Dresses are not the only thing trending on social media.

The National Pork Board began the #RealPigFarming campaign last summer to address the disconnect between consumers and production agriculture.

Alexandra Marek, junior in public service and administration in agriculture, is closely involved in her family’s pig operation. She is also an at-large board director member for the National Junior Swine Association, the largest youth livestock organization in the country.

“#RealPigFarming is a social media campaign that unites pig farmers, academics, youth, veterinarians and allied industry members to tell the story of how modern pork production really works,” Marek said. “#RealPigFarming is a way for farmers to share their daily stories and adventures with consumers who want to know more about pig production.”

Marek uses the hashtag to share pictures on social media, however, Instagram is her favorite platform to use. While some people may not have an Instagram account, it is a strong tool for reaching a younger audience.

Katlyn Kahler, junior in animal science, is a part of the National Pork Board’s Student Forces Group for the hashtag.

“My ‘hog production’ background is a little unique compared to the traditional pig production, but that’s the whole point of using the hashtag — to show the different varieties of pig farmers,” Kahler said. “Producers with different size and types of productions are able to convey the same message to consumers and other producers.”

Although Kahler does not own any sows, which are mother pigs, she buys about 15 pigs each spring to show at the county fair, state fair and national shows. She uses the hashtag to educate consumers about her role in swine production.

#RealPigFarming can mean something different to anyone using the hashtag. Alex Conover, sophomore in animal science, uses it because he gets to share his experiences and provide transparency to consumers.

Conover was recently selected as the 2015 Iowa Pork Youth Ambassador.

“To me, real pig farming is caring for an animal in a way that is beneficial to both the animal and the producer, with the mindset of producing a safe, high-quality product that I would be proud to set on my family’s dinner table,” Conover said. “This movement has opened the door for not only consumers to see how we raise pig, but other producers.”

Iowa leads the nation in pork production, making it no surprise that students at Iowa State are getting involved in the #RealPigFarming campaign. 

Kahler, Conover, and Marek all agree that #RealPigFarming is an effective strategy to reach consumers.

“In today’s society where we are constantly on our cell phones and computers, social media is an easy, effective way to share our story and why we are passionate about pork production,” Conover said.

As consumers demand to know where their food comes from and how it is produced, the agricultural industry must find creative ways to educate the public.

“Social media is running the world most of the days, so I believe it’s one of the best places to advocate, after face to face conversation,” Marek said.

#RealPigFarming is one example of an innovative way to allow the actual producers to share their stories while educating a large audience.

After all, “no one can share a pig farmer’s story like the pig farmer himself,” Kahler said.