Sulligent Farmer Is Link Between Producers, Consumers

LAMAR COUNTY, Ala. (WCBI) — Many consumers have questions about where today’s food is grown and raised.

That is why the U.S Farmers and Ranchers Alliance appoints farmers and ranchers across the nation to keep consumers informed.

Will Gilmer, a dairy farmer in Sulligent, Ala., was one of four farmers selected from more than 100 applicants to be a face for the farming and ranching program.

“It’s real exciting to have the opportunity to get out across the country this coming year and talk about all the things that we are doing on America’s farms and ranches,” Gilmer said.

With his new title, Gilmer hopes to help bridge the gap between food producers and food consumers.

“I want folks to know and understand also that we on the farm are also consumers. We have a lot of the same concerns that they have about the food that they eat. And I just really want everybody to know we are in this together,” he says of his new mission.

Another way Gilmer believes he can reach more consumers is by taking advantage of modern technology while working at home.

“By using social media such as Twitter and Facebook which I can do from my smart phone here on the farm, I can connect with a really wide audience about the things that are going on here,” says Gilmer.

Gilmer’s dairy farm has been in operation for more than 100 years.

“Dairy farming in my blood, it’s something that I am the third generation in my family to do and its something that I really love. It’s hard to put a finger on it. It just feels like this is exactly what I need to be doing,” says Gilmer.

If you would like to know how to voice your opinion from a food producer or food consumer perspective, go to www.fooddialogs.com.