Letter from the Editor: “May 2024”

I’ve recently become obsessed with “The Amazing Race” on CBS. Have you heard of it? It’s a reality competition show where teams of two race around the world for a million dollars. Throughout the competition, they must complete various challenges, overcome language barriers, navigate unfamiliar terrain and city streets, rely on their physical capabilities, and harness their patience and determination to mediate personal conflicts. It’s a feel-good show, and I’m currently recommending it to anyone I talk to. (My husband has told me—multiple times—to “just submit our application already!”)

When watching “The Amazing Race,” you can’t help but think about how you would do the challenges or handle driving through foreign countries with only a map, a compass, and your partner. Of course, you might critique some teams or celebrate others’ successes and quick thinking. It’s easy to judge when you’re on the couch and they’re stressing over communicating with their boat driver through the floating markets in Vietnam. Fans of the show often joke that the three main rules are: 1) Read the clue. 2) Read the clue! and 3) Know how to drive stick shift.

While the third rule is valid, I think the first two are especially relevant to our everyday lives. We race through our lives. We race through our work, checking off our to-do lists, completing tasks, and moving on to the next. Throughout all the hurry, we often forget to slow down, take a breath, and read “the clue” thoroughly. Now, I know we don’t always have actual clues to direct us on how to do a project or make a choice, but other resources, signs, and people are here to provide a little guidance. Did we take the time to fully read that text from our farmhand or the email from our County Extension Agent? Did we fully comprehend the chemical label or those new scab management recommendations? In our rush, we may skim the “clue” and miss crucial information.

“The Amazing Race” has not only given me new places to add to my travel bucket list but also reminded me of what my teachers tried to hammer into my head all those years ago—slow down; read the instructions, email, or article completely; and then, move forward. I think that’s something we should all strive to do this growing season—or harvest season if you’re in the Southern Hemisphere. Let’s read our clue.

Until next time,

Catherine Clark

Managing Editor