SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Energetic. Social. Engaging. Passionate. Who comes to mind? Protecting the image of the beef industry is a priority for both the New York Beef Council and New York Beef Producers Association. Sharing the story of beef and agriculture is a growing concern and priority for our industry and beef producers. NYBC and NYBPA are partnering to select and train a key group of beef community members to tell their story by providing them with the resources, education and tools needed to communicate with consumers confidently via multiple platforms.
Selected Beef Corp members will be invited to a full day training hosted in Syracuse, NY on Saturday, December 8th. The program will include sessions on social media outreach, letter to the editor writing, farm tour planning, as well as, individual conversations and tips for answering “tough questions”.
“The percentage of New York residents who are employed within Agriculture is small and the beef community is even smaller,” shared Katherine Brosnan, NYBC Director of Industry Relations & Consumer Promotions, “with a growing interest in where our food comes from and how beef is raised it is of increased importance and urgency that farmers share their story and address consumers’ concerns.”
Nominations for Beef Corp participants are due November 16th. Members of the beef community can self-nominate or be nominated by a friend or colleague. Nominations can be submitted electronically by visiting NYBC’s website, www.nybeef.org in the Farmer’s Fencepost section. Nominees do not have to be members of the New York Beef Producers Association.
“The population of New York State is over 19.8 million”, shared Jean O’Toole, Executive Director of the New York Beef Council, “according to the latest Ag Census the total number of beef and dairy operations in New York State is less than 11,000. It is more important than ever that every member of our community do their part to answer consumers’ questions and preserve the farming way of life.”
More information about the Beef Corp Program is available at www.nybeef.org. Questions or concerns? Contact Katherine at 315-339-6922 or email kbrosnan@nybeef.org.
–New York Beef Council