Over the last month, Farm Journal’s PORK has celebrated those who raise and help provide nutrient-dense pork, as well as those who advocate for the industry by sharing their story.
The stories of Heidi Flory, The Princess and the Pig Farmer; Tork and Sawyer, This’ll Do Farm; Cara Haden, DVM, Pig Vet; and Jesse Heimer, Heimer Hampshires have been unique and inspiring in our PORKtober Features each week.
While these individuals have grown a large following, when it comes to advocating for the pork industry, the market is far from saturated. There is always room for more voices in the industry.
From farrowing to finishing to the show ring, each of their stories is unique, yet valuable commonalities are found within them.
Here’s a look at five common take-aways from these pork industry advocates and how their experience may help you begin sharing your story:
1. Share your passion
There is no one else as passionate about pig farming as the ones to live and breathe it every day. Consider these questions: Why do you do what you do? Why is it important to you, your family and the world? As misconceptions about animal agriculture continue to flood social media and the online space, how can you be a voice for the industry? Your answers to the questions are often a great start to determining what and how to share your story.
2. Keep it simple
There is no need for a fancy camera, perfectly composed photo or compelling video commentary. People want to see the nitty gritty, down and dirty, behind the scenes view of pig farming. As Cara Haden, DVM says, sometimes some of the most simple, mundane tasks on the pig farm become her most viral videos. The online audience is hungry for content that helps them better understand the work of farmers and how their food is produced.
3. Be transparent
Blood, sweat and tears often go hand in hand with the work and dedication on a pig farm. If pig farming was easy, everyone would do it. There is value is sharing the less glamorous side of pig farming. Additionally, there is value in sharing the details in how your pigs are raised, from animal welfare to waste and resource management.
4. Be authentic
Your story and personality matter. Be bold and let your personality shine though your content. When sharing your story, have courage to add your own flare, humor when appropriate and share your thoughts and opinions. Consider these questions: What makes you unique from other content creators? What do you and your farm have that would be valuable for consumers to see or hear?
5. Remember your roots
While many of our PORKtober features have grown their audience to thousands of viewers, they all highlighted their “beginning” as part of their story and how it shaped them to who and what they are today. They all have a “why.” What is your why? There will likely be nay-say’ers and other groups who see fault in what you do, but remember your “why” and keep moving forward.
There is no better time than the present to start sharing your pig farming story with consumers. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or perfectly articulated. As questions are raised about food and livestock production, consumers are searching for answers. Be present in those discussions and lead the conversation. Share your knowledge and experience for the sake of your farm and the future of the industry.
Read Their Stories:
Heidi Flory, The Princess and the Pig Farmer
Tork and Sawyer, This’ll Do Farm
