Communication is hard, right? We've heard time and again over the past decade the need to "share your story" as it relates to advocacy and reaching consumers to answer questions about where our food comes from and how our food is grown. We try to make communication and advocacy complicated, but it can be broken … Continue reading 3 tips to improve your advocacy skills
3 thoughts on communication and advocacy to avoid being fake news
We live in a world of constant communication. Each day there are numerous outlets where we can consume new information about the world. Google, Twitter, Facebook, television, radio, audiobooks, podcasts, emailed newsletters. The list could go on for days. But this also leads to the perpetuation of misinformation. Fake News as President Trump has coined … Continue reading 3 thoughts on communication and advocacy to avoid being fake news
4 frustrating agriculture myths we need to fix
Lately, I have been involved in (and observing) some frustrating conversations. We have so many systems at play in the world of agriculture right now, and people are fighting tooth and nail to gain an edge on the competition. Even if that means throwing our neighbor under the bus. It is incredibly difficult to be a … Continue reading 4 frustrating agriculture myths we need to fix
How to lose an argument on food and agriculture topics
A few weeks back, I shared several lessons learned while sticking my neck out and engaging in discussions centered around food and agriculture topics. Today, I share a few lessons learned by failure; sometimes my own. Assuming science will give us all the answers; it only gives us some of the answers. Pick a topic, any … Continue reading How to lose an argument on food and agriculture topics
How do ag-gag bills affect farm transparency?
Do you feel that the so-called ag-gag bills are prohibitive? Will these laws hamper efforts to stop animal cruelty? Does this impede our efforts for transparency in the food systems? This was originally published on CNN Eatocracy on April 19, 2013. Click here to see all of my CNN articles. I will start this off with a … Continue reading How do ag-gag bills affect farm transparency?
Facilitating Online Conversations – Food and Farming
A few weeks back I had the great opportunity to travel to Kentucky and visit a few friends. While there I met with a great friend and online mentor for many, Ray Bowman. Ray hosts a radio broadcast sponsored by Feedstuffs each Friday afternoon. Check out his page for more information on broadcasts. Ray and … Continue reading Facilitating Online Conversations – Food and Farming
Farmers aren’t evil. Now can we have a civil conversation?
I don't know about you, but I get pretty frustrated when trying to have a civil conversation, but can't wade through all of the mud that is being slung in the process. This happens a lot when trying to talk about food and farming online. These are emotional topics and each side of the table … Continue reading Farmers aren’t evil. Now can we have a civil conversation?
How to lose the argument on animal welfare
I have been involved in many conversations on the topic of animal welfare, animal rights, and eating meat through social media over the years. Something I have observed is there tends to be extremes on either side of every issue. It never pays to be obnoxious or demanding in a conversation with someone, and no … Continue reading How to lose the argument on animal welfare