Conversing
I love to talk. Most folks that have met me realize that fact. In fact a friend of mine put it well this past week: “With Ellie, there are no awkward silences, only awkward conversations.” I like to share, entertain, and educate with the spoken word. I also love to debate and argue, but there is a line between a debate and a fight.
In agriculture, what we need to be having is a conversation, not just a series of speeches or shouting matches. In listening to Ann Burkholder, a feedlot owner from Nebraska, in a class this week, she made an excellent point about animal welfare. She said, “it is both an internal and external issue.” She is right. As ranchers and farmers, we can always do better, and strive to improve the care of our livestock. We can also share what we do with the consumer, by telling our stories, and providing proof that we truly are the experts.
It’s not just sharing, it’s also listening. Check out the interview with Wayne Pacelle on Cattle Network. Although, I don’t agree with him, or his views, I still read what he had to say, and considered his opinions. Listening is very important, because if we don’t listen, we will never be able to connect with consumers. Not all main stream media get it wrong, in fact, one writer in L.A. has gotten it right. It’s time we stopped shouting. After all, it’s not a battle, but a conversation.
’till the cows come home
Ellie