The 2013 NAMA Boot Camp kicked off last week in Kansas City with the popular producer panel. The coveted voice of Max Armstrong, Penton/Farm Progress, moderated the panelist of Missouri and Kansas farmers. Communicating with producers effectively is a key element when it comes to staying profitable in this industry.

Jarrod Bowser, Kansas; Brad Bray, Missouri and Calvin Pearson, Kansas, served as this year’s panelists. They gave insight from the prospective of grower, beef producer and coop employee. They also were able to share how the difference in generations affect marketing.

I spoke with Jarrod after the panel to get his personal perspective when it comes to social media and purchasing online, brand loyalty, data collection and governmental involvement.

“When it comes to marketing to us, I really enjoy being able to receive texts. When I’m out in the field that is what I am capable of getting. I also think the Internet is a great asset. Whenever I’m looking for something specifically, I go to the Internet. When I’m casually looking for something I use print.”

“I can see as people get older they can become more complacent with the people they have been working with year after year. But if you are truly working hard to keep cost low and we are looking into the future of seeing lower commodity prices, thats going to be a necessity in order to keep producing at a sustainable level. So, I don’t have any brand loyalties specific to a color. But what I do have loyalty in is good service. If they are there working to try and make sure that everything they are selling me is a quality product and they are supporting it. There is a value that is added on.”

Listen to my interview with Jarrod here: Interview with Jarrod Bowser

Here are photos from the event:2013 NAMA Boot Camp Photo Album