Engaging in Social Media

Last week I had the privilege and honor to be a keynote speaker at the Northwest Regional AgChat Agvocacy Conference in Portland. I spoke to amazingly proactive and enthusiastic ag producers with all sizes of operations from around the Northwest. My presentation was working with the media — however the overall focus was helping farmers and ranchers to become more engaged in social media.

AgChat Foundation's First Vice President and Oregon grass seed grower Marie Bowers Stagg shares the importance of farmers and ranchers being willing to step up and share their story through social media — like blogging, Facebook, twitter or instantgram.

Stagg: "Today's social media is a way for them to directly connect with the consumer, their customers — the people that use their products and it is a fast and easy way to get in contact with them."

The purpose of the conference was to help hone the skills of farmers and ranchers who have decided there is value in engaging with consumers and the public through social media. Are you a farmer wanting to know more about how to get involved via social media. Stagg says go to

Stagg: "AgChat.org. We have resources there — how to get involved in twitter, on our chats, Facebook. We're always having people blog posts about the latest thing happening or their favorite blogs to visit are. It is a great resource. Like us on Facebook we are always sharing articles on how to's. If you have a question, email the foundation. There are multiple resources.