MIDDLETOWN—Most people don’t know that Orange County farmers are top producers of cabbages, onions, and pumpkins in the country. These farmers work their farms without fanfare while well-heeled activists beat the drum about agricultural issues that are often inaccurate.
The Cornell Cooperative Extension for Orange County invited Jessica Ziehm, a PR expert in agricultural issues, to present ways that farmers can generate a positive spin on their important job of feeding the nation. Ziehm, whose extended family operates a 950-cow dairy farm near Saratoga Springs, showed participants simple and inexpensive ways to connect with consumers and neighbors.
“Public relations is not something that needs this huge ad campaign,” Ziehm said. She held up a postcard with images of her farm that she gives to visitors and legislators. “It’s old fashioned but people love this.”
Meet the Neighbors
Ziehm recognizes that farmers don’t have a lot of time for outreach, but they need to make an effort. “We need to do a better job with communicating to the public. It has to start with our next door neighbors.”
Georgiana “Chip” Watson has a weekly radio talk show on WTBQ on horses. Orange County boasts many horse farms and her program is popular among horse owners.
