Study: consumers curious about food producers, production
April 28, 2010 by Tom Steever Brownfield Ag News
A new study indicates consumers think favorably of farmers, but they have questions about how food is produced. The study, referred to as SegmenTrak, was done by Demeter Communications. Demeter Senior Partner Claudine Wargel, who is based in Clinton, Illinois, says the survey explores what consumers want to know from farmers about food production.
“They have a real interest in knowing the potential impact of this on the end product from a health standpoint,” said Wargel, during an interview with Brownfield.
Demeter polled what Wargel calls indicator consumers, those likely to adapt perceptions ahead of the general public. Questions were asked in the survey about connecting on-farm practices with food safety.
The survey also explored how people react to terminology used to describe food production. For instance, says Wargel, words such as ‘industry’ are not well perceived. And the term ‘traditional farming’ is perceived more favorably than ‘contemporary farming’. It shows that in the discussion of agriculture, every word selected is important, says Wargel.
“Consumers are forming opinions really on an hourly basis as they are exposed to information from news reports and from their neighbors,” she says. “When we get involved in [discussing food production] we need to use the right language to help them understand what we do.”
More than three-quarters of respondents want to know more about measures used to produce safe food and more than two-thirds want to know how producers ensure animal care.
Respondents were males and females aged 23-55 from a cross-section of ethnic backgrounds.
Producers should consider shifting their communications from a defensive position to proactively talking to consumers about how their food is produced, says Wargel.
“The more we understand about consumers,” she says, “the more we can really get involved in those discussions and help lead them and interject factual and meaningful information.” Link
Farmers and ranchers carry a lot of influence with consumers but most of the time we are afraid to use that influence. Consumers don’t want to hear from animal rights groups about how livestock are handled, they want to hear from you! Become a source for the people in your community when they have questions about where their food comes from. We have something that the big budgets of the anti-ag groups can’t buy and that is our people and their stories.
Showing posts with label consumers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label consumers. Show all posts
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Thinking Outside the Ag Promotion Box
Here's a plan to promote agriculture
Dec 21, 2009 3:41 PM, By Roy Roberson, Farm Press Editorial Staff
A few weeks back I had an opportunity to visit the farm home of Chris and Lori Stancill. Chris is a fourth generation North Carolina farmer, who along with his brother, farms 4,000-5,000 acres of grain crops, peanuts, and cotton.
Chris and Lori have two sons, John 17 and Ben 20. Both are local race car legends, with hundreds of trophies and ribbons to prove it. Ben is the race car equivalent of the pitcher in the old Robert Redford baseball movie, The Natural.
When he was seven years old, Ben’s grandfather — Lori’s father — introduced him to go-kart racing. Since that first race he has dominated the sport at every level, except for NASCAR. He currently drives in the NASCAR truck series and has driven in Nationwide events.
Blonde-haired, blue-eyed, soft-spoken, and articulate, Ben Stancill doesn’t aspire to be the next NASCAR superstar, though he has the talent to be. He wants to be a successful NASCAR driver who competes for the cup championship for the next 20 years or so and use the vast audience of racing to promote agriculture.
Ben Stancill isn’t just a clean cut, nice looking, articulate country boy who grew up on a farm. He drives the tractors, sprays the crops, harvests the crops — even has his own 200 acres of peanuts. Ben Stancill is a farmer. Read More
When it comes to ideas for promoting and educating about agriculture, we need to be looking at all different kinds. We want consumers to see ag messages in places they wouldn’t expect. But, in order to make any campaign truly successful, it needs to be backed up with the efforts of real farmers and ranchers making themselves available to the consumer as a resource. When that happens, we start developing the relationships that will keep farmers and ranchers as a very trusted group of people. ~Troy
Dec 21, 2009 3:41 PM, By Roy Roberson, Farm Press Editorial Staff
A few weeks back I had an opportunity to visit the farm home of Chris and Lori Stancill. Chris is a fourth generation North Carolina farmer, who along with his brother, farms 4,000-5,000 acres of grain crops, peanuts, and cotton.
Chris and Lori have two sons, John 17 and Ben 20. Both are local race car legends, with hundreds of trophies and ribbons to prove it. Ben is the race car equivalent of the pitcher in the old Robert Redford baseball movie, The Natural.
