Farm to Facebook

One of today's biggest topics in our agricultural industries is social media. There is no doubt social media is one of the most powerful forms of communication... and it's growing. It's convenient and reaches a lot of people, really fast. However it can be hard to convince everyone how important it is to make a presence on social media, and more specifically, Facebook. It is even more important that we convince those who are farming and providing the mass majority on Facebook with the food they're eating while scrolling through old high school flames' profiles.

The first problem and doubt I've heard over and over again - "I don't need to be on Facebook. Who is there that I need to be talking to?" I can answer that question... everyone on there is someone you should be talking to. I mean, just look at this video to see how many people are using Facebook, every second, of every day:

The scary part? Every single person on this social media trend is being force-fed information every time they log into their profile. What's something even scarier? It's a lot of false facts thrown around to drive people's opinions and views in a certain way. Conventional agriculture is taking a hard hit, and so are our farmers. That is EXACTLY why all of our farmers need to create a presence and voice on Facebook, to promote their products and the love and passion that is their business and livelihood.

I was recently a part of an eye-opening discussion that broke down what farmers need to focus on while creating their Facebook page:

1. Delegate. Who associated with your business has the personality for social media? Is it you, a spouse, your son or daughter? Maybe it's even a sister-in-law or grandma. No matter who it is, the person in charge of your Facebook needs to have the patience and determination to put enough information out there to gain a respectful and significant following.

2. What's your purpose? Are you trying to sell your products? Are you trying to let the public know how important it is to you that you to keep the care of your animals and land a number one priority? Or is it a way to be an advocate of your industry and practices? Know why you're on social media and what message or image you are trying to portray.

3. Build your credibility. No one is going to listen to you if you're not supporting your claims with cold hard facts. And if you don't have a certain and confident answer, BE HONEST ABOUT IT. It's is completely and totally OK to NOT have an answer. Just be clear that you are unsure of the correct answer, and have a backup of resources that you can guide them too.

4. Know your opponent. There are a lot of different character on Facebook. And in those interesting people, are individuals who are everything you stand against. Remember that arch enemy in high school that had a retort for everything you said? Yea, well they're back... and they're back with friends. Thousands of them. It is crucial to be prepared for people to lash out at your Facebook content with negativity, and to know how to respond to them in a professional manner. Always be the bigger person, and know how to listen before you speak.

Acknowledge the importance of the direction our industry is going, and be willing to change with it. Now get out their and show 'em what your made of farmers! And show a little sass while you're at it ;-)

Hug a Farmer

If you've been on any form of social media, you already know what day it is. It's National Ag Day! One of my favorite days of the year. It's a day to post pictures of your favorite farmers, farmer tans, cow selfies and family pictures by the farm sign. However, I saw a girl roll her eyes and turn up her nose to all of the "annoying posts about farmers today" on Facebook and Twitter. At first I was mad, but then I realized... how does she know any different? Does she even know what a farmer does every day? And then came along this "10 reasons to thank a farmer" picture floating through Facebook:

Now that you have reasons to thank them, here are 10 reasons to hug a farmer on National Ag Day:

1. They work hard to provide food not only for consumers, but a good life for their family as well
2. A farmer doesn't work 9-5... they're on the clock 24/7 
3. They don't get a vacation day on Christmas or a 4-day weekend for memorial day
4. A farmer is up at the crack of dawn to care for their animals, land and the environment
5. Farmers are passionate about what they do
6. They're responsible for beer, cheese and milkshakes
7. .......Oh yea, and pizza
8. Farmers are goodhearted, incredible people who never hesitate to lend a helping hand
9. Without farmers, you'd be naked and hungry
10. No farms, no food 

So if you're like the entire human population and enjoy eating and living the life the way we do, give a farmer a hug and say "Thank you, for all you do." 

The Good Guys

In the industry of agriculture, it seems as though we are always fighting against negative images and media. Between Panera Bread's "EZ Chicken" campaign and Chipotle's new "Farmed & Dangerous" series on HULU, our social media timelines haven't stopped buzzing with feedback. And in the case of my personal timeline, it's all angry responses fighting for the rights for a positive image of farmers and their industries.

At this point, we know what everyone thinks of these two food companies. Basically, they suck for using fear-tactics in marketing and twisting information to misguide consumers who have no way of knowing any better. We can keep lashing out at those "I'm actually full of crap" businesses, or we can take a moment to step back and appreciate the good in life. 

And by good in life, I'm talking about Culver's. Culver's is a (freaking delicious) restaurant based out of Wisconsin. They focus on family, sustainability, quality ingredients, the best deep fried cheese curds ever and above all else... giving thanks back to those who deserve it: FARMERS.

Check out Culver's website or Twitter and you'll see the constant reminder that they owe their success to the farmers who provided them with the high quality ingredients to make their beloved and delicious menu items (especially the milkshakes!). Any time I'm feeling discouraged in the fight for our right as farmers, I check out this Twitter campaign featuring some of Culver's customers:

Never quit fighting for what you believe in... but don't let that get in the way of supporting what you believe in. Now... cheese curds anyone?