Its been a great week in San Francisco at the annual meetings of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA). In addition to serving as president elect of the association, it was a great honor to be named fellow last night at the award's ceremony. The fellow recipients didn't get a chance to share any remarks last night and I had a number of people ask me what I would have said. So, I thought I'd share what I had written on the note card in my pocket.
“I’m honored to receive this award.
Last year during his fellow’s acceptance speech, my colleague Wade Brorsen, gave great advice: be a chronic finisher. To that I’ll add the following: it’s a lot easier to finish when you work with people you enjoy and on topics you love.
I’m blessed to be a part of this profession. I’m truly proud to be an agricultural economist.
It would be impossible to adequately thank my many mentors, co-authors, and friends who helped make this happen. I’ve had the pleasure of being surrounded by ambitious, problem solving, go-getters. Over late night bar napkins, early morning coffees, and engaging lunches at Little Dooey’s, Harry’s, and Eskimo Joe’s, they taught the value of hard work and instilled a love for learning.
And, as you can see, I have a lovely family. I am eternally grateful for their love and support.
I am humbled to be a relatively young recipient of this award. But, I don’t want anyone to get the idea that this means I’m hanging up my hat. Rather in 10 or 20 years’ time, I hope you’ll look back on my career and say it was like a fine wine – one that continued to get better with age.
Thank you.
”
