making the jump across the ocean to Europe is especially hard as you await databases to catch up with your need for names and locations. You won’t want to miss even one in my series of News Sheets devoted to this new resource.