The image of agriculture throughout the United States is a fragile one. We have fewer people involved in production agriculture and that equals more consumers who don’t understand where their foods comes from. During the 2012 World Dairy Expo, Chuck talked with California diary producer, Ray Prock about the image in the non-farmer audience concerning agriculture and especially the dairy industry. They also discussed the role of social media in agriculture and how dairy producers are utilizing this industry changing tool.

“There is a huge need for this. Farmers have become more efficient. There ends up being fewer farmers out their in production agriculture. And we have more people in the cities everyday going to the grocery store who don’t know where their food comes from. It is programs like the Fuel Up To Play 60 that we created through the National Management Board and National Dairy Board where we are getting into schools. It is in 73,000 schools throughout the United States.”

“Students are getting leadership positions and helping their schools change their culture to become more fitness and nutritious minded and its not just about selling more dairy. Its about getting these kids to invest in their healthy lifestyles. And at the end of the day when they realize it was the dairy farmers that helped them get that culture change in their schools, they are able to realize that we are people too and we care about them too, especially the kids. There are stories of kids where their lives are changing because of programs like this. It takes these kids and gives them leadership abilities in school.”

You can listen to Chuck’s complete interview with Ray here: Ray Prock Interview

2012 World Dairy Expo Photo Album