Guest Blog

I don’t have the time. There’s hay to make. I need to change the oil in the tractor. As farmers, we are good at coming up with reasons why we can’t do something. It’s easy to use our occupation as a crutch to say no. There are times when it’s healthy to say no or when life really is in the way, but, then there are other times we need to say yes when asked.

Over the last year, we have seen many unprecedented events. These events have sparked panic, anger, loss and hurt, making home life and work life difficult. Changes were quickly made, but many issues were left undone.

Dear Mr. or Mrs. Dairy Producer,

Will you please talk to me? Sad to say, you passed away yesterday, but that aside, I need you to talk to me now.

Sometimes in life, and especially in farming, the most unusual things happen. Things you would never dream of or predict, but they happen anyway.

I started listening to independent country artists about four years ago, and one of my favorite songs by Texas band Flatland Cavalry goes: “On the other side of lonesome, there’s a place for you.”

June Dairy Month might be over, but the work to safeguard the future of animal agriculture and its value to society by bridging the communication gap between the farm and food communities is not. Farmers, companies, organizations and others are always working to build bridges and set the record straight about dairy. However, we always need more voices to join the conversation. Here are just a few examples of the great work being done and how you can get more involved in these efforts.