Making the time to get it ALL done

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As grain farmers in the Midwest begin to wrap-up an unusually long harvest, it’s finally time to cross one more thing off the list, but not without adding a few new “to dos.”

With increasing pressure from activist groups such as the Humane Society of the United States, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Farm Sanctuary and Greenpeace, farmers and many in agribusiness are realizing the importance of communicating to neighbors, civic leaders and those among the non-farm audience about what’s really going on behind those barn doors.

“The farm community needs to communicate and visit with neighbors to get the facts about farming out on a local level,” said Roger Berry, field director for the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska, who spoke during the National Farm-City Symposium in Indianapolis, Ind. in late November. “And we need to work together as much as possible, and not just within agriculture. We tend to overlook the vast majority of people who enjoy eating meat.”

One of the issues with that statement is … farmers are busy. I don’t know many farmers who don’t already work a seven-day week and 10-hour days; so fitting in time to attend community events, schedule farm tours and visits with civic leaders can be a challenging adjustment for many in the farm community to make. But there are some quick, easy suggestions to take baby steps into the community scene.

Echoing the advice from Berry, next time you stop by a local restaurant, coffee shop, even children’s athletic games, recitals and concerts, take a minute and chat with the person sitting next to you about your farm during half-time or intermission. Use this opportunity to dispel any myths about farm life that you’ve encountered during your career, and mention how it affects your family.

Another idea would be building a Facebook (www.facebook.com) and Twitter (www.twitter.com) account for your farm and adding photos and updates that would connect with consumers. An appropriate update may be “Today, the veterinarian is visiting for our monthly appointment. Our animals’ health, welfare and safety is extremely important for our farm.”

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