There was a time when farmers got together at the local feed mill, and talked about the weather, what's happening in the world of agriculture and in the neighborhood.
Back then, communicating with others was called socializing. It was done face to face and it was generally local.
Now people, farmers included, spread the word - whether personal or business - using social media tools, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, MySpace and blogs.
Some agriculture advocates say these social media tools are not just a fad or a way for farmers to amuse themselves. They say social media is agriculture's newest survival tool.
Members of Wisconsin Women for Agriculture have, since the organization's start more than 30 years ago, worked hard to tell the story of agriculture. Whether hosting on-farm events, speaking at public events, or working with schools, WWA members have been proactive in letting consumers and the nonfarming public know that farmers care, that farm products are wholesome and safe, and that agriculture is good for the economy.
With the communication tools changing, however, some members are struggling to keep up with the technology that today's youth take for granted. With that in mind, Rock River Chapter member Lisa Condon hosted a social media training day at her Horicon farm.
On hand to assist members with learning how to use these new tools were some experienced communicators including Danielle Hammer and her mother, Nancy Kavazanjian, who works with the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association.