12-31 IAN Farmers & Facebook

 Many organizations and industries are increasingly using social media to get their message out to the masses. Agriculture is no exception. I have done so many stories on the increasing number of farmers and ranchers who have gone digital. Blackberries, smart phones and laptops in their combines. Well now, the ag industry is embracing the need for conversations with consumers - and that includes using social media as a tool to do so.  Facebook, tweeting and other forms of digital communication go viral. What a great way to get the word out on any product including what comes off of farms and ranches. Pat Driscoll says the Farm American initiative - which he supports - uses this tool to give farmers and ranchers a platform. “we help the individual farmers and ranchers, the real people of agriculture, build relationships with consumers. Through that relationship consumers can learn more about commodities and geographic areas.  The data show that when farmers and ranchers have the tools to spread their message -they embrace the opportunity and embracing consumer lifestyles is an important aspect of reaching consumers