NACAA

COMMUNICATING WITH PRODUCERS USING FACEBOOK

Abstract:

When competing for ‘eye time’ with clientele, facebook is steadily gaining popularity as a communication and marketing tool. K-State Research and Extension traditionally markets educational meetings and materials through direct mailings, newspaper articles, radio programs, and websites. Even though these are effective outreach methods, the young, busy producers are hard to reach. For this reason, the ‘K-State Sunflower District Agronomy’ facebook page was launched in October 2009. This tool was created and is effective because facebook accounts are usually checked several times a week. The K-State Sunflower District Agronomy facebook page is combined with traditional methods to provide educational material to producers. Three main sections make up the page to provide information, the ‘wall’, ‘notes’, and ‘events’. ‘Wall’ posts are items for immediate release and use by producers, like disease outbreaks. Links are also posted on the ‘wall’ to radio programs, upcoming producer meetings, and articles of interest. The ‘notes’ section is used post newspaper articles, like top-dressing wheat. The ‘events’ section publicizes producer meetings and field tours. The K-State Sunflower District Agronomy page has nearly 80 ‘friends’, made up of producers, crop consultants, and extension agents. There are many positive comments from producers and crop consultants. One younger producer said he doesn’t read the local paper and rarely hears the news, so the facebook page keeps him updated on meetings and pest outbreaks. He added that he trusts K-State’s information and knows the agronomist posting the information is in the field and knows troublesome pests.