Promoting and Protecting Dairy Farmers’ Image

Today’s consumers are increasingly interested in how food is produced when making their purchase and consumption decisions. As a result, ADADC works to  promote and protect dairy farmers’ image in New Jersey, northeastern Pennsylvania, and New York. ADADC does this through communications tools, training, and other efforts that help dairy farmers tell their story to the public.

Research shows the general public view dairy farming as one of the most respected industries. To help promote and protect this image, especially during this time of economic uncertainty and when consumers’ interest in food production and food safety is elevated, dairy farmers from throughout the region are stepping forward to tell their stories.

Farmers Host Farm Tours

The average consumer is at least four generations removed from agriculture. This is why the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council partnered with several farmers to bring influential groups of people on farms. During the tours, these individuals were able to see first-hand how dairy farmers care for their cows and the environment, all while producing natures most nearly perfect food.

* Noblehurst Farms, a 6th generation dairy farm located in Livingston County, NY hosted a group of registered dietitians. The group included Corporate Dietitians who work for major grocery chains (Wegmans, Pathmark, P&C, ShopRite, Price Chopper) along with the current and incoming leadership of the New York State Dietetic Association. During the tour, the participants were able to get up close and personal with the animals while asking questions of the family along with the crop consultant, nutritionist, and veterinarian. Several attendees have spoken about it on the radio, in their weekly publications, and even one supermarket chain is planning to launch a dairy farmer image campaign in their stores and publications this fall.

* Tunis Sweetman, of Sweetman Dairy in Warwick, NY, recently toured 50 New York City School Food administrators, including School Food CEO Eric Goldstein and Chef Jorge around his farm. During this time, the individuals – many of which had never left New York City – were able to ask Tunis directly about what it is like to be a dairy farmer in 2009.

Community Outreach

Throughout the year, ADADC attends several events to help promote dairy products and the dairy industry.

This year, several local farmers joined in the efforts by talking with kids, school food service directors, and health professionals about dairy products and on-farm practices

Farmers Tell Their Stories In the Media

ADADC holds several workshops throughout the year to help empower farmers when dealing with media or their neighbors regarding these important issues. The training sessions are held as both stand-alone sessions and through a partnership with the Agricultural Environmental Program (AEM) and NY Farm Bureau.

Crisis Preparedness

Research shows that in the event of an emergency involving the dairy industry - whether it is the safety of milk and dairy products, animal welfare, or the environment - consumers and parents look to dairy farmers as their information source.  ADADC’s comprehensive issues communications plan prepares dairy farmers and other experts for potential issues facing the industry.

www.DairyFarmingToday.org

The producer-funded www.DairyFarmingToday.org educates the public about how today’s dairy producers care for their animals, land, and water to provide safe, wholesome milk while growing healthy farming businesses for future generations. The site features virtual tours of modern dairy farms, real-life stories from dairy farm families, and an “Ask the Dairy Farmers” section.

The site also includes fact sheets about the environment, cow comfort, along with milk quality and safety. In addition, the dairy dictionary is an excellent place where people can look up everything from heifer to silo and even rbST. Check out www.Dairy FarmingToday.org for more information.

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