U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA®) announced that Chris Chinn (Mo.), Will Gilmer (Ala.), Katie Pratt (Ill.), and Bo Stone (N.C.), have been selected as the winners of its Faces of Farming & Ranching program, a nationwide search launched in summer 2012 to help put real faces on the American agriculture industry.
The winners will act as national spokespeople, and will share stories and experiences on a national stage to help answer consumers’ questions about how food is grown and raised to feed our nation.
“The four winners selected are passionate about farming and ranching, and eager to share their stories about the innovative ways they continue to improve food production each day,” said Bob Stallman, chairman of USFRA and president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. “There are a lot of misconceptions and questions among consumers about how food gets from the farm to our tables. These four individuals are equipped with the passion and experience necessary to address these complicated issues and give honest answers.”
CHRIS CHINN
Clarence, MO
Chinn Hog Farm
“I realize many people are skeptical about technology on the farm and I want them to see the values that farm and ranch families have, and understand that our intentions are always to improve the quality of care we give to our animals and land.”
WILL GILMER
Sulligent, AL
Gilmer Dairy Farm
“I want to help consumers see that farmers and ranchers have a genuine passion for what they do and take pride in the quality of the food they produce, hoping that it makes a positive contribution to society.”
KATIE PRATT
Dixon, IL
Grand Prairie Farms
“Fewer people are involved in farming than ever before, and as a result, we are discovering that conversations about farming need to be held with consumers so that they understand, and are comfortable with, the processes behind where their food comes from.“
BO STONE
Rowland, NC
P & S Farms
“I recognize that farmers in general need to do a better job relaying our message and stories to the consumers of our products. I hope to reach an audience that doesn't realize farmers have the same goals as them – to provide a safe, reliable, and affordable source of food while protecting our natural resources.”
The conversation about the Future of Food and Agriculture continues at www.fooddialogues.com. Weigh in on the different questions about how food is grown and raised.
Lisa Cassady
USFRA
cassady@USFRAonline.org
314-749-5408
Dane Roth
Ketchum on behalf of USFRA
dane.roth@ketchum.com
312-228-6843