When he was seven years old, Ben’s grandfather — Lori’s father — introduced him to go-kart racing. Since that first race he has dominated the sport at every level, except for NASCAR. He currently drives in the NASCAR truck series and has driven in Nationwide events.
Blonde-haired, blue-eyed, soft-spoken, and articulate, Ben Stancill doesn’t aspire to be the next NASCAR superstar, though he has the talent to be. He wants to be a successful NASCAR driver who competes for the cup championship for the next 20 years or so and use the vast audience of racing to promote agriculture.
Ben Stancill isn’t just a clean cut, nice looking, articulate country boy who grew up on a farm. He drives the tractors, sprays the crops, harvests the crops — even has his own 200 acres of peanuts. Ben Stancill is a farmer. Read More
When it comes to ideas for promoting and educating about agriculture, we need to be looking at all different kinds. We want consumers to see ag messages in places they wouldn’t expect. But, in order to make any campaign truly successful, it needs to be backed up with the efforts of real farmers and ranchers making themselves available to the consumer as a resource. When that happens, we start developing the relationships that will keep farmers and ranchers as a very trusted group of people. ~Troy
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Consumers Enjoying Affordable Food
When it comes to food, consumers say price does matter
By Drovers news source Tuesday, September 29, 2009
As consumers place more emphasis on price and value as they fill their grocery carts, America’s conventional beef producers are helping ease the financial burden of rising food costs.
According to the Food Marketing Institute’s (FMI) 2009 U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends1, nearly 70 percent of shoppers say the recession is affecting their food shopping — up from 48 percent in 2008. Consumers in every income bracket are checking prices before checking out at the grocery store.
“U.S. consumers are facing rising food costs in a very challenging economy. What most consumers don’t know is that conventional production systems and using modern technologies keep beef affordable,” says Jan Lyons, owner of Lyons Ranch near Manhattan, Kansas.
“Conventional beef production significantly increases the volume of beef produced while conserving natural resources and reducing production costs across all segments of the industry. The result is more affordable beef for everyone.”
Conventional beef production keeps meat-case prices down
A 2009 analysis by Iowa State University agricultural economists Dr. John Lawrence and Maro Ibarburu shows if conventional beef production practices were replaced by organic- or natural-only practices, beef production would decrease by 18 percent and retail prices would increase by 11 percent. Read More
Conventional modern agriculture is under attack, mostly for being too productive. Elitists in this country don’t appreciate a safe affordable food supply since it doesn’t really matter to them. But to families that live paycheck to paycheck, it’s a make or break difference. This article does a nice job of highlighting the benefits of modern beef production.
By Drovers news source Tuesday, September 29, 2009
As consumers place more emphasis on price and value as they fill their grocery carts, America’s conventional beef producers are helping ease the financial burden of rising food costs.
According to the Food Marketing Institute’s (FMI) 2009 U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends1, nearly 70 percent of shoppers say the recession is affecting their food shopping — up from 48 percent in 2008. Consumers in every income bracket are checking prices before checking out at the grocery store.
“U.S. consumers are facing rising food costs in a very challenging economy. What most consumers don’t know is that conventional production systems and using modern technologies keep beef affordable,” says Jan Lyons, owner of Lyons Ranch near Manhattan, Kansas.
“Conventional beef production significantly increases the volume of beef produced while conserving natural resources and reducing production costs across all segments of the industry. The result is more affordable beef for everyone.”
Conventional beef production keeps meat-case prices down
A 2009 analysis by Iowa State University agricultural economists Dr. John Lawrence and Maro Ibarburu shows if conventional beef production practices were replaced by organic- or natural-only practices, beef production would decrease by 18 percent and retail prices would increase by 11 percent. Read More
Conventional modern agriculture is under attack, mostly for being too productive. Elitists in this country don’t appreciate a safe affordable food supply since it doesn’t really matter to them. But to families that live paycheck to paycheck, it’s a make or break difference. This article does a nice job of highlighting the benefits of modern beef production.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Talking to Consumers
A checklist: Ways to Reconnect with Consumers
Posted on September 09, 2009 at 9:14 AM
By Mike Wilson
In my column in the September 2009 issue of Farm Futures, I gave you some ideas for connecting with consumers. It's something we must do if agriculture wants to continue its track record of efficiency and hold off a growing tide of burdensome regulations. Here's the full list of ideas:
1) Let’s start with your approach to your customers. We can no longer simply claim that we can’t make changes to how we do business because it will raise our costs. We have used that argument many times; in fact, consumers don’t care about your costs. They want things the way they want them, and if that means a change in practices, then proactive adoptive farmers will capitalize on those trends.
