Exhibit A: How Far Agriculture Has to Go to Reconnect with Consumers

Many of us in the agriculture industry spend time too much time scratching our heads, amazed at the perceptions consumers have of agriculture. Some are wonderful, of course, as farmers are viewed as trustworthy and honest, and some are downright false and potentially hurtful and harmful to the industry (Chipotle’s ‘Scarecrow’, anyone?). Perceptions are based on a number of factors — peer group beliefs, personal experience, past experience and what we see in books, movies or other media.

So, late last week, as I sat colouring with my nearly 6-year old daughter, I saw the image to the left. I laughed first, then sighed, then promptly shared this on Twitter. No, it’s nothing awful or hurtful, but it sure does show just how far we have to go in reconnecting consumers with how their food is grown. Oh, and if someone could train the operator on proper combine settings, he’d probably be much happier with his sample.  (This colouring book is made in New York, by the way).

Have you seen equally cringe-worthy representations of agriculture? The hayseed plowboy stereotype? Straw called hay? Or this one below (That combine is a hot mess)? Tweet them to me at @RealAg_Lyndsey or send them in and we’ll post them here!

@farmertorrey @realag_lyndsey See anything wrong with this floor puzzle picture? pic.twitter.com/QrgyyhUbDR

— BJ Farries (@BradFarries) March 15, 2014

@realagriculture gotta love 'Otis' the 'boy cow' with udders! #anatomyfail pic.twitter.com/EThoV9oKzK

— Katherine Murray (@BioAgKatherine) March 16, 2014

@realag_lyndsey wish I could be this well dressed and stay this clean with my sheep dog on the farm #yoursisfunnier pic.twitter.com/zRgYTh8r7E

— Rob Stone (@rgstone1) March 16, 2014