The Art of the Share

Last fall, I found myself on stage in Singapore, talking about my farming operation with two other U.S. farmers at a sustainability conference hosted by the checkoff-founded U.S. Dairy Export Council.

The event was titled “Unlocking Opportunities for Sustainable Dairy in Southeast Asia.” When I moved back to my family farm in 2011, I never imagined I would one day be halfway around the world, speaking to more than 110 Southeast Asian thought leaders, food industry professionals, sustainability experts and others about the day-to-day realities of farming in southwest Virginia.

To top it off, last year our farm finally got high-speed internet, giving me the ability to check on the health and activity of my cows while I’m on the road. While on stage, I shared the story of one cow who had triggered a low-activity alert.

Now remember, there is a 12-hour time difference between Singapore and Virginia, but the audience became very invested in the outcome of cow No. 187. I had to explain that it was the middle of the night back home, and I wasn’t about to call and wake my father!

That moment of connection – of opening my world to theirs – is the art of the share: helping people understand where their food comes from, one story at a time.

I’ve heard from many farmers about their own “art of the share” moments. In many ways, the work of our dairy checkoff is built around creating these connections. With fewer farms and farmers in America and around the world, the checkoff works every day to narrow that gap, building trust and helping consumers better understand what it takes to put real dairy on their tables. 

And while sharing our stories may not always feel comfortable, the world around us is genuinely curious about farming and about what we do every day.

It doesn’t always require a big stage or international travel. I love hearing about farmers who walk up to people at the grocery store dairy case and simply thank them for buying real dairy. Small and simple, but still the art of the share. I’ve also been in countless taxis and ride shares where a simple question from the driver – “What do you do?” – leads to an amazing exchange about farming and a shared love of dairy.

Today, so many farmers are also sharing their lives and stories on social media. They are doing important work and truly embodying the art of the share.

I was recently surprised by a local farmer who started a Facebook page about his farming practices. His posts are rough and raw, but his authenticity is powerful. People want to hear about our real passion and real challenges, not a polished version of farm life.

So the next time your local checkoff asks to spotlight a farmer, consider raising your hand and sharing your story. You never know how far your voice might travel or who it might inspire.

And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll find yourself halfway around the world, meeting people who are eager to hear the story of your farm.