Rancher shares information and photos about farm life and writes a blog to correct misleading information on agriculture
Starting a conversation with consumers about agriculture can be as easy as showing farm photos to a seat mate on an airplane.
Adrienne Ivey, who spoke at the Saskatchewan Young Ag Entrepreneurs conference in Saskatoon Jan. 5, uses those opportunities along with her blog, View From the Ranch, to influence public opinion and correct misleading information.
The rancher from Ituna, Sask., who received the Saskatchewan Outstanding Young Farmers award in 2014 with her husband, Aaron, cited the latest advertising campaign by Hunt’s purporting not to use genetically modified tomatoes in its products.
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“There are no commercially produced GM tomatoes anywhere in the world,” she said.
In another ad from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, a man holds a bloodied lamb, something she says does not accurately reflect the process of sheep shearing.
“Where are (consumers) getting the other side?” said Ivey. “They are targeting us. Until we start taking control back and telling our own story … then that’s all they see.”
Ivey advised reaching past farm families to begin sharing tales of farm life. For her, that is the mini-van squad of soccer moms like her.
She compiles images each year of her farm’s progress, saying such snapshots tell her own story.
“A picture is worth a thousand words, and a video is worth a thousand pictures,” said Ivey.
She uses social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and takes her messages to children through Agriculture in the Classroom. Ivey also recommended establishing links about farming with politicians and policy-makers.
She said groups such as Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan and Ag More than Ever help educate the general public about modern agricultural practices and food production.
“We need as an industry to stop arguing about the right and wrong ways of farming and start working together as a community to move ourselves forward,” said Ivey.
“When we bash each other, we’re pushing us backwards.”
Ivey avoids challenging extreme viewpoints, calling it a waste of time.
“Arguing with extremists online just brings attention to them and allows them a platform, and you’re not going to change their mind,” she said.
Chris Vancaeseele, a SYA director and agrologist from Preeceville, Sask., said incorrect or bad information needs to be challenged.
“You can’t let them get away with it as it will hurt us in the end,” he said.
Farmers prefer working in their fields and are uncomfortable with public speaking about their world, he added.
“Our silence isn’t helping us. We need to step up and talk about it.”
Vancaeseele used a recent road trip in the United States to share information about his world, how he is improving the soil every year and his passion for agriculture.
“Once you sit down and show them the positives, they are very willing and open-minded and can see why we do things the way we do,” he said.
