Speaking with the current generation, and next generation should be a priority of the agriculture industry, that according to JD Rosman.  The Wilbur-Creston native, and current Oklahoma State University student recently received a $5,000 scholarship from the National Association Farm of Broadcasters for his ability to share agriculture’s story.  Rosman told the Washington Ag Network industry wide, from the top brass to those still in the classroom, everyone must get out in front of the non-agriculture community to share what’s really taking place on the farm.

 

“It’s honestly our fault, we didn’t do a good job of communicating to them two or three generations ago when we saw this gap forming.  And I think as agriculturalists we need to take the approach we need to tell our story.  We just need to simply say this is what we do on a daily basis”

 

Rosman said it’s not enough to speak to current consumers and those outside of agriculture, but the industry must do a better job of communicating with the next generation of farmers.  He added millennials must understand that farming is a viable option into the 21st century.

 

“We hear it from our employers, we hear it from our professors, that this is a great time to be in ag, and I think it truly is.  But, you really have to show that agriculture isn’t just being out on a tractor or being out in a feed lot somewhere and working 16 hour days.”

 

Rosman said the agriculture industry should be actively working to glamorize farming, to tell young people how they can be a part of agriculture.

 

 

 

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com

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