Last week we had a big birthday celebration for the little peep in our house. As I watched the friends giggle at the party, I couldn’t help but think back to the day I became a mother. Don’t worry, I’m not brave enough to share child labor stories here; suffice it to say that calving ease, come-alongs and my refusal of a c-section were all a part the discussion.

What does thought leadership in agriculture really look like in the future?

Celebrating that day caused me to consider what we teach children who grow up in agriculture. Creativity to solve whatever problem comes up with animals or land, work ethic, honesty and perseverance are great farm kid traits.  At some level, so is the independent mindset, stubbornness and modesty that’s so prevalent on farms and ranches. But is that what we really want to be passing on to the next generation? Don’t get me wrong; my farm roots trace back generations, so I know those traits are ingrained in agriculture’s culture. And for the record, I’ll fully own that I’m as stubborn as a mule and rather hard-headed.

However, working with people from across the agrifood system makes me wonder if those are the skills we need to lead in agriculture’s future.  I see farmers and ranchers who care deeply about the cause of bringing a voice to agriculture, but can’t work together because of being so independently-minded. This is true in policy discussions, the most well-intended efforts to connect with consumers and as new groups are forming to benefit the big picture of agriculture.  I may have rotten vegetables and cow pies thrown at me, but I have to ask the tough questions to people across all sectors of agriculture.

• Why is it so very easy for agriculture to be divided and conquered? HSUS. Organic vs. conventional. Food vs. fuel. Why do people, for example, feel the need to line up behind Grocery Manufacturer’s Association or corn folks?  There is MORE than enough corn to go around. Sure, feed prices stink for those who have animals. As a dairy person, I get that! But, were the corn and soybean growers squawking when beef, milk, chicken and pork producers were making a decent profit? Let me suggest this: count to 50 before you condemn another part of agriculture because in the long-haul, this will likely impact YOUR success. And I’d strongly encourage you to hold your national organizations to the same standards. This is true whether you’re talking, tweeting or Facebooking – know that agriculture is agriculture to those outside of our business.
• Does agriculture care enough to speak out proactively? It’s easy to respond to the nasty videos, get up in arms about defending your favorite piece of legislation or promote a group you’re affiliated with. It’s a lot tougher to take the risk of agvocating in a different way – whether that’s a conversation with an extended family member or engaging in a Twitter debate, going to your local economic development meeting or writing a blog. I’ve worked in advocacy for nearly a decade and I have to ask whether we care enough to truly listen and seek ways to enage proactively. Every day. Or can we only respond?
• Is it possible that we try to fix things that aren’t broken? This is a disturbing trend. If it’s not our idea or we weren’t involved at the front end, we have a need to fix it.  Consider this: other people bring qualifications and creativity different than our own and likely care as much. We all need to embrace the diversity of skill sets. This means we have to be O.K. with leaving our welders in the shop unless seams are broken!
• Do we sometimes get so hung up on bringing recognition to farmers that we lose the millions of others responsible for food, fuel, feed and fiber? I’ll be the first one to say that the non-farm public needs to talk to a farmer or rancher if they want to learn about food. However, the reality is that MANY are responsible – and just as important to food producation – as what we all eat goes from gate to plate. With all due respect to farmers and ranchers; there is a need for all parts of the food system to be understood. That includes agribusinesses, meat scientists, food technicians and many others.
• Are we so stubborn that we sometimes lose sight of the big picture? Frankly, the micro-climate impacting a vegetable farm in California or the nuances of a small meat processor in Ohio aren’t of great concern to the people we are trying to educate. The well-being of the BIG picture of agriculture is. I understand that individuals have to worry about their own well-being first. However, shouldn’t we all be responsible for taking the blinders off a bit more and focus on the big picture rather than our own small piece of the ag world?
• Why is OK to text a photo of your new combine but not talk to a reporter or update your Facebook? Studies have clearly shown that mainstream media don’t have access to enough expert sources to food and agriculture.  You don’t have to have all the answers, but know that the media will source information – and that it may just be from Greenpeace or HSUS. If you want the story told truthfully, it’s time to push modesty and fear aside. And take a couple of minutes to put that picture on Facebook with a note about why it’s so cool so those outside your world will understand.

I know not everyone will agree with or like what I’ve written here. That’s okay. If  I’ve inspired some thought, incited discussion or caused action – I’ve done my job. I ask you to spend some time thinking about what lessons you’re teaching the next generation.  Actions speak louder than words. Are you sure your actions will best serve agriculture’s future?