The world we live in is undeniably complex and filled with wonders that we may never fully understand. This concept of complexity is nothing new, but when people take pride in being knowledgeable and yet prefer simplicity, it can cause a certain chaos to erupt within our own minds. We like to listen to people…
In the majority of my blog posts thus far I have encouraged the reader to ask a farmer or industry leader if they have questions about their food supply and the treatment of farm animals. I can only hope that curious consumers are taking my advice and reaching out to the men and women who take…
Every industry, especially the agriculture industry is subject to ambiguous terminology that has extremely important implications. One of the most contested terms that holds serious implications for agricultural enthusiasts, animal lovers and farmers alike is: animal welfare. In the simplest terms, animal welfare correlates to the proper treatment of animals both in and outside of the livestock…
Years ago, whenever I saw one of the undercover videos that animals rights groups release, I was sure I was watching torture to farm animals. My heart would beat like I had just finished a marathon and my eyes would sting with fury as I watched the poor animals endure so much pain. How was…
In the past few years, legislators have proposed farm protection legislation, with the intention of putting a dent in activists’ ability to break the law. These farm protection bills however have been given a powerful label by those who oppose them – they are referred to by opponents as “ag-gag” laws, and I’m really concerned…
What good are labels if the target audience doesn’t know what half the words even mean?
Two weeks ago, I posted my first blog for the Alliance. My previous post focused on the idea that agricultural communication IS political communication and activist groups are currently doing a much better job than agriculturalists at communicating to the general public. I also talked about the concept of framing. Communication of all types, especially…
When a farmer wants to tell his story, you listen (and take notes if you’re a communications intern). David Gevry recently contacted the Alliance about wanting to share what he’s been up to on his farm and I was thrilled. My favorite assignments in college always happened out of the classroom when I was able to…
Before I get into the nerdy stuff, let me introduce myself. My name is Jennifer Weinberg and I am studying Political Communication at The George Washington University. My family and I own a small beef cattle operation in Central New Jersey and have been members of both the feedlot and show cattle industries since the…
In February, the top individuals and clubs in the 2014 College Aggies Online Scholarship Program traveled to Arkansas to visit with program sponsor Tyson Foods, Inc. Lauren Schlothauer, a student at New Mexico State University who earned second place individual in the competition, joins us as a guest blogger this week to share about the…
Before I begin, let me introduce myself. My name is Casey Whitaker and I graduated from Auburn University in December with a degree in agricultural communication before moving back home to Centreville, Virginia to intern with the Animal Agriculture Alliance. I am extremely fortunate to have landed an internship so soon after college and doing what…
Earlier this month, we posted a blog pertaining to our great #farmtopork blogger tour (http://animalagengage.com/2014/10/02/farm-to-pork-blogger-tour/). Since then, these extremely talented bloggers have continued to write amazing blogs about where their meat comes from. If you want to check out any of the new blogs (which we highly recommend!), click the links below. Kirsten Wright, The…
