Meat+Poultry - March 2020 - 8

C O M M E N TA R Y

Brushes with greatness
I'll be the first to admit that even after
almost 20 years, I'm still starstruck.
It was a reality check during the
International Production & Processing
Expo in January when my informal
breakfast meeting with Temple
Grandin, was interrupted by one of
her fans, who asked if I could take
a picture of them together, which of
course I did. I was reminded of what
an awesome privilege it is to know
Temple and what a great gift it is to
have her write a column exclusively for
MEAT+POULTRY for almost 40 years.
I was also reminded of how fortunate
the ag community is to have her
representing it all over the world, not
to mention her advocacy for the autism
community. Getting to know Temple is
a highlight of my career I'll never take
for granted.
At least once a year, I reach out
to her requesting some time to visit,
one on one, either during an industry
conference, trade show or in Fort
Collins, where she has become an
icon as a professor of animal health
at Colorado State Univ. And she
always obliges. Sometimes it's an early
breakfast, other times lunch or dinner
and occasionally the visits extend to
most of a day. During our visits, I try to
talk very little and just listen, soaking

in her wisdom. It's an opportunity
to not just discuss animal welfare
issues, but to be in the presence of
one of the world's greatest thinkers,
teachers, researchers, engineers and
most versatile problem solvers. For
bucket-list makers, meeting Temple
Grandin and following her work should
be at the top.
It's become clear that her
commitment to staying up to date on
current events isn't fuel for making
political stances, but instead to apply
her visual thinking process to assess
societal challenges and to advocate
for legitimate change where it's
most needed. She has a sixth sense
trained to identify aspects of business,
technology, education, research and
the environment and how people can
effect real and necessary change. For
example, bringing industrial arts back
into US schools is an example of a
change she believes will serve as a
solution for the labor shortage so many
industries are experiencing by opening
doors that have been shut for too long.
Exposing more kids to agriculture is
another drum she has been beating for
many years and is one of many societal
solutions she offers during most of her
speeches around the world.
Addressing challenges facing
future generations by advising young
people on career development and
how to realize their potential is another
longtime commitment Temple has

made. On a personal level, I have seen
her work magic with my son, who
couldn't decide on a major in college.
He recently spent most of a day at CSU
discussing his career aspirations with
her and listened to her advice about
how to map out an education plan
that would lead to a career that could
maximize his talents. So far, her advice
has been spot on.  
Several years ago, I had the honor
of attending Temple's 70th birthday
party held on the CSU campus. I was
reminded again that I'm only one of
many thousands of lives that have
been touched professionally and
personally by her, and I'm proud to
be in that growing crowd. I've had
the opportunity to introduce my
children and wife to her and we have
each benefited from her pearls of
wisdom and life-changing guidance.
Professionally, I've toured processing
plants with her, sat in on several of her
classes at CSU and have heard dozens
of her presentations to audiences
ranging from livestock handlers
to students at the Kansas City Art
Institute to parents of autistic children,
and her hopeful message and charisma
never disappoint.
As M+P celebrates 65 years of
publishing in 2020, we will continue to
spotlight the biggest difference makers
in the industry and give thanks for
relationships with icons like Temple.
J O E L C R E WS, E D I TO R | j c r e w s @ s o s l a n d .c o m

For Temple Grandin, staying up
to date on current events isn't fuel
for making political stances.

8

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Meat+Poultry - March 2020

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