Summer is a social season, and great opportunities arise to share your story. Only two percent of the population raises food for the entire world, and that is you! No one is more passionate, caring, or committed to the humane care of animals and safe food than you. Pig care is more than just bacon, it is your passion and career.

In the 24th episode of SwineTime Podcast, Dr. Spencer Wayne, host and veterinarian with Pipestone Veterinary Services, visits with Sylvia Wolters, Pipestone Public Relations Director and Alicia Place, Pipestone Communications Coordinator, about sharing the pig farmer story in the community. Dr. Wayne’s daughter, Molly, also joins the conversation to share her experience.

During conversations with consumers, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

Be prepared

Know your “Why”. Have a conversation with yourself about why you love farming and taking care of pigs. Consumers can recognize someone who has a strong passion for what they do.

What do you have in common

People are interested in the values that you share. Shared values build trust. Ask questions to find out what you have in common and base your conversation around this common interest.

Less is more

Remember a glass of water, not the ocean. Be careful not to overshare information unless they are asking. Transparency and honesty are necessary to earn trust. Answer with a short, shared value and continue with details if they are interested. Fun fact: The average consumer does not trust scientific studies or government agencies on topics related to agriculture. They trust farmers.

Word choice

Word choice stimulates emotion and emotion drives trust. Choose positive impactful words. Make your vocabulary a habit of using consumer-friendly words, not just talking to consumers, but also in your barn.

Admitting you do not know

It is okay to admit that we do not know everything! If you get asked a question that you do not know the answer to, don’t be afraid to admit it. Take this opportunity to show them where they can find it, or better yet, look together.

Keep your emotions in check

Never argue. Respect their choices and ask that they respect yours. It is okay to agree to disagree.

These six tips are something to keep in the back of your mind and to use when you are having a conversation with a consumer not only at the fairs but also at the grocery store, your kids sporting events, family gatherings, and wherever else you get the opportunity to share your passion for farming.

To learn more about agriculture communications reach out to Alicia Place.

Click here to listen to the entire podcast and learn how you can be prepared to share your store!

PIPESTONE's mission is "Helping Farmers Today Create the Farms of Tomorrow." The SwineTime podcast was created for pig farmers and individual pork producers around the country. Hosted by Dr. Wayne, the podcast contains pork industry news, advancements in animal care and how to enhance your productivity.

Monthly podcasts are available on Spotify, Google Music, ITunes, Anchor and on Pipestone.com.

Source: Pipestone Veterinary Services, which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.