RIVER FALLS – Knowing that more than 200,000 marketing messages exist in your typical grocery store, it is no wonder that shoppers have questions about their food, where it came from, how it was produced and what labels on packaging mean. Michele Payn, author of “Food Bullying” and several other award-winning books spoke to making sense of food choices. She also led a conversation between consumers and local farmers and agricultural professionals as part of the Farm to Table Food Connection Event on March 21 at UWRF.

The event was sponsored by Pierce County Farm Bureau and Pierce County Dairy Promotion Committee.

Attendees enjoyed demos for making a charcuterie board by That Girl Brie and non-alcoholic drink demonstrations by Mike of Common Man Tap & Table.

Payn fielded questions from audience members ranging from label claims in the grocery store to understanding economics and today’s farming practices.

“It was fantastic to see so many Pierce County residents come with questions about their food and have Farm Bureau members be able to answer them,” Payn said. “We discussed the value farmers bring to the fabric of Pierce County through their $793 million impact, how manure is valuable fertilizer improving soil health, federal regulations in place to protect food, and the necessity of farm equipment on the road.”

Farm size was one of the first topics brought up by an audience member. Payn outlined

that quality environmental and animal care can happen on both large and small farms. She asked, “How do you define industrial agriculture?” and an animated discussion

amongst audience members and farmers followed – making several question the term. Several farmers and veterinarians pointed out that larger farms have more regulations and have grown in size due to economic pressures – not to drive out other farmers.

Payn referenced the strain low commodity farm gate prices today are having on farmers, their families and their mental health. Corn, soybeans and dairy are all experiencing a deficit in the prices they receive for their product compared to the cost to produce it. For example, to meet production costs, dairy farmers need around $20 per 100 pounds of milk, but the price they are receiving is $14 per 100 pounds – meaning they’re operating in the red.

“How many of you would like to work seven days/week to bring home a negative paycheck?” Payn asked.

This harsh reality is why farms are going out of business, especially smaller farms, Payn said. It is also why the farm community is experiencing a mental health crisis. She pointed out that agriculture is in the top three sectors for suicide, and suggested community members consider the toll of constant questioning on a farmer’s well-being.

“Neighbors can have a positive impact on farmers by encouraging their involvement in the community, buying their products, and taking time to engage in positive conversations rather than accusations,” Payn said.

Payn also cautioned the audience to beware of misinformation and disinformation that is

out there, especially on social media and in A.I. Asking a farmer or finding a reputable,

scientific source is the best way to get an accurate answer to your questions about food

production. Every person has a right to choose the food they want to eat, but that choice should be made based on accurate information.

Event organizers are considering having food and farming discussions in the future in Pierce County.

“Given the interest and number of questions posed to Michele Payn, it tells us that this type of event is something positive for the consumers and food producers in our local area”, said Mary Brand, Pierce County Farm Bureau president.

If you have any questions you may message either the Pierce County Farm Bureau or Pierce County Dairy Promotion Facebook pages. Or you may email piercecountyfarmbureau@gmail.com.

Event organizers would also like to thank the following area businesses for their support: Ag Partners, Prairie Ag Supply, Compeer Financial Services, Chris Edgar Seed, Johnson Tractor, Midwest Machinery, Burnett Dairy Cooperative, Common Man Tap & Table, That Girl Brie, State Farm Insurance- Denton Achenbach, Big Acres Meat, JM Watkins Meat, Best Maid Cookies and The Table on Main.

Submitted by Mary Brand