2) Next, let’s talk about our bad apples. When those bumble-headed workers at a California meat packing plant were video-taped dragging defenseless, lame cows around with a skid steer loader a few years ago, it sent a chill down the backs of the livestock industry. Never mind that 99% of livestock farmers would never treat animals that way; it’s that one moment that causes irreparable damage. Groups like HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) prey on bad apples. Those bad apples in your neighborhood must be outed and isolated. Read More
Yesterday I wrote about the importance of seeking out opportunities to tell the story of American agriculture and modern food production. This article ties into that with some tips for getting your message out. Farming and ranching are certainly full time jobs without having to worry about things like this, but in today’s climate it’s essential that we are available to our consumers to introduce ourselves and answer their questions.
Posted on September 09, 2009 at 9:14 AM
By Mike Wilson
In my column in the September 2009 issue of Farm Futures, I gave you some ideas for connecting with consumers. It's something we must do if agriculture wants to continue its track record of efficiency and hold off a growing tide of burdensome regulations. Here's the full list of ideas:
1) Let’s start with your approach to your customers. We can no longer simply claim that we can’t make changes to how we do business because it will raise our costs. We have used that argument many times; in fact, consumers don’t care about your costs. They want things the way they want them, and if that means a change in practices, then proactive adoptive farmers will capitalize on those trends.
2) Next, let’s talk about our bad apples. When those bumble-headed workers at a California meat packing plant were video-taped dragging defenseless, lame cows around with a skid steer loader a few years ago, it sent a chill down the backs of the livestock industry. Never mind that 99% of livestock farmers would never treat animals that way; it’s that one moment that causes irreparable damage. Groups like HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) prey on bad apples. Those bad apples in your neighborhood must be outed and isolated. Read More
Yesterday I wrote about the importance of seeking out opportunities to tell the story of American agriculture and modern food production. This article ties into that with some tips for getting your message out. Farming and ranching are certainly full time jobs without having to worry about things like this, but in today’s climate it’s essential that we are available to our consumers to introduce ourselves and answer their questions.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Consumer Survey
Consumers Positive Toward Farmers
By Pork news staff Thursday, July 30, 2009
There’s more insight on what consumers think about America’s farmers thanks to a survey of consumer views on U.S. agriculture conducted with funding from the United Soybean Board and soybean checkoff. Called the 2009 National Agricultural Image Survey, the study took place in February and surveyed a random sample of 1,000 registered voters with characteristics representative of the U.S. population. The results provide insights into seven main issues, including: the image of U.S. poultry and livestock producers; a farmer attribute analysis; and consumer attitudes on confinement livestock production, food prices, ag-related legislation, biobased products and biodiesel.
Some of the study’s key findings include:
Individuals who are somewhat or very favorable toward U.S. poultry and livestock producers rose from 69 percent in 2008 to 78 percent in 2009.
Top positive farmer attributes among consumers are that farm families know about protecting air and water quality and that most farmers take good care of their animals.
Nearly 90 percent of consumers do not see farmers as a major reason for increases in retail food prices.
Most consumers agree that it is important to subsidize farmers to ensure that there is a safe food supply.
After hearing that anti-confinement legislation could force Americans to get their milk, eggs and meat from foreign producers, 78 percent of consumers are against the legislation.
Consumers see energy security as the most important benefit of biobased products.
“It was great to see from the 2009 agricultural survey that overall, consumers have a very positive attitude toward agriculture,” says Vanessa Kummer, a USB director and soybean farmer from Colfax, N.D. “The survey is an important tool that helps USB develop effective messages to promote soy-based, environmentally safe products and the importance of maintaining animal agriculture.” Link
Survey after survey continues to show that consumers appreciate farmers and ranchers when they are supplied with accurate information to make an informed decision. This should reinforce to everyone why it’s so important for farmers and ranchers to talk to consumers and tell your story. You can have a great impact, one that will really benefit your industry.
