In an interview with Agri-Pulse, Sen. Chuck Grassley said “I use Twitter to keep in touch with Iowans. It’s a way to describe what I’m working on as their U.S. senator, to make a point in a public policy debate and to try to foster greater citizen participation in the process of representative government.”

Well said, senator. Grassley was actually one of the first senators to adopt Twitter and many others have followed suit. Both the Senate and House Ag Committees have their own accounts (@SenateAg and @HouseAgNews). Additionally, a large majority of individual members of the committees have their own accounts.

So can this actually make a difference? The answer is yes, it can. A great example would be the Twitter campaign surrounding the proposed child labor laws for farm kids. There was such a media storm on Twitter that it actually helped with the Department of Labor’s decision to withdraw the proposal. And now, with farm bill votes in the House and Senate right around the corner, we have another opportunity to take the Hill by storm….well, a Tweet storm.

Of the 535 members of Congress, 460 of them have individual Twitter accounts (If you follow me on Twitter, you already know this) and many of them have a staffer whose job it is to monitor their social media sites. Use this to your advantage. Find your representatives and senators, follow them and check in on what is happening in their office. Trust me, it’s a lot easier for a member to send a tweet with an announcement than it is to write a release and get it sent out. And don’t be afraid to tweet your member on an important issue. You may be making an impact in 140 characters without even knowing it.

Oh, and while you’re at it, I love new followers as well. I’m @DCcorngal.

Watching CommonGround Colorado volunteers Danell Kalcevic and Cindy Frasier during a live television interview broadcast on Denver’s News9 last week, I remembered this metaphor, which the nuns who ran the high school I attended often used during my tenure.

These two women, facing the cameras for the first time, met remarks which may have ruffled other’s feathers with calm, patient, open understanding.  In return, they gained the trust and respect of the station staff and, most probably, many viewers as well.

Adding a bit of sweetness to their already pleasant personalities, they brought cookies.  Meat cookies to be exact.  So, immediately, they drew interest that, when coupled with the way in which they told their story, helped start a real conversation about food rather than a battle.

The lesson applies to everyone who dedicates time and effort to helping further the public discourse on farming.  Had Danell or Cindy become combative or defensive, the conversation would have stopped.  If we allow ourselves to put up that wall, it shuts out the people who most need to hear the real story of today’s family farmer.

Agvocates need to cultivate their interactions with the same care given to their land.  Imagine how it feels to have someone bluntly call a statement wrong.  Now, imagine a smiling face offering their perspective from what they have seen.  Which agvocate would more likely build a real, productive conversation?

Take a moment to evaluate how implication, tone and non-verbal cues affect a conversation.  Bring honey with you to agvocacy instead of vinegar.

Notably, it never hurts to bring a plate of Beef Cookie Recipe too.

With many corporate players caving in to environmental whackos and misinformed consumer groups it is refreshing to see a major player in the restaurant industry like Dominos Pizza tell The Humane Society of the United States to “hold that thought” when they asked them to require pork suppliers to stop housing sows in gestation stalls.

When HSUS asked stockholders to bow down before their warm fuzzy image and the millions in lobbying and PR dollars they wield, Dominos shareholders rejected the resolution.  A Domino’s spokesperson explained that the company relies on animal experts to determine the best way to raise an animal that’s used for food.

Ok, now it is time for full disclosure on my personal bias. Unlike HSUS – that hides behind their false image as the savior of puppies and kitties, while giving a pittance to actual animal shelters.  When I was in college I have to admit to having a real gastronomic romance with Domino’s Pizza. The food was inexpensive which is critical to a student on a budget and they delivered faster than any other food establishment. Also, an important factor for those who get a random hunger for pizza late at night.

I still have that pizza problem today…love it, eat it weekly and still a fan of Dominos. I can openly live with this “pizza problem.”

One has to wonder how HSUS employees sleep at night knowing full well that they are spending their vast resources to drive a vegetarian agenda and hides a lifestyle choice as a moral cause. And they do so while constantly misrepresenting themselves to the general public.

Thankfully many people are taking note of the online “Farmers Paying It Forward with Pizza” campaign that was the brainchild of Clarence, Missouri pork producer and Ag blogger Chris Chinn.

