Animal Ag Allies

Animal Ag Allies empowers farmers, ranchers and practicing veterinarians to be outspoken advocates for agriculture online and within their communities. The Alliance is looking for emerging voices in the dialogue around modern animal agriculture to provide development opportunities and connect them with one another as well as industry experts. The program provides opportunities for networking, training and continuous development of issue expertise and communication skills. The Animal Ag Allies will be on the front lines of responding to emerging issues and sharing positive content about animal agriculture.

We’re looking for farmers, ranchers and practicing veterinarians who want to make a difference in public perception of animal agriculture. The ideal participant has already demonstrated their commitment to engaging on relevant issues and is ready to take their efforts to the next level and possesses the following qualities:

• Established public social media presence on at least one, ideally more, of the following platforms:
  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest.
• At least 1,000 existing followers on one or more of the above platforms.
• Previous communications training experience through programs such as Masters of Beef Advocacy, Operation Mainstreet, and other state or national industry programs.
• Prior experience with public speaking and working with media.

These are suggested guidelines, not set-in-stone requirements. If potential participants don’t meet each of these exact criteria but still feel they are a good fit for the program they are encouraged to contact the Alliance.

The Animal Ag Allies program consists of two phases: online training and a private forum to discuss engagement strategies and emerging issues. The online training modules are all available online and may be completed at the participant’s own pace. Modules include:

• Overviews of each sector of animal agriculture
• Where to find more resources on each sector
• Hot topics and emerging issues facing animal ag
• How to address contentious issues
• Growing your social following and reaching outside the choir
• Public outreach

Following the completion of the training modules, participants will be invited to a private Facebook group where they will have the ability to interact with one another as well as industry professionals from the Alliance and other select organizations. Participants will be encouraged to use the group to get advice on growing their online following, engaging on certain issues, responding to comments and messages, and any other relevant topics.

Participants must be sponsored by a company or organization. Sponsorship helps cover the cost of the program and provides valuable resources to participants. If you’re unsure whether a company or organization you work with is an Alliance member or need ideas for potential sponsors, contact us—we’re happy to help! 

• Farmer, rancher, or practicing veterinarian sponsored by an Alliance member organization: $100
• Industry professional sponsored by an Alliance member organization: $250
• Farmer, rancher, practicing veterinarian, or industry professional sponsored by a non-member organization: $500 

Alliance members at the $1,500 level and above receive annual waived participation fees for sponsoring participants. Review the membership benefits chart to explore the amount of annual waived participant fees are available at each membership level. Unsure what membership level the company or organization you work with is at? Contact us —we’re happy to help!

We welcome agricultural companies and organizations to sponsor Animal Ag Allies. See the sponsorship opportunities and contact Logan Hall if you are interested in sponsorship.