Today, AgChat is celebrating its second anniversary as an online community discussion and first anniversary as a nonprofit foundation. Tim and I are proud to be involved with such an amazing group of farmers, ranchers and agriculturalists. Tim serves on the advisory board and I have helped the foundation by speaking at various events about my experience in social media.
#AgChat, the weekly moderated chat on Twitter, has served as an international meeting place where the people of agriculture can discuss difficult issues, tell their farm stories and identify ways to connect with people outside of agriculture. More than 2,000 people from seven countries have participated in #AgChat since it started in April 2009.
The AgChat Foundation, a 501c3, was started a year ago by some top-notch, self-proclaimed #agnerds. The mission of the foundation is: to empower farmers and ranchers to connect communities through social media platforms. The AgChat℠ Foundation is designed to help those who produce food, fuel, fiber and feed tell agriculture’s story from their point of view. The foundation educates and equips farmers and ranchers with the skill set needed to effectively engage on Twitter, Facebook, blogs, YouTube, Linkedin and other social media services. It gives them knowledge to unlock new tools to effectively tell their story. AgChat Foundation doesn’t tell farmers and ranchers what or how to tell their stories, but offers them education in the tools that can help them do it in their own way.
AgChat is only as diversified as the people who choose to be a part of it. Organic, conventional, small, large, crop, livestock, hobby and full time farmers have all benefited from AgChat Foundation’s educational workshops, seminars and online tools. We love learning from all types of people who are passionate about growing and consuming food, fibers and fuel. Hopefully, more continue to join us in the future. As the foundation matures, so will diversity in the organization.
Due to our involvement, our reach with this blog, our Facebook pages, YouTube videos and Twitter conversations has reached further than just those who farm like us. We have connected with many people interested in topics such as food, farming, family life, music, organics, politics, love for the outdoors, and much more! We love learning just as much from others and we love telling our story.
It is true, Tim tweets and posts to our Facebook page from pretty much anywhere; the tractor, milking parlor, 4-wheeler and machine shed are popular places to find him. We are proud #agnerds and again want to wish AgChat Foundation a happy anniversary!!
Emily and Tim Zweber
Zweber Farms is a 4th generation family operated organic dairy. We are proud Organic Valley farmer members and sell our milk under that label. We also specialize in sustainably raised beef, pork and chicken and sell it directly to customers in Minnesota.Visit our website to learn more, www.zweberfarms.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitterand YouTube.
Hold on let me finish this tweet! Tim cracks me up! Sure has been fun and educational getting to know you guys! The connections to people all over the US are definitely one of my favorite things from the AgChat Foundation!