The Brownfield Network became the most recent public entity to take note of Dominos act of corporate heroism. A logical decision really, but heroic none-the-less given the lack of spine and sense of right that seems to have invaded much of corporate America.

So, thanks to Chris, Brownfield and many others for bringing this into the light of day and challenging us all to show support of Dominos. And for the record I like my activism with parmesan sprinkled on top.

Today, Kaydee Caldwell submitted a letter expressing her admiration for her mom, Dawn Caldwell, and the work that she does to the CommonGround website.  Just in time for Mother’s Day, it now features that letter, expressing a sentiment with which many farmers’ daughters and sons can relate.

Farm children across the country come back to their homes after college or military service every day.  Many of those who do not return continue to support the family farm through their work in agribusiness.  The ties to their background run deep, in large part, because of their deep, sincere admiration for their parents and the hard work they do.

Kaydee, along with the children of other moms and dads who place themselves at the forefront of the national conversation about farming, has a unique reason to feel so proud of and inspired by her mother.  Expressing the reason for her admiration, she explains, “she is doing what she thinks is right, and she is making a huge difference .”

Surely, this is a sentiment mothers almost universally, even if only subconsciously, long to hear from their sons and daughters.  It takes courage to act based upon your principles rather than cave into the temptation to remain on the sidelines and deem it someone else’s fight.  It takes incredible energy and perseverance to make a difference, especially one a teenage daughter publicly commends.

Maybe there are two huge messages to take away from this one, simple act this Mother’s Day.

1. Acting as an advocate for what one believes, in a sincere, passionate, principled way, always has a positive effect.  Whether it changes public policy or inspires one’s own child, the time and energy put forward comes back in the end.
2. This Sunday, take a moment to speak kindly to someone who has inspired you, whether it is your mom, a kindly neighbor or someone who acted as a mother to you. Letting someone know that they have inspired you can travel like ripples in a pond, spreading that positive message as it goes.

Oprah’s power as a media mogul has not diminished since her self-titled program ran its final episode.  Instead, her legions of followers now flock to her magazine, website, cable channel and the programs of her protégés, actively seeking out her wisdom on subjects ranging from the best fiction to nutrition advice.

Sadly, sometimes the references she points to on food issues contain enough fallacies that a particularly witty librarian might file them in the fiction section.  With an entire section of her website dedicated to Michael Pollan’s “Food 101,” she lends the halo-effect of her considerable influence to works which have many unfounded statements and some which have been disproven by a variety of reputable sources.

Now, Tim Burrack, an Iowa farmer who actively participates in the advancement of his industry through service to the National Corn Growers Association and several other ag-focused groups, has issued a challenge in the form of an invitation.  In a letter published on the Truth about Trade and Biotechnology’s website, Burrack invites Winfrey to visit his farm for “a firsthand look at how an Iowa farmer produces healthy food in an economically and environmentally sustainable way.”

Burrack felt the need to act after reading an article in the May issue of O: The Oprah Magazine that asserts no one actually knows the real effect of crops produced using biotechnology.  Understanding the impact Oprah’s statements have upon her vast legions of followers, he issued the offer to help better inform the media maven and, in doing so, help provide a deeper, more informed understanding of modern agriculture to someone who wields almost unmatched influence on the American public.

Like Burrack, farmers and their allies know all too well how even a simple uninformed statement can harm public understanding of agriculture for years to come.  Given the influence of the source in this case, it is crucial that America’s farmers stand up for the incredible work that they do and products they provide.

Take a stand for farmers and for truth today.  Click here to post a comment to the original article calling on Oprah to take Burrack up on his invitation. Then, wield some social media influence by sharing the letter through Twitter or Facebook.

Together, the people who grow food for our country can take on those who would insult or mischaracterize their work while enjoying the variety of safe, affordable choices they produce.  Burrack took a stand for what he knows is right. Now, let Oprah know just how many of America’s farmer families and their friends stand behind him.

Clinging to worn-out rhetoric shrouded in a mindless, trendy façade, these protesters stand against a fundamental principle upon which the nation is based.  The ownership of private property has been held as a fundamental value of American society since the revolution.  The nation’s forefathers enshrined it in the Constitution, and, in doing so, created a country to which many have fled in order to gain this protection.  Placing their judgment above that of the university governing board, state government and of the people which those legislators represent, this fringe group forcibly chose to repurpose land to suit its own agenda.

