Communicating with New Producers (Oklahoma)
Hosted by the Oklahoma Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society, with support from the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation and Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education.
The Oklahoma Chapter of the SWCS hosted this workshop to a full house of more than 70 members and non-members in March 2012. For questions about the workshop, contact OK SWCS.
The face of agriculture is changing.
Agricultural educators, public agencies, consultants and extension agents are seeing new types of farmers and ranchers needing their services. Some of these producers have been successful in other walks of life and now want to try their hand at farming. Some are retirees looking to start a new life on the land. Others are simply seeking refuge from the pace of the city and desire a quieter rural lifestyle.
Without traditional agricultural backgrounds, these emerging producers face many challenges in learning the skills necessary to successfully manage a modern farming operation. As agents, educators and consultants serving the state’s producers, we must change with the times and learn how to reach out to and serve the needs of these new farmers and ranchers.
The Oklahoma Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society hosted this one-day workshop in Oklahoma City, Communicating with New Producers: How to Reach Them, How to Teach Them to address these challenges. The workshop explored the changing demographics of the Oklahoma farmer and the best methods for engaging those of different ages and interests. There was also discussion of the pros and cons of both traditional outreach through flyers and press releases versus new tools such as websites, social media and alternative print products.
Click here to watch all the videos from the workshop.
A NOTE ABOUT VIDEO QUALITY: Due to technical difficulties with the audiovisual equipment, the video of the speakers is dark and grainy. However, since the sound is good, the presentations and slides show up well, and the topic is timely, we have decided to share this informative workshop with you.
AGENDA
SESSION 1 – Exploring the Issue
- Perspectives From the Field
Representatives from private agricultural foundations and public agencies that interact with farmers will talk about trends and societal changes they are seeing in the agricultural community.- Hugh Aljoe, Noble Foundation Video
- Mike Sams, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (Powerpoint only)
- Greg Scott, Natural Resources Conservation Service Video
- Michelle Finch-Walker, Oklahoma Forestry Services Video
- Debi Carnott, Oklahoma Conservation Commission Video
- New Landowner Demographics
Drawing on data from the Oklahoma Census of Agriculture, we’ll explore answers to the questions: Who are these new agricultural producers? Where are they coming from and what are their backgrounds? How do attitudes and learning styles vary between the generations? OSU Extension Economist Larry Sanders, Ph.D., will discuss economic issues and trends
in rural Oklahoma. Small Business Management Coordinator Charles Middleton from Great Plains Technology Center will speak about attitudes and learning style differences between the generations. - Lunch Session
A lunchtime session will explore the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry website and the department’s use of social media to encourage public interest and interaction.- Blayne Arthur, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Video
SESSION 2 – Adapting to Change
- Traditional Versus New Outreach
What is in your communication toolkit? What works and what needs changing? Through discussion and exercises, Korey McMahon of McMahon Marketing will cover the pros and cons of both traditional and new outreach tools including press releases, direct mailings, flyers, outreach events, postcards, websites, venue choice and social media including Facebook and Twitter. - Interactive Social Media Workshop
Social media – Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, blogs and other web tools – are at the heart of how new generations exchange information. How are you using these resources to reach and begin conversations with agricultural clientele? How can you effectively use these tools? How do you structure and time communications to relate a consistent message and build your brand? Korey McMahon of McMahon Marketing will lead this interactive session and explore answers to these and other questions.- Korey McMahon, McMahon Marketing (Videos: Parts 1-6)
Resources: Download the conference flyer
