Most people are four generations removed from the family farm. This means they are not involved in the day-to-day operations of raising or growing food. Only two percent of Americans are farmers. This means that 98% use a farmer every day, but they probably do not know one. All of this combined might explain why many people have questions about their food, but don’t know how to get answers because they don’t know a farmer.

I am one of 2% of the people who are involved in the operations of raising and growing food. From growing up on a row crop farm, to working on a dairy farm, being raised in farming community, and eventually marrying a farmer, I have been lucky to understand the agriculture mindset. This is something that I have always wanted to bring to the forefront of my career as a dietitian. Bridging the gap between farmers and the consumer is more crucial than ever before as consumers become increasingly invested in terms like sustainable, grass fed, organic, non-GMO, and other label claims that can be used in fear-based marketing tactics.

“Reel Farmer, Real Farms” is a new social media initiative that we launched to help bridge the gap between the farmer and the consumer. This initiative is designed to take an inside look at farming and help consumers understand farming practices and the “why” behind farming. While we love getting people onto a dairy farm to see these practices, it is unrealistic to think we can get 98% of Americans out to visit the 2% of the population on the farm, especially considering farmers’ busy schedules. This is the beauty of the social media platform. With Instagram and Facebook, we can reach thousands of consumers and educate them on all things dairy.

As a registered dietitian and a farmer’s wife, I am already aware of the undeniable nutrition benefits of dairy, as well as the mindful sustainable practices that farmers use to care for their animals and land. Not everyone has the same understanding as I do though, so it is my job as a nutrition educator to make sure that the consumer has this knowledge as well. Through “Reel Farmer, Real Farms” and with the help of our dairy farmers, we have and will continue to share the inner workings of a dairy farm to highlight a personal view of a day in the life of a dairy farmer. Hopefully, through this initiative we can shed light on farmers as real people that have their own set of work-at-home challenges.

To watch this educational initiative evolve be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @stldairycouncil as we continue to debunk myths and educate the public on all of the hard work our farmers put forth to provide us with delicious and nutritious milk, cheese, and yogurt.

By Kelsey Bentlage, Nutrition Educator