Miller: Farmers Need To Use Social Media With A Purpose

Social Media is everywhere, and while for some it’s an easy way to stay connected with family, friends or even share cat videos, the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Johnna Miller said the medium is much more.  She works with producers across the country, teaching farmers how to share their story by using social media with a purpose.  She said Facebook, Twitter, Instagram are all great ways to share the true story of agriculture with people who may have no connection to the farm.

So, how do you make that connection with people who will never set foot on your property?

“We need to do a better job of reaching out to those folks to say ‘hey, look, I’m 200 miles away, but I’d love to have a discussion about this’," Miller said.  "Anything that maybe captures their attention, and you can just help someone understand the agricultural perspective that they just might not have access to any other way.”

Miller says visuals work best on social media, pictures, videos, etc.  But she adds those photos and videos don’t need to be professional done, rather sincere.  And above all else, don’t use social media to start a fight.

“When you’re less than 2% of the population you’re not going to win that, and why do you want to have a bunch of people piling on?  It’s much better when we can have a civil discussion with folks.  Let’s be adults in the room.”

Miller added it’s also a good idea to talk about the connections and shared values between rural America and our urban friends.

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