According to the Merriam-Webster Learner’s Dictionary the definition of advocacy is the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal.
For dairy farmers to apply this action in their daily lives means that they will conduct the act of supporting their dairy farming practices and their cause. Methods for this act can vary from in person to online.
According to Ron Grusenmeyer, director of industry relations for the Midwest Dairy Association, producers should practice advocacy every day.
“I think dairy producers are very good at advocating because it’s as simple as doing the right thing every day, and just telling that story,” said Grusenmeyer. “They don’t have to speak to a large group in a city, they just need to help others understand what they do to produce wholesome and nutritious food.”
When it comes to talking about a crisis in the dairy industry the important thing is to use a consistent message. “This can be done by using messages from our organization, or other reliable sources such as universities or other leading dairy organizations,” Grusenmeyer said. “These organizations will have a message ready to share that represents the industry and is appropriate for the situation.”
Midwest Dairy offers a number of ways producers can get updated information and stay in the loop when things happen. “One is the myDairy network, which is primarily for those active in social media,” Grusenmeyer said. “Not only does myDairy provide updates on issues that surface periodically, but it gives them resources to help them do a better job answering consumer questions on behalf of dairy on a more regular basis.”
Frederic Simon, co-owner of Simon Brothers Dairy, LLC in Conway, Ark., is in partnership with two of his brothers and his parents on their dairy operation that has been running for 18 years. They manage 950 acres, 350 of which are devoted to raising corn to feed their 450 head of cattle, 200 of these are dairy cattle.
Simon practices dairy advocacy by never saying no to a volunteer or speaking opportunity. He is a member of various industry-related boards including but not limited to, the Arkansas Dairy Cooperative Board and his county’s 4-H Foundation Board.
The Simon family makes advocacy a part of their every day lives by participating in field days with the University of Arkansas Extension, working with youth leadership groups, hosting the University of Arkansas dairy judging team on their farm for practices, volunteering and hosting 4-H programs, and hosting high school students to be a dairy farmer for a day as part of the local career shadow program.
According to Simon, producers should be aware of the audience. “This will help prepare to provide necessary background about your dairy story.”
Producers who find themselves called upon to speak on dairy’s behalf can contact Midwest Dairy for fact sheets and background information. “We are big on helping farmers tell their story,” Grusenmeyer said. To download these fact sheets visit ozarksfn.com for a link to the Midwest Dairy website.
Producers should be ready to sincerely explain their dedication to their farm and industry. “Producers can share a sincere story about value, because it is their land and animals they value. It is their investment and their family’s heritage.”
Grusenmeyer reminded producers that being part of the social media conversation isn’t for everyone. “It takes time and attention to be a trusted resource online,” he added. “And just like any other response to an issue, it’s good to think about what you say before you say it. Sometimes social media seems more urgent and it’s easy to react defensively instead of realizing that most people just need more information.
“Every producer is a potential dairy advocate, and it starts with simply doing the right thing on the farm,” Grusenmeyer said. “The way you manage your animals, how your farm looks from out on the road, and the role you play in your community is the first step to helping people recognize dairy producers for the great stewards they are.”
Simon concluded by advising producers to be ready to tell their story. “If you aren’t willing to tell your story, why should someone else?”
