AgWired

You’ve probably seen this already but just in case you haven’t it’s worth knowing and noting. According to a survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press:

The internet, which emerged this year as a leading source for campaign news, has now surpassed all other media except television as a main source for national and international news.

For young people, however, the internet now rivals television as a main source of national and international news. Nearly six-in-ten Americans younger than 30 (59%) say they get most of their national and international news online; an identical percentage cites television.

I realize you’re going to say, “But Chuck, that has nothing to do with “farm” news.” Au contraire. It has everything to do with farm news in my opinion. It says to me that if you want your news and information to reach your members and customers, then you need to be online in a search engine friendly environment. Unfortunately most websites are still built on old technology. Then you’ve got the corporate control factor that puts up barriers to freely and easily getting that information. This isn’t to say that traditional farm information channels don’t reach farmers but that there is a growing alternative where there is a huge amount of diversity and where farmers increasingly will go for the information they want and need.

I think this offers opportunities, not problems. Maybe a good new year resolution would be to have your company experiment with new media options!

Thanks for the introduction, Chuck! I’m glad to be a part of AgWired, and I look forward to bringing a unique perspective to new media uses as a cattle rancher, college student and agricultural journalist.

Young people are always the go-to generation when it comes to utilizing technology to its fullest potential, and I’m excited to share with you some of my experiences with social networks and how they can benefit agriculture professionals.

Of course, Facebook is an important social network that has quickly grown into a tool for business marketing, important causes and social gatherings. One of my favorite organizations, Faces of Ag uses Facebook to reach people and encourage them to connect with the urban consumer. Through a Facebook “group,” Faces of Ag provides hints for making connections and telling the food production story.

However, with the holiday season in full swing, utilizing Facebook and other online media outlets is probably the last thing from your mind. Now is the time to reflect on those that are closest to our hearts—our friends and families. Make family time a priority this season. It is truly the season to refresh our minds and renew our spirits for a great 2009 in agriculture. I look forward to joining you in the New Year to provide you with tips and ideas for utilizing the latest tools to launch your goals in agriculture! I found this picture of a rancher that decorates his dairy cow every year for the holidays. Merry Christmas from my heart to yours!