By Pork news staff Thursday, July 30, 2009
There’s more insight on what consumers think about America’s farmers thanks to a survey of consumer views on U.S. agriculture conducted with funding from the United Soybean Board and soybean checkoff. Called the 2009 National Agricultural Image Survey, the study took place in February and surveyed a random sample of 1,000 registered voters with characteristics representative of the U.S. population. The results provide insights into seven main issues, including: the image of U.S. poultry and livestock producers; a farmer attribute analysis; and consumer attitudes on confinement livestock production, food prices, ag-related legislation, biobased products and biodiesel.
Some of the study’s key findings include:
Individuals who are somewhat or very favorable toward U.S. poultry and livestock producers rose from 69 percent in 2008 to 78 percent in 2009.
Top positive farmer attributes among consumers are that farm families know about protecting air and water quality and that most farmers take good care of their animals.
Nearly 90 percent of consumers do not see farmers as a major reason for increases in retail food prices.
Most consumers agree that it is important to subsidize farmers to ensure that there is a safe food supply.
After hearing that anti-confinement legislation could force Americans to get their milk, eggs and meat from foreign producers, 78 percent of consumers are against the legislation.
Consumers see energy security as the most important benefit of biobased products.
“It was great to see from the 2009 agricultural survey that overall, consumers have a very positive attitude toward agriculture,” says Vanessa Kummer, a USB director and soybean farmer from Colfax, N.D. “The survey is an important tool that helps USB develop effective messages to promote soy-based, environmentally safe products and the importance of maintaining animal agriculture.” Link
Survey after survey continues to show that consumers appreciate farmers and ranchers when they are supplied with accurate information to make an informed decision. This should reinforce to everyone why it’s so important for farmers and ranchers to talk to consumers and tell your story. You can have a great impact, one that will really benefit your industry.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Chicago
Stacy and I got into Chicago last night for a meeting that will keep us here until next Tuesday. As we arrived at our hotel, it's pretty much impossible not to notice how many people live and work in the relatively small area of downtown. I couldn't help but think to myself that it is only because of the hard work that farmers and ranchers do in raising a safe, affordable, abundant food supply that make this city life possible. The very existence of large cities depends on the rural America to sustain it.
There are basics in life that can't be ignored but are largely forgotten by many. The very foundation of our society hinges on our ability to grow food, and that is thanks to you.
Have a great weekend.
There are basics in life that can't be ignored but are largely forgotten by many. The very foundation of our society hinges on our ability to grow food, and that is thanks to you.
Have a great weekend.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Consumer Choice Under Attack
More than agriculture, it's a consumer issue
GuestColumnist
Korre Boyer is the Organization Director for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. Additionally, Boyer operates a beef farm with his wife and three children in Lucas, Ohio.
The Humane Society of the United States, or HSUS as commonly referred to, is an organization that has recently set its eye on Ohio agriculture. To really understand what this means for Ohio, we must look at some of the other states that HSUS has targeted. Most recently, California has fallen victim to untruthful propaganda and misleading information in the form of what was called Proposition 2. Proposition 2 basically outlawed the use of several modern animal agriculture practices. These are gestation crates for female pigs, veal stalls for calves, and cages for laying hens. I will admit that the terminology of these individual housing units may not paint a pretty picture in one's mind but they do serve many purposes for livestock and humans alike.
Individual housing units for livestock are a critical production method for livestock not only in California and Ohio, but across our country. They provide 1) a safe work environment for farm operators to work around animals; 2) operators to more closely monitor an individual animal's health and dietary needs; 3) protect animals from injuring one another; and 4) control the spread of disease. Without such practices, it would be a challenge for America's farmers to produce the safe, healthy, and affordable food supply for the world. Let's not overlook the fact that the world relies heavily on the U.S. to fulfill their food needs. In today's global markets our ability to feed the masses is one of our strongest assets.
I don't want to cloud the issue of food production by saying that individual housing units are the only way Ohioans raise livestock because that would simply be untrue. However, individual housing units are the best way to raise some types of livestock so that the American farmer can meet consumer demand and produce an affordable product.
