With the March for Science quickly approaching this Saturday, there’s never been a better time to stand up for Science in Agriculture. Many people, particularly in urban areas, are not that familiar with how their food is produced, but they all have an opinion on how it should be produced. With a whirlwind of internet opinions, it is so important to connect with real farmers and industry experts with how their food is actually grown and processed.
Sometimes when I share information from certain sources, activists don’t want to listen because they claim it’s biased. But how does that even make sense? If someone devotes their entire life and career to animal agriculture for example, would their voice be a reputable one? Many people are unaware of the fact that some farming folks may have masters or doctorate degrees in dairy science, poultry science, meat science, and the like. I would say that the sources below are much more reputable that a movie on Netflix, produced by food companies trying to sell a product or an activist who has never worked on a farm a day in their life. Anti-GMO activists and animal rights activists usually have one thing in common — they’ve never been a farmer, nor have they ever toured or worked on a large-scale modern farm.
It’s important to ask farmers about farming, as I’ve shared on my previous video here. You don’t go to your auto mechanic for medical advice; you don’t ask your lawyer to fix your car. People today are bombarded with labels, confusion, and misinformation, so here are some of my favorite websites and Facebook pages that are reputable in terms of science, skepticism, and agriculture.
ANIMAL AGRICULTURE
U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance
National Cattlemen’s beef association
I love animals but hate animal rights activists
National Institute of food & Agriculture
University websites! Cornell Alliance for Science, Nebraska, Kansas State, UC Davis, Texas A&M, Iowa State, UW-Madison, Colorado State, etc.
FARMERS/AG BLOGGERS
High Hopes & Low Expectations: Tales from the Barnside
Fresh Air Farmer – Andrew Campbell
Janice Person AKA JP loves cotton
OTHER AG SITES
Klingenberg Farm Studios – Farmer Derek
March against Myths about Modifcation
Weed control freaks Andrew Kniss
SCIENCE BLOGS & SKEPTICISM
I could go on and on, there really are so many, but these are my top 25 from each category. I’m sure I’m even forgetting some of my favorites, but hopefully this is a good start to learn the truth about food and farming direct from the best sources; farmers and industry experts themselves.
Michelle Miller, the Farm Babe, is an Iowa-based farmer, public speaker and writer, who lives and works with her boyfriend on their farm which consists of row crops, beef cattle, and sheep. She believes education is key in bridging the gap between farmers and consumers.
