Once again the agriculture sector is being encouraged to speak out against misinformation.

Michele Payn, a dairy producer from Indiana spoke about food bullying during the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference this week.

She compared the actions the agriculture industry is seeing to a playground in a school yard where the bullies run rampant and where there is constant poking, and prodding and people trying to evoke fear.

She says that's happening around food today, misinformation is continuing to grow, activists are continuing to grow, and people are ashamed around their food.

"When you think about what food bullying is, it basically operates from a point of privilege. People who may have too much time, too much money, want to build their followers. It preys on peoples fear, it preys on the misinformation, it preys on the confusion, it preys on the disconnect from what we do on a daily basis."

She says it's important for the agriculture industry to understand that food bullying removes choice not only at the plate, but also in farming, and it's important to engage and talk about what you do and why you do it.

Payn says sharing your story matters more today than it ever has, it matters because people need low-priced food and agriculture deserves to have the practices and products they need to do the best job possible.

"Navigating Uncertainty" was the theme for this year's Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference.

Next year's event is set for January 18-20 at the Delta Inn in Regina.