As a proud Michigan State Spartan, I know defense wins basketball games. If you follow the game and Tom Izzo (top coach in the country in my book), you know that rebounding and great defense have taken our beloved coach to the best record in the Big Dance. We like to watch what Izzo does best – play one of the toughest schedules in the country, take some losses (even though we really dislike the recent Big 10 losses) and get teams to peak at just the right time.

We’re especially enjoying this season with a little person playing basketball – who believes defending mommy should involve wrestling, de-robing and boxing out with aggression. There’s some genetics in action there; I’ll admit to fouling out of games and living by the “play hard or go home” philosophy.  Defense is a great strategy on the basketball court, but it doesn’t work for agriculture. Yet, it seems to be our game plan. We react and respond, chase people down the court and get in their faces when they’re taking shots at us.

Does agriculture win by playing defense? Not a chance. We’re not playing basketball, we’re playing with the livelihood of those closest to our heart. Should it really take a false claim about ethanol, a nasty animal abuse video, a raging food versus fuel debate or threat of regulation to get farmers and ranchers to speak up? I have the opportunity to speak to thousands of farmers, ranchers and agribusiness people each year, but I’ve never found one that believe agriculture wins when we’re constantly defending.

Trust me, I’ve understand that it’s tough to not get defensive when you feel like you’re constantly under attack. Just ask any of my friends who have had to calm me down whenever they want to talk about food origins.  Consider this about smart offense; it’s about taking control of the game and ensuring you get the ball to the right place. You drive the ball up the court, take the good shots and when there’s a chance for a team mate to score, you give them an assist.

Agriculture needs to take control of the game by talking with people about what we do.  Daily. We can drive the ball up the court by putting a face on the plate through conversations in church parking lots, Facebook, the state house, Twitter and grocery stores.  Sometimes we need to make an assist by helping others in agriculture tell their story or share an idea that’s more about the big picture than your business. And, we get the good shots when we care enough to ask questions of the people we’re having a conversation with – and listening, even when you’re prefer to box their ears. You get an especially good shot – a three pointer – when you identify what’s important to them and connect to that hot button with your own values.

Yes, I do practice what I preach. This "Spartan Saga" was ironically released by MSU the same day that I posted this blog. I put up with 8 hours of cameras to put a face on agriculture and tell our story. How about you?

Why wait to take control of the game? It’s your future. There will always be the excuse of planting, calving or harvest. Defense is likely much more comfortable, since that’s what we’re accustomed to in agriculture.  Take the risk to learn offense – and practice. Imagine the feeling of scoring for agriculture – and helping set the pace for a business who badly needs a different game plan.  It can be as simple as a conversation, a status update or shaking a hand. And remember – if you can’t play offense, know that your farm or ranch may not need defense someday.

Click photo or this link to see “Shaking the hand that feeds you”