Twitter farming group clubhectare celebrates first anniversary
A Twitter group for farmers boasting more than 200 members is planning its next steps after celebrating its first anniversary.
More than 60 farmers, their partners and other members attended the first #clubhectare birthday bash at the Saracens Head Hotel, Southwell, Nottinghamshire.
Members exchange farming related news, views and information on the social media website Twitter, using the #clubhectare hashtag.
Although most people at the anniversary celebration already knew one another through Twitter, for many it was the first time they had met in person.
Started by 14 farmers and friends just one year ago, #clubhectare has since grown beyond all expectations, said co-founder and Yorkshire farmer Jono Dixon.
Members include cereal growers, livestock producers and dairy farmers – as well as agronomists, machinery dealers, advisers, farm workers and agricultural students.
“We’ve got a few ideas – we’re going to sit down and see where we go from here,” Mr Dixon told Farmers Weekly.
“It was good to see old faces again and equally good meeting new #hectarites for the first time.”
Matt Pettitt, Lincolnshire farmer
Already known for its green and gold clothing range, future plans under consideration for #clubhectare include a website and further group visits and meet-ups for farmers.
Members at the anniversary celebrations came from as far away as Newcastle, Gloucestershire and Kent – as well as the Midlands.
Lincolnshire farmer Mark Pettitt – one of the original founder members – said: “It was good to see old faces again and equally good meeting new #hectarites for the first time.”
Topics discussed online by members have included methods of blackgrass control, bovine tuberculosis, machinery advice – and, of course, the weather.
“There’s a fair bit of banter too,” said Mr Dixon. “It’s turned into a very informative group and it has brought people together who otherwise may never have met.”