It’s certainly not news to anyone in the agriculture industry that livestock producers, especially pork producers, are hurting. According to the National Pork Producers Council, pork producers, who prior to the announcement of the H1N1 “outbreak” were already losing money, have seen losses accelerate to an average of $17.69 on each hog marketed since May 1, 2009. Total losses have escalated to 7.2 million a day.

Despite these many downfalls, pork producers aren’t going to give up without a fight. My neighbor and local pork producer, Brad Greenway, is determined to help producers through media outreach and consumer education, and he wants you to join the fight, too! I had a great chat with Greenway the other day, and he had some advice in serving as an agriculture advocate. Greenway has spoken to over 65 groups, as well as offering an open house at his own facilities. He’s a great resource for all agriculture enthusiasts. Thanks, Brad!

Farmers count for less than 2% of the population in the United States, said Greenway. That’s why it’s so important for farmers to get out and explain to consumers how food is produced. It’s amazing that no matter where I’m at, in a big city or in a rural community, I always get the same questions. We have to get better at telling our story. With the ballot initiatives in California, Arizona and now Ohio, the animal rights issue is one that we are continually trying to combat. They want to change the way we raise our livestock. By using sound science and sharing our personal stories, we can work on public perception. I’m proud of the way we raise our livestock, and we can’t be afraid to stand up for our industry, even in the local coffee shop.

Start a good habit today and share the agriculture story with someone new!