You may choose to buy "free range" eggs or "organic" foods. These are examples of the product choices you, the consumer, have at the grocery store or local farm market. These choices may be one of the most fundamental rights stripped away by this so-called, "animal welfare" group. By eliminating or blocking the use of fundamental, science-based, modern farming practices, we stand to lose the choice of what we would like to purchase for our families to consume. Read More
There are a lot of choices that consumers should have in this country that are under attack, especially in food production. Since the free market system hasn’t been working in the favor of animal rights activists, they must use the ballot box and propaganda to take away food choices from our consumers. The reason that so many of these issues have passed during elections is that so far there has been very little consequence for consumers to force production changes on farmers and ranchers. That however is about to change. They will soon be feeling the effects of their vote and chances are that they aren’t going to like what they see. There will be reduced choice and higher prices at the grocery store. This isn’t what hard working families that are trying to feed themselves need.
GuestColumnist
Korre Boyer is the Organization Director for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. Additionally, Boyer operates a beef farm with his wife and three children in Lucas, Ohio.
The Humane Society of the United States, or HSUS as commonly referred to, is an organization that has recently set its eye on Ohio agriculture. To really understand what this means for Ohio, we must look at some of the other states that HSUS has targeted. Most recently, California has fallen victim to untruthful propaganda and misleading information in the form of what was called Proposition 2. Proposition 2 basically outlawed the use of several modern animal agriculture practices. These are gestation crates for female pigs, veal stalls for calves, and cages for laying hens. I will admit that the terminology of these individual housing units may not paint a pretty picture in one's mind but they do serve many purposes for livestock and humans alike.
Individual housing units for livestock are a critical production method for livestock not only in California and Ohio, but across our country. They provide 1) a safe work environment for farm operators to work around animals; 2) operators to more closely monitor an individual animal's health and dietary needs; 3) protect animals from injuring one another; and 4) control the spread of disease. Without such practices, it would be a challenge for America's farmers to produce the safe, healthy, and affordable food supply for the world. Let's not overlook the fact that the world relies heavily on the U.S. to fulfill their food needs. In today's global markets our ability to feed the masses is one of our strongest assets.
I don't want to cloud the issue of food production by saying that individual housing units are the only way Ohioans raise livestock because that would simply be untrue. However, individual housing units are the best way to raise some types of livestock so that the American farmer can meet consumer demand and produce an affordable product.
You may choose to buy "free range" eggs or "organic" foods. These are examples of the product choices you, the consumer, have at the grocery store or local farm market. These choices may be one of the most fundamental rights stripped away by this so-called, "animal welfare" group. By eliminating or blocking the use of fundamental, science-based, modern farming practices, we stand to lose the choice of what we would like to purchase for our families to consume. Read More
There are a lot of choices that consumers should have in this country that are under attack, especially in food production. Since the free market system hasn’t been working in the favor of animal rights activists, they must use the ballot box and propaganda to take away food choices from our consumers. The reason that so many of these issues have passed during elections is that so far there has been very little consequence for consumers to force production changes on farmers and ranchers. That however is about to change. They will soon be feeling the effects of their vote and chances are that they aren’t going to like what they see. There will be reduced choice and higher prices at the grocery store. This isn’t what hard working families that are trying to feed themselves need.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Survey of Consumer Views
Overall Consumers Have a Favorable View of Agriculture
Survey results of agricultural image are released.
(5/4/2009)
Farm Futures Staff
Results of the 2009 National Agricultural Image Survey have been released. The survey was conducted with funding from the United Soybean Board and soybean checkoff. The results provide insights into seven main issues, including: the image of U.S. poultry and livestock producers; a farmer attribute analysis; and consumer attitudes on confinement, food prices, confinement legislation, biobased products and biodiesel.
Some of the key findings from the study include:
Individuals who are somewhat or very favorable toward U.S. poultry and livestock producers rose from 69% in 2008 to 78% in 2009.
Top positive farmer attributes among consumers are that farm families know about protecting air and water quality and that most farmers take good care of their animals.
Nearly 90% of consumers do not see farmers as a major reason for increases in food prices.
Most consumers agree that it's important to subsidize farmers to ensure a safe food supply.
After hearing that anti-confinement legislation could force Americans to get their milk, eggs and meat from foreign producers, 78% of consumers are against the legislation.
