#CDNagday is coming- its your turn to make a difference!

Married with Cows is BACK! And it feels so good. Its been a hot sec, but I have recently been inspired to get back in the saddle and get writing again. The long version will come in another post, but the short version is maternity leave is making me miss the creativity and interaction with producers that my off-farm job provided. I can't say I'll be consistent (#momlife, am I right?). I can't say I am an expert at anything, but I can tell you I'll pop in here to provide my opinions on agriculture, ranch life and probably some momming too. If you're into it, follow along! 

Now for the reason I'm really here today.
Tuesday February 22, 2022 is Canadian Ag Day
and as producers we have a job to do (yes in my very first post in countless years I'm asking a BIG favor from you- sorry, not sorry!).
WE NEED TO SHARE OUR STORIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA

I know it can be scary. I know it takes time and effort, and sometimes the response can be negative. But its also completely necessary (and most times the response is actually very positive!). When most consumers (our CUSTOMERS) are two to four generations removed from the farm, we have an obligation (and its in our best interest) to educate them on their food (our PRODUCTS). In any other industry would a business let rumors and incorrect assumptions live freely without correction? We need to set the record straight- and what better way to get that message out than for our customers to hear it straight from the horses mouth? 

your  job  this   #CDnagday:

That brings me to that big ask: This February 22 (yes this Tuesday) get on your social media and share your agriculture stories. Share how, why, what you produce. Share the families behind the food (most consumers aren't aware that 98% of Canadian farms are family owned). Share your passion for producing that nations food and the heart & soul that goes into your operation. 

Now here comes the how (in ascending order of braveness!)
1. Visit agriculturemorethanever.ca/cdn-ag-day/ for tips, tricks & pre-made social media graphics, using the hashtag #CDNagday

2. Use one of Ag More than Ever's 3 social starters in a social media post: a photo celebrating Canadian ag, a photo of you cooking an all-Canadian meal or a "forks up" selfie.

3. Share a video & recipe of you cooking your favorite Canadian meal (hint: be sure to tag & use relevant hashtags for the commodity you are cooking that producers can follow for reliable resources. Ex: if cooking steaks, be sure to take Canadian Cattlemen's Association, your provincial commission (here in AB, Alberta Beef Producers) and Canada Beef) 

4. Make a reel/video of YOU on your operation explaining how you produce safe, healthy food you are proud of. Consumers will be better able to relate to you if they know the story of where their food comes from (and that farming isn't a big factory of scariness out to poison them, eyeroll). 

5. CHALLENGE a misconception. This is the BIG ONE. And the scariest for me. Even scarier than talking into a camera for all the world to see. But tackle a common misconception you have heard about agriculture and provide the facts!

Follow me on social media to see how I will be celebrating #CdnAgDay

Start   a   beef   convo   with   these   infographics 

Here are a few great suggestions of infographics you can post on #CdnAgDay about Canadian Beef. Just be sure to post from trusted sources. My favorites are the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, Canada Beef, Beef Cattle Research Council and Canadian Cattlemen's Association. A new one I have recently been enjoying is Alberta On The Plate! **Remember to tag them when you post so consumers know where to go to find out more! 

Still too nervous to AGvocate? That's ok. There are resources to help! Two courses I have taken online that have really helped me to become confident agvocating are the Beef Advocacy Canada on the cattle side, and Crop Life Canada's Certified Crop Science Consultant on the crop side of things. Both are longer module based learning with assignments to ensure you are grasping the concepts, but both are really valuable courses. While they may not be courses you will complete before Tuesday's #CDNagday, I would HIGHLY encourage you to put them in your 2022 Goals to complete! 

What are your favorite AGvocate resources? Leave a comment below! And don't forget to share how you are celebrating #CDNagday with us too!