Communication Resources
With less than 2 percent of the U.S. population involved in farming today, the public has little opportunity to visit a dairy farm, let alone understand modern dairy farming practices. That’s why America’s dairy producers should communicate the benefits of modern dairy farming to their neighbors and community members.
The dairy checkoff provides many tools to help producers tell their stories, including these files that can be downloaded:
Tips for Hosting On-Farm Visitors and Tours
Whether you host a once-a-year celebration or monthly tours, on-farm events are great opportunities to show neighbors and community members how you care for your animals and natural resources, and how you produce safe, quality dairy products. Use these tips to help ensure your guests enjoy their visit and leave with a better understanding of modern dairy farming.
Communication Tips and Techniques Card
Use this card to help you prepare for an upcoming media interview or presentation. If you are contacted by a member of the media, your local checkoff organization has additional resources to help you prepare. Find your local office here.
How to give a successful presentation
Every opportunity to talk with neighbors and community members is a chance to promote your farm and remind others of the importance of a strong dairy industry. Use these presentation tips to strengthen your public speaking skills.
Environment fact sheet
Dairy producers work hard to protect the environment, and the public needs to understand this. These facts help you communicate the environmentally sound practices employed on dairy farms.
Animal care fact sheet
Caring for dairy cows is a dairy producer’s No. 1 concern. Show how you take good care of your animals by using these talking points.
Dairy food safety fact sheet
The dairy industry takes food safety very seriously. Convey these key messages to consumers to help them understand that U.S. farmers produce only the safest and most wholesome dairy products.
Economic impact fact sheet
The U.S. dairy industry is a vital contributor to economic development, locally and nationally. Illustrate the importance of the dairy industry by using these key economic facts.
Organic milk fact sheet
Consumers often ask the difference between organic and conventional milk. Use this guide to answer their questions and help them understand there is no difference between the milk that is produced from these two styles of farming practices.
Improve Dietary Quality with 3 Servings of Dairy
Dairy products pack a nutritional punch. This illustrated food chart compares the amount of nutrients found in three cups of milk with the amount of nondairy food needed to reach the same nutrient level.
Dairy trivia
To get the same amount of calcium provided by 8 ounces of milk, you would have to eat 2 1/4 cups of broccoli. Use these interesting trivia facts to educate all age groups about the dairy industry.
Beyond the fence communications tips
Sometimes all it takes is a friendly conversation to make a neighbor feel more favorable toward your dairy farm. Consider these communications tips the next time you’re dealing with on-farm issues with neighbors and community leaders.