What's the BEEF with Social Media?

As the granddaughter of a farmer and life-long dairyman, you could say that agriculture has played a huge part in my life.  I spent my summers on the front range in Northern Colorado, and this past summer I worked in Cheyenne, Wyoming.  Needless to say, I have learned that the west is a whole lot more than just cowboys and sunsets.  It is truly a way of life.

So, these are the people who live out on 20,000 acres and have never owned a computer, right? WRONG.  It might surprise you to learn that the Ag industry is actually targeting social media to enhance its reach.  In a recent article on AgWired, Kentucky cattleman Charles Miller discusses the importance of utilizing the platform or he believes the beef industry will be 'left behind.' 

I know what you're saying--do you tweet about your cows?  Not necessarily.  As a market, beef has and always will be a major factor in food production in the United States.  For the industry itself, it would be incredibly beneficial to keep citizens informed about new regulations, outbreaks, and even market values.  Afterall, in some parts of the U.S. there are actually entire television stations dedicated to the buying and selling of cattle! RFD TV anyone? 

Whether you are in the dairy or ranching business, you need a solid way to communicate with your consumers.  I would argue that even if a cattleman lives in a remote area, they are still able to advertise their 'brand' from the comfort of their own place.  On a national level, a beef producer blog might encourage a better understanding of the process by the American public.  In this case, I would recommend that they start slowly, but specifically target platforms that are applicable to their mission as an organization. 

I can't say that if my grandfather were alive today that he would be an avid social media user, but I think I would've had a good time showing him all the newest platforms!