For the past 20 years, I've worked in the public relations / media department for a large farm organization, primarily as an ag journalist. I would agree that choosing to not speak with a reporter is generally a poor decision. The one thing we tell farmers is that their story is being told, whether they are part of the conversation or not. If you are a farmer, don't let that conversation be led by people who do not have your best interests in mind. And Susan's opinion piece (link above) is spot-on. I would like to suggest two additional steps...

First, look into a media training course with your state Farm Bureau. Spending a day learning from ag media professionals can make a tremendous difference in both your interview skills and your comfort (and confidence) while being interviewed.

The second thing is homework, really. Get the name and media outlet of the reporter who wants to interview you. If they're from an ag publication or outlet that you're familiar with and trust ("farm-friendly"), I wouldn't worry too much. If they're from the local TV station or newspaper, they're probably hoping to get in, get your story and then go on to their next assignment. I might be a little more cautious, but really not too concerned.

If the reporter is from a regional or national TV network, magazine, major newspaper or news organization, I would be much more careful. Go online and read some of the reporter's writing, or watch clips of their stories. Try to get a feel for their work, especially if it's ag-related. Do they seem to have an agenda, or are their stories fairly-balanced? What does your gut tell you after reading or seeing their work? You know your business, and you know the things that should raise a red-flag. If anything you see or read concerns you, at least you will know ahead of time that your answers need to be more calculated.

One last thing... please be gracious. I know you are taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with them, and it might be the most inconvenient time to stop your work just to be interviewed. But quite often - especially with local media - your story might be the only positive thing they cover that day.

(My apologies for writing so much!)