What did the people who support this university lose?

They lost a valuable asset that provided the university with an outdoor laboratory.  Agricultural research often culminates in necessary field trials that allow scientists to test how new varieties or products will react in circumstances similar to those in which they may ultimately grow.  This land was not a common area without a stated purpose.  These protestors stole a valuable resource.

They lost the valuable time.  Right now, the future food security of the world depends upon agricultural research.   In next 40 years, farmers will need to produce more food than was produced in the last 10,000 years combined to ensure the food supply keeps up with population growth.  In light of this challenge, taking fields used for research into the products which will make this possible is tantamount to taking food from the mouths of those who will need it within our lifetime.

Actions have real consequences.  The “Occupy the Farm” movement has shown how disregard for the basic ground rules governing our society, no matter how supposedly well-intentioned, results in real harm.  Their lack of foresight and careful scrutiny of the possibly consequences of their actions shows the irresponsibility inherent in policies they espouse.

Tellingly, the press release issued by Kashi comes quickly on the heels of an agenda-driven campaign to “out” the health food maker’s use of foods produced with biotechnology.  The declaration of the cowardly cereal creator’s about-face on biotechnology use fails to site new science, or any damaging information on biotechnology, that would explain the rapid move away from ingredients that have been used by the company since its inception more than two decades ago.

Instead, the nuevo-hippie equivalent of a corporate titan, chose to play the blame game.  As a member of the Whole Foods-loving, any “green” embracing set so popular among luxury SUV-driving wannabe earth mothers, Kashi obviously has only used the ingredients because the food system needs to be changed, man.  It’s “big ag” growing those bad crops.

So, let’s get this straight.

Ninety-five percent of U.S. farms are family farms. Families, farming together, grow crops used in the foods sold on grocery store shelves, be they at posh luxury grocers or supersaver chains, across the country.  So, those big bad families are forcing tiny, little Kashi (owned by the ginormous Kellogg conglomerate, by the way, producer of Froot Loops) to use their GMOs.

The fact that running massive advertising campaigns like Kashi’s, something family farmers could never afford, indicates the size of the food industry giant does not jive with their flow.  Face it, “Big Health Food,” buying, including and selling cereal made with GMOs for as long as you have shows one of two things. Either:

A.)   You actually do believe that biotechnology is safe, as studies have repeatedly shown, and that their use helps produce an abundant affordable supply of quality food. As you have no data that indicate there is any reason other than pandering to baseless accusations against the technology, you decided to institute a policy against GMO use, that will take effect sometime in the future, because the 99 percent of the global population unable to eat did not have enough cash to be Kashi consumers in the first place.

Or

B.)    You have only paid lip service to the idea of providing a quality, healthy product until this point and, rather than admit that, you prefer to just say that you are changing your policy, at least in a few years. Let’s face it, if they really believed biotechnology use was wrong or dangerous, Kashi would immediately cease production of any foods that contain biotech ingredients.

For a “movement” that wraps itself in touchy-feely images painted with broad, washed out brushstrokes, Kashi and its cohorts seem to espouse an approach to business where science and concern for the truth don’t sell, so marketing and public perception reign supreme.

It is time for the American public to take a long, hard look at the truth of the situation.  The executives at companies do not sleep well at night because of their clear, blemishless social consciences; they sleep well at night because they sleep on 1,000-thread-count sheets paid for with the money of consumers they seem to confuse and guilt into buying truly tasteless cereal baked in an oven of propaganda and fear-mongering.

In St. Louis, just a few miles down the main east-west corridor from the National Corn Growers Association’s headquarters, concerned citizens and eco-enthusiasts alike will converge upon Forest Park, weather permitting, in droves to discuss a wide array of enviro-issues. In previous years, conversations tended to hold up food-related movements, such as those toward organics or locavore lifestyles, as models of how the eco-conscious should live.

This year, instead of dismissing these celebrations as agenda-driven vehicles for anti-ag activities, farmers and those who support them need to join the conversation. Attending events, participating in open forums and telling the story of modern American farming, growers can bring an informed, balanced voice in support of their industry to the conversation.

