The Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher committee that Mark and I serve on has some of the nation’s finest ag producers serving on it. Everyone brings something unique to the table, and it makes for a very diverse, yet highly talented group. It’s amazing that an organization can bring together all these different backgrounds and experiences and meld them into one solid committee that can tackle anything that comes its way.
That seems to be the challenge for agriculture as a whole. We see different aspects of ag being attacked, and if it isn’t something we’re familiar with or well-versed in, we step back. We can’t do that anymore. We need to step forward and come together if we want to make it as an industry, just as we do on the committee.
Throughout my experiences on Facebook, Twitter and blogging, I’ve come to realize that you only get one shot at trying to change someone’s preconceived notions. If you’re not prepared with a quick response (a “sound bite,” if you may), you will lose your opportunity.
Now, I’m not saying that everyone needs to have textbooks and websites in front of them, ready to go into a battle of words with anyone who says something negative about agriculture, but we can no longer afford to just let those moments pass us by. When there are articles in the paper or online or in a magazine that are incorrect, we must let them know what IS correct…when there is a museum display that has misinformation, we must strive to try to correct those inaccuracies.
No matter what you feel your role in agriculture is, whether it be a crop producer, a livestock producer, and/or a consumer of all, we must come together and show those that would like to see the industry fall just how strong we are.
I am blessed to be on a committee that has given me the tools and the confidence to be prepared to take on such responsibility…but you don’t need media training and endless resources to start the battle at home. Start with your local papers, your local stations, your local schools…make sure that THEY have the story right. Be open to visit with local reporters when they have questions, let your schools know that you’re willing to come and answer questions for the students, write letters to your editor.
Agriculture is facing a new opponent. One that has not only seemingly endless monetary resources, but has a vast network of people out there spreading their version of the “facts.” It’s not going to be an easy task to take on, but as I’ve learned through life, together we can make it happen. We’ve been stepping back for long enough, it’s time to step up.