Ontario Grain Farmer June/July 2021

ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 17 JUNE/JULY 2021 Be deliberate in your messaging. While she urges farmers to take a chance, Jones cautions them to be deliberate in their commentary. If you are not comfortable talking about GM technology or pesticide use, don’t, she says. You control the narrative. Don’t worry about the numbers. You don’t need to speak to thousands or have 10,000 followers to make an impact, says Jones, pointing to a local Future Farmers of America leader in her community who worked tirelessly behind the spotlight to affect change. Start small and start local. Get media training. Jones received media training through her work with the Montana Grain Growers Association. She also followed industry-sponsored programs to continue her development. And while she says she is comfortable as a public speaker now, she would never turn down an opportunity for further training. Pick your battles wisely. While they might fire you up, not all issues are worth the energy (think organic versus conventional). Instead, pursue issues where you can really affect change. Build coalitions, even unlikely ones. During her years with Montana Grain Growers Association, Jones had an opportunity to work alongside many politicians. She knew who to talk to about trade issues, and who would listen to her concerns about the farm bill. It didn’t matter if they didn’t agree on everything. “Focus on the actual policy, not on the person,” she says. “And then build coalitions that you didn’t see coming.” Be honest, be open, be yourself. Some of the greatest impact Jones had on her community was the result of just being herself. She has been very honest and public about her struggles with postpartum depression and anxiety. Not only did she receive the assistance she needed, but she inspired others to speak up as well. “It doesn’t take much to have a huge impact on agriculture and the future of agriculture,” she says. “You don’t necessarily have to speak to rooms of a thousand people. You can have an impact wherever you’re comfortable having an impact.” l PHOTO CAPTION IPSUM LOR AMET, CONSECTEER ADIPISCING ELIT. ETIAM ULLAMCORPER LOREM. MAURIS ERAT, ADIPISCING ELEMENTUM, PULVINAR, ELEMENTUM NEC, TURPIS. IN NONUMMY CONGUE ERAT. PRPER LOREM. PHOTO COURTESY XXXXXX XXXXXXX. continued from page 15 REBATES! Brandt is offering customers special rebates on equipment throughout the year. Visit thanksabillion.ca for details. brandt.ca 1-866-427-2638 OVERDELIVER. Farming is a competitive business and you’ve got to have the right equipment if you want to lead the field. Brandt’s XT GrainCarts deliver the best auger reach ever, extending over 8' ahead of the hitch point for 100% forward visibility and effortless unloading. And, the low-profile tank provides extra clearance for easy positioning that allows you to work faster and keep your combines moving. The result? You get maximum productivity and enjoy years of worry-free productivity from Brandt. That’s Powerful Value. Delivered. LEAD THE FIELD.