Consumers see energy security as the most important benefit of biobased products. Link
Survey after survey shows that farmers and ranchers are a very trusted bunch in the eyes of consumers. We need to build on this great foundation when telling the story of food production in this country. It is important that consumers realize the “American Gothic” image won’t feed this country. But that doesn’t mean that we are polluting the environment or raising bad food either.
Survey results of agricultural image are released.
(5/4/2009)
Farm Futures Staff
Results of the 2009 National Agricultural Image Survey have been released. The survey was conducted with funding from the United Soybean Board and soybean checkoff. The results provide insights into seven main issues, including: the image of U.S. poultry and livestock producers; a farmer attribute analysis; and consumer attitudes on confinement, food prices, confinement legislation, biobased products and biodiesel.
Some of the key findings from the study include:
Individuals who are somewhat or very favorable toward U.S. poultry and livestock producers rose from 69% in 2008 to 78% in 2009.
Top positive farmer attributes among consumers are that farm families know about protecting air and water quality and that most farmers take good care of their animals.
Nearly 90% of consumers do not see farmers as a major reason for increases in food prices.
Most consumers agree that it's important to subsidize farmers to ensure a safe food supply.
After hearing that anti-confinement legislation could force Americans to get their milk, eggs and meat from foreign producers, 78% of consumers are against the legislation.
Consumers see energy security as the most important benefit of biobased products. Link
Survey after survey shows that farmers and ranchers are a very trusted bunch in the eyes of consumers. We need to build on this great foundation when telling the story of food production in this country. It is important that consumers realize the “American Gothic” image won’t feed this country. But that doesn’t mean that we are polluting the environment or raising bad food either.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Highlighting Producers
Healthy animals means healthy food
John Schlageck
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Today, raising livestock on a farm or ranch is a dynamic, specialized profession that has proven one of the most successful in the world. Today’s animal husbandry, or care and feeding of livestock, is no accident.
Rather, it’s because of the dedicated men, women and children who raise and care for this state’s livestock. For generations, Kansas farmers and ranchers have watched over and nurtured cattle, hogs, sheep, chickens and other livestock from sunup to sunset – every day of the year.
Few consumers are aware of livestock producers’ relationships with their animals. They don’t know how the meat, milk, eggs and other food products wind up on their dinner table. But today, more and more are becoming interested.
Amy Saunders raises cattle in Jefferson County and markets her family’s beef in nearby Lawrence and suburban Kansas City. Her customers want to know her and her family.
In the case of Saunders, when her customers buy her family’s beef, they’re also buying the complete package.
“They’re buying us,” Amy says. “They’re buying a quality product, and they know exactly who produces it.” Read More
Highlighting the great people and great stories they have to tell is exactly what we need to be doing in our industry. What we have been able to accomplish in agriculture is nothing short of amazing and has never been seen before in human history. All of us in agriculture have a story to tell and there has never been a more important time to share it. Consumers want to meet the people that are growing their food. Extend your hand and introduce yourself.
John Schlageck
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Today, raising livestock on a farm or ranch is a dynamic, specialized profession that has proven one of the most successful in the world. Today’s animal husbandry, or care and feeding of livestock, is no accident.
Rather, it’s because of the dedicated men, women and children who raise and care for this state’s livestock. For generations, Kansas farmers and ranchers have watched over and nurtured cattle, hogs, sheep, chickens and other livestock from sunup to sunset – every day of the year.
Few consumers are aware of livestock producers’ relationships with their animals. They don’t know how the meat, milk, eggs and other food products wind up on their dinner table. But today, more and more are becoming interested.
Amy Saunders raises cattle in Jefferson County and markets her family’s beef in nearby Lawrence and suburban Kansas City. Her customers want to know her and her family.
In the case of Saunders, when her customers buy her family’s beef, they’re also buying the complete package.
“They’re buying us,” Amy says. “They’re buying a quality product, and they know exactly who produces it.” Read More
Highlighting the great people and great stories they have to tell is exactly what we need to be doing in our industry. What we have been able to accomplish in agriculture is nothing short of amazing and has never been seen before in human history. All of us in agriculture have a story to tell and there has never been a more important time to share it. Consumers want to meet the people that are growing their food. Extend your hand and introduce yourself.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Talking to Consumers
Communication of animal welfare key to consumer trust
By Lori Weddle-Schott, University of Minnesota Beef Team
Saturday, January 31, 2009 3:39 PM CST
After spending time at the 2009 National Western Stock Show (NWSS) and Rodeo in Denver my hat is off to the NWSS staff, volunteers, cattle producers and industry representatives who communicate and educate the image and lifestyle of our great American cattle industry.
