A Pilgrimage around Food Security and Farming at Wessels Living History Church
YORK, Neb. – Everyone is invited to take a Hope Sojourn for the Heartland at the church at Wessels Living History Farm on Wednesday, December 10. Doors open at 6 p.m. with some food and fellowship time followed by a program at 6:30 p.m.
Hope Sojourns for the Heartland are powered by the Graze Master Group. A “sojourn” in this context is a pilgrimage. In this case, this journey is geared for those desiring to take a moment to learn what opportunities exist for agriculture to be even more fruitful and connected to the community, as well as be enlightened about food security issues in the county and across the state and nation. The evening is a partnership effort between the Graze Master Group, Blue Valley Community Action (BVCA) – York County, and the York Public Schools (YPS) FFA Chapter. It’s especially geared towards farmers, ranchers, and everyone who eats!
Guest speakers include Vance McCoy – Perkins County farmer and Lead Educator for Transitional Ag Consulting – powered by Graze Master, along with Jennifer Harre – Family Development Coordinator for BVCA, and YPS FFA “Difference Makers” committee – Makayla Sniden, Melah Stodieck, and Taytum Methe.
“Effort in the right direction is unstoppable,” said McCoy, who has found positive success through changes he is making on his farm to work in tandem with nature. “I spent the first 20 years of my farming career striving for the wrong things, trying to follow the model of producing more bushels only. There is a better way and so many more options when you get serious about building soil and protecting and renewing our water resources. I looked at my own family and grandchildren and said, ‘The time is now to change my ways for their betterment and for a future time I will not see.”
Farmers and ranchers are integral to food security locally and across the nation. The history of agriculture in the United States has ensured a cheap food supply, but has also led to some challenges, such as fresh food deserts and access issues. Harre will talk about some of the hunger statistics for the county, what’s working, and areas that could be improved with citizens’ help.
Harre said, “Events like this bring awareness and help inspire even more solutions on a grassroots level. We are excited to see where this partnership goes. We are especially pleased to see the energy of youth involved.”
The York Public Schools FFA program is also helping to address food security in the community. Difference Makers committee members said they are enthused about the project and eager to share what they are learning.
“I’m super excited to get started on this project! I know me and the girls can’t wait to make a real impact in York County. We are ready to dive in, collaborate, and help get the community energized about building a more sustainable future together,” said York FFA member Taytum Methe on behalf of the committee.
Jason Hirschfeld, ag instructor and FFA advisor at YPS, has grown the ag program with teachers Rachelle Staehr and Dusten Bruss to more than 200 plus students studying a host of areas. “It only makes sense to gain a deeper understanding of food security issues in the greater community, along with some new, innovative approaches to farming and ranching. We are looking forward to the positive outcomes that I know will arise from this program and partnership.”
“There is a lot of great work already being done – there’s just always more to do, and it was time to bring these topics forward,” said Kerry Hoffschneider, Executive Director of the Graze Master Group. “Please join us for a fun, inspirational evening that will make a positive impact on York County and the surrounding areas.”
If you have questions about the event, please get in touch with Kerry Hoffschneider, event coordinator, at (402) 363-8963 (Call or text).
