As FFA members, we are told day and night that we embody the words “Living to Serve.” We live to serve and support our homes, communities, chapters and industries.
The Miller family, the faces behind Double Diamond M Meats in Colorado, personifies what it means to live to serve. These individuals serve the people in their communities in and out of their business by supporting every cause they have the opportunity to. Their goal is to provide “real meat to real people.”
Every year, Valley FFA in Gilcrest, Colo., hosts “Ag Night,” an event designed to promote and support local agriculturists and spread the word about the work done behind the scenes in the agricultural sector. Valley FFA members invite community members to enjoy a meal made possible solely by local agriculture. From the meat to the onions, the event nurtures local agriculture and the phenomenal people behind it.
Ag Night runs on donations, and Double Diamond M Meats annually donates more than 200 pounds of brisket or ground beef valued at $800-$3,000. Through these donations, the Miller family is investing in not only the future of Valley FFA and the traditions it carries, but also the future of agriculture in northern Colorado.
As agriculturists, we strive to continuously provide for the growing population that relies on us. The average age of an American farmer or rancher has grown to 58 years old. Through the time and effort that Double Diamond M Meats and the Miller family have poured into up-and-coming youth in agriculture, they are making significant headway toward ensuring that the next generations have the necessary tools and relationships to be successful in their intended fields.
Although it might sound like a simple donation, in the long run, it promotes the future of aspiring agriculturists and promotes the communication between producers and consumers. It also promotes agricultural education and literacy. Most importantly, however, it promotes the sustainability of animal agriculture and those who have chosen to dedicate their lives to their work.
