Tag Archives: National FFA

Emotion Catches Attention & Gives Reason to Share a Message: Social Media Told Ag’s Story on Super Bowl Sunday

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“Musings of a Pig Farmer”
By Larry Sailer

Even if I hadn’t been tuned into the Super Bowl on Sunday, news feeds on Facebook and Twitter accounts provided a play-by-play account – at least of the commercials. Who would’ve guessed that “farmers” would be trending during the Super Bowl?

The top Super Bowl spot, at least during the first quarter, was the “Got Milk?” ad featuring Duane “The Rock” Johnson. Soon thereafter Budweiser’s “Brotherhood” Clydesdale ad surpassed the Milk “Morning Run” as top ad, according to Forbes.

The commercial about the little Clydesdale is very much a true picture of how farmers feel about our animals. This particular commercial did a masterful job of telling a farmer’s story and showing an emotional connection with his animal, which brings up an important point I’ve been trying to make: emotion attracts the attention of those whom we want to share our message.

For years and years, those of us in the ag community have talked about facts and science. We’ve been armed with research and data– and we’ve been largely overlooked. To get noticed for the right reasons, farmers must use emotion to gain attention of the non-farming public and to share our messages! Why? Because agriculture is relevant today – maybe even more so if you take into consideration the growing world population – as it was when 98% of all people were farmers.

Recently, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said rural America is less relevant now. Really? Farmers and ranchers provide food, fiber, and fuel for this country. Products made from agricultural products are used to make medicines and other products used for healing, such as pig skin for burn grafts and heart valves. Knowing that my pigs are helping feed people – and heal their hearts – is a source of pride.

There are many reasons that I Am Agrihculture Proud. Nothing stirred Pride, Passion and Conversation on Sunday – and nearly every minute since it aired – like the Dodge Ram truck commercial featuring a poem recited by Paul Harvey during the 1978 FFA annual convention. It was a nice, little piece that paid tribute to farmers and God, both of which have been getting bad press lately!

Dodge Ram’s ad is part of a campaign to support the National FFA Foundation’s hunger initiative “Feeding the World – Starting at Home.” Each time this commercial is watched online, the National FFA earns $1 up to $1 million! Check out this post by fellow Franklin Count farmer, Val Plagge, “for the rest of the story.”

Also be sure to check out these related blog posts from farmers across America:

While this list is long, I’m sure it’s not complete. Feel free to share additional links. A special thanks to I Am Agriculture Proud for starting this list of great blogs!

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Food & FamilyCelebrate Healthy Living with Beef!

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Guest blog by
Amanda Radke, BEEF Daily editor, and fifth-generation rancher from Mitchell, SD

After a long, cold winter and spring on the ranch, the sun is finally shining, the birds are chirping, the pastures are greening up, and I’m dusting off my running shoes to start training for an upcoming half-marathon this summer. May not only brings a change in weather and our spirits, but it’s also a time of celebration. Did you know May is Beef Month?

As a busy rancher, writer, blogger, speaker and wife, I believe in the power of protein found in beef to keep me strong, healthy and energized to conquer the things I need to accomplish throughout the day.

Beef Stuffed Peppers

In honor of Beef Month, I hope you will try this family-favorite recipe, “Beef-Stuffed Peppers.” This is an oldie, but a goodie, found at BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com. The best part about this easy recipe is that it always wows a crowd and makes a bold statement when entertaining. Be inspired by this recipe and have a May fiesta to celebrate family, friends, healthy living and May Beef Month!

BEEF Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 medium green, red or yellow bell peppers
  • 3/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup uncooked white rice
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce:

  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian-style stewed canned tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

Instructions:

  1. Heat oven to 350°F. Cut tops off bell peppers; remove seeds.
  2. Combine ground beef, onion, rice, 3 tablespoons ketchup, salt, 1/2 teaspoon oregano and pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.
  3. Spoon beef mixture into peppers; stand peppers in 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
  4. Combine sauce ingredients; pour over peppers.
  5. Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in 350°F oven 1-1/2 hours, until instant-read thermometer inserted into center of pepper registers 160°F.

More about Amanda Radke:

When BEEF magazine decided to initiate BEEF Daily, an online roundup of beef-industry news and commentary presented each morning from Monday through Thursday, Amanda Radke was the logical choice to serve as its Editor.

She’s a fifth-generation rancher from Mitchell, SD, and a recent South Dakota State University graduate. She grew up on a family-owned Limousin seedstock operation in which she’s still very active.

At a young age, she already has a long record of advocacy for the U.S. beef industry. She’s the 2006 National FFA Extemporaneous Speaking champion, and the 2006 National Beef Ambassador. And she’s served previous internships with USDA’s Ag Marketing Service in Washington D.C, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in Denver, Colo., in addition to an internship with BEEF magazine this in 2008.

Just how much of an advocate is she? You might ask. Perhaps you heard the story of a young FFA member who led a walkout of several thousand members from a Carrie Underwood concert a couple of summers ago in protest of the country singer’s anti-meat positions and association with the Humane Society of the U.S. That young person was Amanda.

On BEEF Daily, Amanda will be providing timely industry news each morning from Monday through Thursday, to which readers can comment; along with her blog chronicling her experiences and adventures as a young ag professional.