By Amanda Hill

Confession: I didn’t grow up on a farm. In fact, I grew up smack dab in the middle of a Dallas suburb—and had little contact with farmers and ranchers until I started working with Texas Farm Bureau. Because of my job, I have great opportunities to talk directly with Texas farmers and ranchers, to stand in the middle of a pasture talking about how a rancher cares for his cattle, all while they roam around us.

If you live in Round Rock, Plano, Katy or another Texas city, you may not have the chance to meet a farmer face to face, but I’d bet you still care about where and how your food is grown.

Farmers and ranchers across the U.S. recognize that their customers—you and me—have questions about our food. Last year, they came together to form the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) to connect with consumers and engage in what they call “food dialogues.” Through the magic of the Internet and social media, consumers now can talk directly with farmers and ranchers without having to travel to the farm.

USFRA Food Dialogues

Whether you’re curious about natural food, hormones, food safety or animal welfare, you can get information direct from the source, the men and women who actually grow the fruits and vegetables and raise the livestock.

There are a several places you can go to join the food dialogue: the USFRA website, www.fooddialogues.com; their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/USFarmersandRanchers; or on Twitter, www.twitter.com/USFRA. (You can even use the hashtag #FoodD to engage others in your Twitter conversation.)

If you’re curious about your food, check out the USFRA sites for some great information. Where better to get answers than straight from the field? Join the food dialogue today!