Most people I know are not necessarily into public relations. Most farmers tend to take care of their own, attend events of their family members and other communities from the comfort of the back of the bleachers, and take the back pew in church. The reasoning can simply be that they are not a fan of talking to others, or it could be that it is not easy being a farmer in the community. The reality to most is that we deal with criticism 24/7, 365. Whether it be spreading fertilizer and manure to help provide nutrients to fields, our cows and livestock mooing and bellowing all hours of the day, or a cow getting out, the public always seems to be there to criticize and remind us of how wrong we are doing our jobs. In recent years, we have started to bloom and blossom and come out of our shells, but it is hard. In today’s world where everyone wants to know how their food was raised and where it came from, it is up to us farmers, to show them.

If you are like us, we are production agriculturists. We raise cows that produce milk that is then shipped to a bottling facility. At one point, we had considered bottling our own milk, but for now, the capital is not in the books. Due to the fact we cannot process our own milk, we do not sell products at the local farmer’s market. In our county, it is believed that the only farmers around sell at the local market. Anyone else doesn’t exist or doesn’t matter. In today’s world, everyone wants the “homegrown,” “humanely raised” goods now and not in two days. For us, that just isn’t possible, so how do we combat this belief?

There are lots of ways to get your farm name out into the public. Many folks have begun agri-tourism operations and have opened their farms to all sorts of individuals. Some farmers have created podcasts to talk about the day-to-day life we live. While others, like me, have taken to Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, and other social media to showcase our operations in a positive, virtual way. It is NOT easy though. To avoid any kickback, you must have liability insurance, constantly ensure the tourists are safe, and watch the animals and the people. The upkeep is difficult, but transparency is what we need. As farmers, we are told to be more outgoing and welcoming, but it can be hard.

Biosecurity, insurance, and public perception are challenges we all face. I do believe that today, more than ever, we farmers must step up and show the world who we are. It won’t be easy, but none of us have ever backed down from a challenge before. Farming is hard, working with the public is hard, but in the long run, it is worth it. Get out of your comfort zone, try something new, and invite people in. The outcome may just open more doors for you.