When the average consumer goes online to find information about dairy farming like animal care, antibiotics, and hormones, they normally don’t go to a farmer’s Facebook page or website. They go to Google. And, sometimes, the information that pops up first isn’t from people who actually work on a farm and with cows. The information could be from a special interest group that is working to put you out of business.
We are never going to change the behavior of people searching Google for answers. It’s engrained into everyday culture.
But, we can be active and post information about dairy farming on a regular basis and, more important, when the national conversation focuses on farmers, we can be there so people can find us.
A significant opportunity for you is coming up — National Farmers Day on Oct. 12. Mark this day on your calendar because you are going to want to be active online.
Why?
We know from the Dairy Management Inc. newsroom research that many media outlets will focus their attention on U.S. farmers this day. They most likely will post farming stats and farm recipes using #NationalFarmersDay. They probably will interview farmers and talk about modern farming practices. Some reporters may even try to discover their own agricultural roots.
So, while we’ve got the media’s attention, shouldn’t we add to the online conversation and be available to answer their questions?
Here are some ways you can be active on #NationalFarmersDay.
1. Post a photo or video about why you love farming or why you are proud to be a farmer on your Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Twitter channels. Interacting with your animals is a great way to get people’s attention.
2. Please use the hashtag #NationalFarmersDay and/or #UndeniablyDairy.
3. Tag other farmers or your urban friends so they know you are active and available to chat about dairy farming.
If you don’t have time or are not sure about what you should post, we have materials available in the Dairy Hub that can make it easy for you. If you aren’t in the Dairy Hub, fill out the form at www.dairyinfo.org, or you can email me at don.schindler@dairy.org and I’m happy to help.
This is a great opportunity for consumers to get to know you, trust you, and ask you questions directly. Be part of the celebration and tell people why you love to dairy on Oct. 12, #NationalFarmersDay. Then you don’t have to wish they would just ask you anymore.
