Menu

Pick up a newspaper that's covering a new or expanding livestock operation in Ohio and it's likely the story won't focus on job creation and economic impact. Instead, it's often members of activist groups that win the headlines with warnings about the negative impacts of animal agriculture.

To help livestock producers tell their story, OFBF has developed the Ohio Livestock Public Involvement and Media Relations Program. The program's manual, "Building Community Capital", gives producers a blueprint for managing public relations issues associated with new or expanding livestock farms.

The program was developed in partnership with Mid American Ag and Hort Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency.

"We frequently see opposition and misinformation occurring when a livestock operation is sited or expanded in Ohio," said Chris Henney, OFBF director of agricultural ecology programs. "It's certainly hindering, if not stopping livestock development in the state."

Henney said Ohio farmers are very good at raising livestock, but many do not have the time or know-how to compete with the media-savvy activist groups that oppose them. He added that livestock farmers have an impressive story to tell.

"Our livestock industry contributes more than $8 billion to the economy, generates $229 million in tax revenue and supports 47,000 jobs. Livestock is obviously vital to the Ohio economy," he said.

The manual includes a self-assessment that helps livestock producers identify their goals and determine the public relations issues facing their farm. Producers are then taken through a step-by-step process of how to engage the public and build goodwill in communities. Another section is specifically dedicated to understanding and working with the media.

"As Ohio farms change in size and scope, and as those with limited farm knowledge move into rural areas, misunderstandings have grown," said OFBF's David White, executive director of the Ohio Livestock Coalition, which is a partner in the project.

With activist groups pushing to end or severely restrict livestock production and neighbors increasingly complaining about normal farm activities, White said it is tempting for livestock producers to make a "duck and cover" attempt to withdraw from the public view.

"Farmers who do not speak up and out on their own behalf allow others to speak for them and most of the time, they're not going to like what the hear," he said.

White warned that bad feelings by residents not only carry over into the media, but can also influence government leaders at all levels.

"Farmers should consider outreach a business need in today's contentious environment and build it into their business plan," he said.

To request a copy of the Building Community Capital manual, contact Henney at 614-246-8265.