Lay Down the Pitch Forks | 6 Steps to Conflict Resolution

Social media and online conversations have brought about an entirely new world for companies and marketers to manage. Add in the fact that pretty much anyone is now allowed to join the conversation and I think we definitely have a tough situation on our hands when a crisis comes around. This month's situation involving Muck … Continue reading Lay Down the Pitch Forks | 6 Steps to Conflict Resolution

Why should farmers and ranchers invest time in advocacy?

Last week, I posted an article from Forbes that is very accusatory of modern global agriculture. It's like a laundry list of activist claims used demonize modern agriculture practices. We could spend time angrily responding to articles like this, but defensively reacting to accusations like this aren't getting us very far. Hence my emphasis on … Continue reading Why should farmers and ranchers invest time in advocacy?

Engaging in Food Conversations – 6 principles to aid in the learning process

I was sitting in class before church services this past Sunday and the question came up, "What is a Disciple?" It's someone who engages in learning more in-depth about a subject, a follower of certain teachings, or an apprentice of a trade. I think many of us are disciples in a sense, choosing to constantly … Continue reading Engaging in Food Conversations – 6 principles to aid in the learning process

Do consumers really want to see where food comes from?

Do consumers really want to see where food comes from? How is agriculture doing on transparency of the system and is this something consumers want to see? This was originally published on CNN Eatocracy on August 19, 2013. Click here to see all of my CNN articles. Do consumers really want to see where food … Continue reading Do consumers really want to see where food comes from?

Why should farmers and ranchers advocate for agriculture? (Video)

I think it goes without question if you've followed my material for very long, that I am passionate about advocating for the voice of farmers and encouraging others involved in agriculture to join the conversations. While speaking at various agriculture meetings or organization events, I sometimes get blank stares from those farmer and rancher types … Continue reading Why should farmers and ranchers advocate for agriculture? (Video)

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?

ranching farming selfie feeding cows hay

Celebrate National Agriculture Day and talk to a farmer

National Agriculture Day is a great opportunity to talk to a farmer. I had the opportunity to share a few words on CNN Eatocracy this week to encourage people to consider how agriculture impacts our lives daily. One of the first steps in transparency for our agriculture systems is encouraging folks to become more aware … Continue reading Celebrate National Agriculture Day and talk to a farmer