In many ways, be it through the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance or CommonGround, farmers have already learned about the importance of telling their story. Many have even practiced doing so. Earth Day marks a distinct opportunity to take a moment out of the field and actively cultivate public understanding and dialogue.

A new website featuring award-winning videos produced by the South Dakota Corn Growers Association and Utilization Council, www.trueenvironmentalists.com, reveals why farmers should value Earth Day in striking clarity. Using the example of their home state, the videos focus on how taking care of the land, air and water while increasing productivity provides hope. Hope that farmers will be able to help sustain a rapidly growing, hungry world. Watching the population counter tick up rapidly, thinking about the need to produce more food in the next 40 years than was produced in the last 10,000 years combined, it becomes obvious that we need to share the message of hope.

Take the time to share the incredible hope that farmers have for our growing world. Activists who would falsely accuse farmers of destroying the earth while promoting practices that would starve a constantly increasing segment of the population have already spun their yarn standing under the Earth Day banner for years. Let’s take part in a day that celebrates the earth, air and soil central to the very core of every farmer.

State and national communications staff appreciate that, for farmer volunteers, leaving busy operations involves a major investment by farmer and family alike.  In light of such, it is essential that those helping organize these programs evaluate the effectiveness of every opportunity, carefully weighing the potential benefit against the possible impact upon the volunteers.

Let’s face it- it takes a lot to walk out the farm gate, onto the stage and showcase such an integral part of every grower’s life, his or her farm.  Volunteers face public scrutiny and, at times, even criticism based in misunderstanding of either farming practices or of the specific operation itself.

Watching a lovely grain farmer who grew up around cattle gracefully handle sharp criticism of poultry-raising techniques, despite the fact she herself had never set foot into a broiler operation, can spur the thought, “I really hope that something positive comes of this- because she deserves results.”

CommonGround volunteers across the country are seeing positive results as the bloggers, reporters and other food thought-leaders they interact with come to understand and respect the achievements and character of the American family farmer.

On St. Patrick’s day, CommonGround hosted a dinner, upon which the National Corn Growers Association reported immediately following the event.  The initial story provided a peak into the thoughtful, creative events many state programs are hosting.

Yet, one question remained.  Would the attendees relay their experiences that evening?  Did the volunteers manage to make a real connection?

As in many prior instances, the answer appears to be a resounding “yes!” Just yesterday, an influential Kentucky food blogger, who uses the name “foodie girl,” recounted her encounter for her readership.  Peppered throughout her step-by-step how-to on preparing the cheese grits served at the event were her thoughts about the farmers she met and her impressions.

Impressed she was too.  Foodie girl praised the women for their cheerful, warm demeanor when answering questions, noting that she was struck by their genuine passion for what they grow.

“I look forward to getting to know the ladies of CommonGround better and to discovering the wonderful food they produce with their own, trusted hands,” she said.  “Now that is something I can feel good about.”

Opening a positive, constructive dialogue about modern farming is something that we can all feel good about too.  While building the connections that elevate the public discourse and create trust takes effort, it is worth it when volunteers, and everyone involved in grassroots agvocacy, can see the how the discussions that will impact the future of farming changing their tone.

In his address to the General Session, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack spent the vast majority of his address explaining not only what this legislation should encompass, including a safety net in the form of improved crop insurance offerings and investments in research and infrastructure, but also that it absolutely must be passed within the next nine months.

“Saying budgets are tight and complaining about how hard it is to pass a farm bill won’t make it any easier next year,” he explained. “Today’s legislators need to quit pointing the finger of blame and the difficulty of our economic times and get things done.”

The Secretary’s proclamation resonated with National Corn Growers Association leadership and staff with President Garry Niemeyer driving the message home to Corn Congress attendees during Saturday’s session.

Farmers and the Americans dependent upon agriculture for food, feed and fuel must speak up now.  A remarkable demonstration of grassroots support is direly needed to spur legislators to action.

Take just a few moments and add your voice to the cry.  Click here to send an email telling your elected officials in Washington that Americans support agriculture and demand action on the farm bill in 2012.  Speaking together, we create the megaphone needed to wake up our Congress and secure the future of one of the most vital sectors of our economy.