How was the interview with The Washington Post arranged?
The Post called me due to previous activities and trade with Cuba. 

Why did you consent to the interview?
As a farmer, it is important that we are open with how we produce food in the USA. We also have to be willing to share our story whenever we can, and although this article was about the opening of relations with Cuba, our trade in agriculture products sparked it. 

Were you nervous? How did you prepare?
I have done many interviews about our activities in Cuba. I try to stick to key points and keep my answers short. If you tell the truth and speak from the heart, there really isn’t a reason to be nervous. 

The biggest worry is from words being twisted or miscommunicated with the reporter – especially about agriculture, as many reporters do not know much about it.

What was the most surprising thing about the interview?
I was surprised she called me, but she said she remembered our activities from prior years. She was very open and did a good job of capturing my sentiments. 

Were you happy with the final product?
Yes, she relayed my answers and my intentions well.

What was the most difficult question? 
The questions weren’t difficult. The toughest part is making sure that what she hears from me is not interpreted too far in one direction or another.

Have you have you had any feedback because of the article? 
Yes, I have had calls from all over the USA from people with questions about working with Cuba or with them expressing thanks for our efforts.

I have not received any negative feedback from the Post article – other than her describing me as “a lanky, weathered cowboy” – when she really meant “debonair, heartthrob cowboy.” The “typo” was a "to-MAY-to … to-MAH-to" kind of thing. 

Overall was it worthwhile to do the interview? 
Absolutely, I have had contact with people I never would have otherwise, and hopefully can help influence positive change towards relations with Cuba. It hopefully made a positive impression of agriculture producers in the USA to our consumers. 

What advice would you have for other producers who may be doing interviews? 
As stated earlier – tell the truth, speak from your heart, keep your answers short so people read them and be positive. As farmers, we tend to be trusted by most of the population, but we also have the reputation of whining a lot.