The Husker Farmer is harvesting some corn in south central Nebraska. “Finally” as he puts it. He is Ryan Weeks and you can find him active on Twitter as @huskerfarm. He’s another farmer using new media tools himself to tell his story and let the public know what farming like in America today. (Still amazes me that while so many of their customers are doing it, lots of ag companies still haven’t jumped in.)
Of course I found out about Ryan’s activity via his tweet that shows he’s using a BlackBerry and TwitVid.
My first attempt at a harvest video from the combine with my Blackberry Tour. #harvest #farm #agchat
It is great to see a farmer using social media so successfully, but you’re right: agricultural companies have yet to fully embrace social media. It may be that a lot of companies are listening rather than participating in these outlets. Considering the visibility that agricultural customers like Ryan Weeks have already gained in social media, it seems the marketing potential alone would drive companies to strategize and develop ways to capture a niche market.
I’d love to see a company take the proactive approach of developing relationships with customer/farmer bloggers and support their efforts. Perhaps even with cash! Is the traditional model of advertising valid today? How much of it is spent on “waste”?