Twitter - the new coffee shop
If asked to describe a modern farmer, most wouldn’t use the words social media savvy. That, however, is becoming a more popular description. Farmers and coffee shops have gone hand-in-hand for decades. Over the last few years farmers have created a new coffee shop called Twitter. Twitter is a rapidly growing social media outlet that allows users from across the world interact.
I joined Twitter (@TheChadColby) a few years ago on the advice of my wife (@weedgirl24), who is an independent agronomist in the midwest. She uses it to communicate with farmers from across the country. Growers will post questions or photos and she will offer advice. It is also a tool for learning information like planting dates, rainfall totals, and crop progress across a wide spectrum.
This new coffee shop is a great resource for the seasoned farmer and young farmer alike. There are always conversations about weather, markets, general crop issues, machinery, etc. Twitter also helps to close the gap between producers and consumers.
Two basic types of users
Active User
These users are typically very engaging, always posting information. Starting conversations about weather, market prices, yields, or just sharing great farming photos. Have a problem on the farm, or need help? Post it and an active user will most likely be the one to reply. This is the group that I fit into.
“Stalker”
Don’t worry—this is not a bad thing on Twitter. Simply put, these are people who join so they can follow along with a topic(s) they are interested in. From following your favorite NASCAR driver’s comments to estimating average corn yields, you can find conversations on just about anything.
Twitter allows people to connect from across the country and world. A perfect example is a recent conversation I had about the continued lower price of grain and how that will affect the price of land with three followers/friends. We all face this issue even though we are from three different states.
Over time you begin to “know” your Twitter followers and it’s truly a friendship. You look forward to seeing how they are doing. I have even met several of my Twitter friends in person. So I must say @weedgirl24 you were right, I do like Twitter.
My advice—just try it! If you have a smart phone or tablet, download the Twitter app and join in the fun! Even better yet, follow me @TheChadColby or my wife @weedgirl24 and we would be happy to help you connect to the new coffee shop! Search #AgChat and join in our forum held ever Tuesday night from 7-9 p.m. CST. The topics change weekly.
Bio:
Chad’s love for technology started at a young age on his family farm in Burea County, IL. Chad is currently the Integrated Solutions Manager for Cross Implement Inc. in Minier, IL. He lives is Bloomington, IL with his wife Karen and their daughter Bristol. . Wanting to give back the community, Chad became very active with the local FFA chapter and has become a subject matter expert on unmanned aerial systems and their use in agriculture.
