I was surprised to learn during last week’s meeting at Prosser IAREC that blueberry season is already over. I think of blueberries as an early August crop. They were still picking blueberries and many other berries in Mount Vernon and surrounding regions when I visited. I had a chance to sample some freshly picked raspberries, blackberries, and marionberries over the weekend. Delicious! On the east side of the state, it is definitely hay harvest time. I don’t recall so many hay trucks running through Pullman in past years. I passed many on my way to and from Prosser as well. It was a good reminder of hay production’s importance to Washington’s agriculture economy. We are certainly in the best part of summer!
I am in Pullman all week and will chat with some of our panelists for the Sept. 26 discussion that will follow the Common Ground film screening. I’m meeting with a prospective addition to the CAHNRS Advisory Council, too. In between, I’ll have a chance to catch up with a few of our support unit and department leaders during one-on-one meetings, in addition to a Monday meeting with the whole team. The associate deans and I will finalize a two-hour visit with the provost, scheduled for July 29. Overall it’s a light week, but a good chance to connect with the broader CAHNRS leadership team and move some things forward.
One member of the broader CAHNRS leadership team, Jill McCluskey, was just elected as president of the International Association of Agricultural Economists, which includes members from many different continents. Jill joins a group of esteemed CAHNRS faculty who are serving in key leadership roles for professional societies. Congratulations, Jill!
Extension’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Unit held a virtual summer meeting this week. I had a chance to visit with the group and talk about the work we are doing across CAHNRS to foster resiliency in Washington and beyond. Much of that work is built into our current research, Extension, and teaching efforts. Still other work involves planning the “what,” the “why,” and the “how” going forward. This might be the harder part because there are unknowns and uncertainties. We focus instead on the opportunities, knowing that pushing through change leads to impacts. The planning is what ensures we are ready when those opportunities come along.
My sister shared one of her photographs (above) from her recent extended trip to Alaska. To me, the photo screams “opportunism!” For the bear, it’s about being in the right place at the right time, and perhaps pushing aside the chance to catch smaller fish in exchange for the one pictured. It is not a given that the bear has secured lunch. The fish may well be prepared to pivot and avoid what it sees in front of it. The photographer, too, has to be ready with the correct camera settings. It takes time, planning, and patience that not all of us are cut out to commit. I think my sister would say this shot was well worth the effort.
Interviews for a few of our leadership positions are wrapped up. Thanks to all who participated. Please be sure to send your feedback through the surveys made available to you. Hopefully everyone is getting some downtime. If SEA is your start or end point, I am sorry. Don’t let the chaos of an airport that seems to have every inch under construction thwart your enthusiasm for adventure. Stay focused on your fish!