Social media webinar helps producers share their story May 1

BROOKINGS – It seems as though you cannot get away from Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other means of social media, so why not try too? Today, more than ever, those in the agricultural industry have the opportunity to take advantage of social media to promote their operations, says Kalyn Waters, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist.

“In the fast-paced social media world we live in, there are tremendous opportunities for cattle producers, farmers, and others involved in agriculture to promote their products and operations through the use of social media,” Waters said.

Waters will be hosting a social media training webinar, May 1, 2013 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. CST. Co-sponsored by SDSU Extension and Zoetis, the social media training is designed as an effort to help the agricultural industry embrace social media and take advantage of its benefits. The webinar is free and open to the public.

The featured speaker is Anna-Lisa Giannini. Giannini is the owner/operator of A-L Outreach, a social media consulting firm located in California. Giannini uses her creative brain, social media background and drive to connect with others to develop social media strategy and management plans for clients ranging from non-profit organizations to small businesses and even county fairs.

“Growing up on a ranch not only taught me to work hard, but also the need to learn continuously. Social media has the potential to change your business for the better as you expand your network and learn from the experiences of others,” Giannini said.

Agricultural producers are continuously looking for means to promote their products in the agricultural industry, Water says.

“The increasing popularity of social media outlets provides a unique opportunity and wide platform for producers to reach their customers and consumers. Whether producing farm-fresh vegetables or a purebred seedstock cattle, social media can have a positive impact on your operations overall productivity and profits if successfully managed,” she said.

This webinar is designed to develop and hone producers’ skills and help them utilize social media to promote their agricultural operation. Everyone involved in South Dakota’s agricultural industry is invited to attend.

To register for the webinar or for more information please contact Waters at kalyn.waters@sdstate.edu or feel free to call at 605-842-1267. This webinar will be recorded so if registered participants are unable to attend during live webinar they will be given access to the recorded version at iGrow.org.