CommonGround Volunteers Urge Other Kentucky Women Farmers to Reach Out to Consumers

CommonGround volunteers Mary McCain Courtney (Shelby Co.), Carrie Stenger Divine (Union Co.), Corinne Kephart (Henry Co.), and KyCGA Jennifer Elwell spoke to Kentucky Women in Agriculture conference participants Thursday about the importance of reaching out to consumers about farming. CommonGround is a nationwide program that connects farm women with women consumers, and is funded by corn and soybean checkoff dollars.

Each session speaker shared why they feel talking with consumers about farming practices is more important than ever and how they are currently making an impact through speaking engagements, social media efforts, and most importantly, casual conversations.

One message the speakers stressed was to make sure conversations about agriculture be inclusive and positive of all farming systems.

"There is a market and a place for all of us at the table," said Mary Courtney, who produces grain, tobacco and produce with her husband Shane. "Speaking badly about the way one farmer chooses to produce food in order to make other products appear better does not do any of us any good."

To learn more about the program, visit www.kycorn.org/aboutkycga/commonground.htm. If you would like to get involved, contact Jennifer at jennifer@kycorn.org.