Growing up in the cattle business, I have a deep seeded devotion to protect our lifestyle and a passion for our industry and people I trust. But what about our urban consumers, who are void of agricultural backgrounds, who lack the understanding of our industry and management practices? What level of trust do they have for our industry and the products we produce?
Read More
It’s always encouraging to see more and more people realizing how important it is for agriculture to stand up and tell it’s story. With animal rights activists currently doing it for us, we can no longer stand on the sidelines and hope for the best. All of agriculture standing united is where success will be found for us.
By Lori Weddle-Schott, University of Minnesota Beef Team
Saturday, January 31, 2009 3:39 PM CST
After spending time at the 2009 National Western Stock Show (NWSS) and Rodeo in Denver my hat is off to the NWSS staff, volunteers, cattle producers and industry representatives who communicate and educate the image and lifestyle of our great American cattle industry.
Growing up in the cattle business, I have a deep seeded devotion to protect our lifestyle and a passion for our industry and people I trust. But what about our urban consumers, who are void of agricultural backgrounds, who lack the understanding of our industry and management practices? What level of trust do they have for our industry and the products we produce?
Read More
It’s always encouraging to see more and more people realizing how important it is for agriculture to stand up and tell it’s story. With animal rights activists currently doing it for us, we can no longer stand on the sidelines and hope for the best. All of agriculture standing united is where success will be found for us.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Educating About Livestock
Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009
Jefferson farmer spreads awareness of farming through calves' births
by Connor Adams Sheets Staff Writer
An average of two calves are born on Charles Brandenburg's 600-cow farm in Jefferson every day.
And each September since 2003, people who attend the Great Frederick Fair have had the opportunity to witness the miracle of life firsthand at the cow birthing center, which is supplied about 15 pregnant cows each year by the farm.
On the Brandenburg farm all pregnancies are natural — no artificial insemination techniques are used — so any cows that happened to conceive in mid-December will be likely candidates for the 2009 fair.
Becky Brashear, the Great Frederick Fair's executive assistant, said the birthing center is one of the most popular of the fair's attractions, and that it offers significant opportunities to generate public awareness of, and interest in, agriculture.
"That's the only reason for it, really: to educate people about agriculture," Charles Brandenburg said while driving his white pick-up truck through his farm's dirt roads on Tuesday. "I think people need to know where the milk and meat is coming from." Read More
These types of articles are my favorite ones to post. I wish I could find more of them. Congratulations to the Brandenburg family for stepping up when the opportunity arose to educate the public about livestock production. I would hope that all of us in production agriculture would take advantage of an opportunity like this. And if you haven’t been asked to do something like this, create you own ways of sharing the incredible story of agriculture.
Jefferson farmer spreads awareness of farming through calves' births
by Connor Adams Sheets Staff Writer
An average of two calves are born on Charles Brandenburg's 600-cow farm in Jefferson every day.
And each September since 2003, people who attend the Great Frederick Fair have had the opportunity to witness the miracle of life firsthand at the cow birthing center, which is supplied about 15 pregnant cows each year by the farm.
On the Brandenburg farm all pregnancies are natural — no artificial insemination techniques are used — so any cows that happened to conceive in mid-December will be likely candidates for the 2009 fair.
Becky Brashear, the Great Frederick Fair's executive assistant, said the birthing center is one of the most popular of the fair's attractions, and that it offers significant opportunities to generate public awareness of, and interest in, agriculture.
"That's the only reason for it, really: to educate people about agriculture," Charles Brandenburg said while driving his white pick-up truck through his farm's dirt roads on Tuesday. "I think people need to know where the milk and meat is coming from." Read More
These types of articles are my favorite ones to post. I wish I could find more of them. Congratulations to the Brandenburg family for stepping up when the opportunity arose to educate the public about livestock production. I would hope that all of us in production agriculture would take advantage of an opportunity like this. And if you haven’t been asked to do something like this, create you own ways of sharing the incredible story of agriculture.
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