#SpeakAg Pioneers are on the front lines of agricultural advocacy and literacy efforts, hosting workshops, creating social media content, and interacting with local, state and national policymakers. Every year on National Ag Day, they invite FFA members to join them in support of agriculture.
“National Ag Day not only celebrates agriculture and highlights our advocacy work, but also gives us a chance to find what we can do better,” says Nicholas Neuman, 2021-22 Indiana FFA Secretary and #SpeakAg Pioneer. “All FFA members have a part in telling the story of agriculture.”
Whether you’re struggling with finding a place to start or have a full-fledged campaign running, #SpeakAg Pioneers share their useful advocacy best practices.
Find Your Niche
There’s not one single way to advocate, according to Emily Eberhardt, 2021-22 Massachusetts FFA President and #SpeakAg Pioneer. She encourages members to begin with something small but achievable to gain momentum.
“Share a post on social media, or share one thing with one person,” Eberhardt says. “You’ll be amazed how much your efforts can grow.”
Eberhardt uses social media, mainly Instagram Stories, to share her passions.
“I am passionate about animal welfare and sustainability,” she says. “I’ve been able to increase understanding about topics I care about that are also important to agriculture.”
Do Your Research
The first step in an advocacy effort for Brianna Payne, 2021-22 Alabama FFA Sentinel and #SpeakAg Pioneer, is learning as much as possible about the issue.
“Start by researching different topics in agriculture and build your own perspective,” she says. “Figure out your stance and then share with others when the opportunity presents itself.”
Neuman went straight to the source – seed companies, cooperatives, crop input companies and more in his home state – to learn more.
“I connected with agricultural businesses and associations across Indiana to learn more about what they do,” Neuman says. “At the end of last year, I visited nearly 20 agricultural businesses to learn about what those companies do for Indiana agriculture and FFA.”
Remember Your Why
Neuman reminds members to stay true to the shared goal. The best thing to do, Neuman says, is to share your story no matter what avenue you choose.
“Make it a conversation,” he says. “Your story is important and sharing your experiences can make a difference.”
Payne is reminded of her motivation to advocate – she loves agriculture.
“National Ag Day is important because we’re able to share why we do what we do and why we love it,” she says.
Recognize Your Support System
The agriculture community knows the importance of FFA and agricultural education. Growth Energy, a biofuel trade association which represents producers and supporters of the ethanol industry, is a literacy and advocacy sponsor of FFA. Kelly Manning, vice president of development for Growth Energy, says the organization supports FFA precisely because of its work.
“There are so many aspects of agriculture that most of us don’t truly understand unless we take the time to learn more,” he says. “FFA and agricultural education equip individuals to share information about the agriculture industry. We invest in these programs because we know we have an advocate for the industry in every FFA member.”
As you work through your campaign, know the agriculture community is cheering you on.
