National Farmer’s Day is Oct. 12, and there’s a good chance you’ll see many posts about “ThankAFarmer” coming from … farmers. That always seems a little weird to me.
When it comes to Veteran’s Day, I don’t post a lot about thanking veterans or “ThankAVeteran.” I do, however, thank my brothers and sisters who served, some in public and some in private. I’ll also post my old boot camp or submarine photos, mostly out of amusement because I had hair then.
There’s nothing wrong with “ThankAFarmer.” I wish more people did it daily because the time and effort you put in to supply us with wonderful and affordable foods is over-the-top praiseworthy for a job well done.
But what if on National Farmer’s Day you, as farmers, went out of your way to say “you’re welcome” to the thousands of people who thank you? And then ask them if they have any questions about your farm, your animals, or your land.
I also hope you post photos and videos of yourself on the farm showcasing your real life. Dairy Management Inc. has created a few images, GIFs, and a graphic “Connect To What’s Real” that you can use. You can get the graphics in the Dairy Hub or download it here.
When you are posting, try to help us see what’s going on in your conversations by using the hashtags #NationalFarmersDay and #UndeniablyDairy.
Please encourage your ag friends to do the same — we want dairy and all farmers to be seen and heard all the time, but especially on this day.
There also will be a Facebook frame available on October 12 at www.facebook.com/profilepicframes. Search for National Farmer’s Day on this page.
If you use SnapChat, we want you to be aware that there might be Snapchat filters available near you.
The dairy checkoff also will be busy this day, bringing several dairy farmers to New York City to participate in a dairy experience at two major food festivals — Grand Central Food Fest (Oct. 12) and NYC Times Square Expo (Oct. 13). We’ll be passing out grilled cheese and chocolate milk samples from a decked-out food truck, as well as engaging the crowd with farmers through a series of fun, dairy themed activities that are Instagram-worthy!
On Oct. 12, the rest of the world is going to take some time to thank you for being what you’ve always wanted to be — a farmer. We’re hoping you take the time from your busy food-producing day to acknowledge their thanks, connect with them and answer their questions. They trust you, and they want to know you.
Every day is a great day to be a farmer but even more so on Oct. 12. Thanks for everything you do to provide consumers safe and delicious dairy that is undeniably good.
If you have any questions or need more assets, contact me at don.schindler@dairy.org.
