The 2013 Animal Agriculture Alliance
conference was a great opportunity for me to attend this year! We heard from
many speakers throughout the two days ranging from people who have dealt with
animal activists on their large farming operations to agricultural lawyers to
editors of agricultural magazines. It was a lot of information and views to
take in within the two days we were there. A few of the main takeaways I had
from the conference are the following:
1.
Social media is a powerful tool, but
you need to understand the power and influences it has and can potentially have.
First, it is important to fully
think about what you want to post on social media before you post it, because
your comments may be pulled out of context and can become damaging.
Next, you need know who is in what community and who is influential in those
communities. Once you have realized that, you can use those influences to
connect with to expose what you have to say to a larger audience. Make sure you
are not focusing to influence those who already have your belief or those who
are on the complete other end of the spectrum. Focus on trying to influence the
1/3 who is still deciding what they want.
- The consumers do not need to understand us; we need to understand the consumers.
We
need to ask consumers what they want and what their main questions are about
animal agriculture. Instead of defending ourselves and our procedures, we may
need to adjust a few ways we do things in our industry, because these consumers’
concerns will not go away. However, this is not the case with all things
we do in the agriculture industry, but it is something to think about.
3.
There
are many precautionary steps to take before hiring employees and while training
employees to avoid a possibility of hiring animal activists or dealing with
mistreatment of animals or employees cutting corners.
Before
hiring employees, make sure you verify the information on their resume, such as
their previous employment, the addresses, and call their references. Make sure
to have the applicant sign an employment application form that states that if
any information they provide is false it can lead to termination. Employees
should go through a very thorough training so they fully understand their
duties and the consequences of their actions if they fail to follow the proper
procedures. Routine trainings should take place to keep the proper produces
fresh in everyone’s minds.
Ultimately, I learned an abundance of information
and I am starting to realize what may be my calling in life. I met with many
wonderful people who share the same passions about agriculture that I do, and I
cannot wait to continue my connections with them and to continue growing myself
as an agriculture advocate!
Here are a few quotes that were very moving for me:
“Speak often. Speak well. With Grace.”
– Charles Wildman
“It matters when you speak out publicly.”
– Janet Hufnagel
Thompson
“Animal activists are rather special interest groups
with a very radical agenda.”
– John M. Simpson
“Social media is people, relationships, and talking.”
– David Wescott
“Local does not mean sustainable.”
– Rob Morasco
“Is your operation YouTube proof?”
– Andy Vance
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