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aking time to interact and engage with the local community and the wider public you can increasingly influence their thoughts and actions when it comes to buying food and their behaviour in the countryside. Indeed there has never been a greater interest in quality, local food and that is something all sectors of British farming must capitalise on if it is to influence both current and future generations of consumers. There are no golden rules to keeping the public in tune with farming and the countryside and there are a myriad of ways of going about it. But the first and most important thing to remember is to be as positive as possible whenever possible.
T
That may not be easy when milk prices are low and you’re wondering if anyone really cares. But it is essential to portray a positive image of British farming first and foremost. Without doubt low milk prices are at the forefront of everyone’s minds right now. But there’s no point complaining about low prices unless you can explain succinctly and passionately why the price needs to be higher. That means making the case for the high welfare standards of British farming and highlighting the work done on farms to ensure cows are well cared for and enjoy the best possible conditions at all times. Here are five ways you can engage with consumers to portray a positive message about UK dairying. All can be adapted to suit your individual farm and locality, but the key thing is to think and talk positive when dealing with the general public who are after all our customers.
to them in their environment with a few props from around the farm is a clear winner. There’s no need to take a cow with you, but a few feed samples as well as a pint of milk straight from the bulk tank and some examples of how you use modern technology in dairying may be just the thing to engage young minds.
1 2 42 THE JOURNAL AUGUST 2015 Use social media
Facebook may seem like a great way to catch up with your friends and share photos of your favourite cow. But social media, such as Facebook and Twitter is also a very easy way to connect with consumers and the local community from the comfort of your parlour. Taking to social media to tell the
human side of farming is as simple as it comes, but is a very effective way of putting yourself and your farm at the disposal of the general public and showing them just what it takes to run a modern dairy farm. It’s also a great way to show the lighter side of life and good use of photos and video can go a long way to telling the story. All you need is a smart phone and the willingness to give it a go. Keep updates brief, but regular and most of all make them interesting and with simple explanations when required.
Work with local groups and clubs Local groups and clubs, such as the local WI branch or Cubs, Scouts, Brownie and Guide groups are a great way of working with the local community to explain the ins and outs of modern dairy farming. You don’t have to host farm visits to be involved with these groups, often they welcome visits and going to speak
Ways to communicate with the local
Community
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