Use Twitter to share ideas and market your business
Many milk producers take advantage of Twitter as a quick and easy way of sharing news, views and business information.
The free service, which allows people to send text-based messages – or “tweets” – of up to 140 characters, also allows users to connect with suppliers, retailers, customers and key industry figures.
According to social media expert Jez Fredenburgh (@overthefarmgate), it allows farmers to share knowledge, tips and tricks, discuss issues, find support and access information from experts on a raft of issues.
The agricultural community is growing rapidly online and sector “groups” are increasingly important, enabling people to focus on specific issues such as harvest, mental health, Schmallenberg, TB and milk prices.
Shop window
“If you’ve got a product to sell – either direct to consumers or to independent shops – then social media can be a fantastic, marketing, brand-building, and research tool,” says Ms Fredenburgh.
“I know several food producers and farmers who use social media as their ‘shop front’ to drive sales and awareness.”
With key industry media, business, government and other organisations all realising the need to engage with farmers online, producers have a fantastic opportunity to directly have their views heard by those previously less accessible, she says.
“Social media has such power to mobilise, it is empowering farmers more and more, even if they live in remote corners of the UK and have never met each other in person.”
Spreading best practice
Lynsey Sweales of social media and online marketing experts SocialB (@socialBuk) agrees that Twitter is a great way for dairy farmers to spread best practices, share and solve problems and discuss prices. This, in turn, can increase profits and improve efficiencies.
“Dairy producers talking about their day-to-day activities can also help consumers see the value of supporting farmers locally and within their community, as well as the wider importance of buying British.” It can also, she points out, counter isolation.
Getting started
Twitter is easy to get started on, says Mrs Sweales. After setting up an account at www.twitter.com (or downloading the app on your phone), simply choose a “handle” (name) which is what people will use to contact you/find you.
“It is best to choose your name, or your farm name, and write a little bit about yourself in the bio section. This way, people can see who you are and what you are interested in.
“You can then find some people/organisations to follow and listen to. In the search bar at the top, type in “dairy farmer” and start to follow some people. You can also find key industry organisations like the NFU to follow.
“By seeing what they talk about, it provides you with a great way to start build your confidence before you feel you have to tweet a message yourself.
“When you feel you have something you want to share, then write a tweet. This can be your view on something or a question. Then wait for people to respond – you will be surprised with the results.”
Farmer experience
One cowman in the Midlands, who’s a regular Twitter user, says: “It reduces ‘farm blindness’ when you don’t have time to attend discussion groups. It also facilitates global instant knowledge transfer.”
In New Zealand, meanwhile, farmer Colin Grainger-Allen points out that it connects him with producers all over the world, allowing them to share experiences of different systems, plus make new friends and acquaintances.
“I get quick news, relevant to my business, get involved in debates and connect with city people to educate them on how food is produced,” says Mr Grainger-Allen.
“I like the fact that it’s only 140 characters so that keeps it short and sweet. I use pictures to help tell the story.”
As well as the business aspect, there’s also the fun aspect and the sense of “empathy” producers get from using Twitter.
As Peter Tubby (@Ludhamdairymen) puts it: “The best thing I get from Twitter is seeing other people getting as excited about cows as me.”
Twitter: Who to follow and how to get involved
Sign up at: www.twitter.com or downloading the app on your phone
Five dairy tweeters to follow:
@milkmaker73 – Shropshire dairy producer Jim Franklin
@DairyWifeHailey – Staffordshire dairy farmer and ex Vet nurse,
@NZcows – Sharemilker in Rotorua, New Zealand
@Longmoorfarm – Stuart Rogers – relocated herd of pedigree holsteins from Oxford to Dorset
@Friesianperry – Organic producer from Cheshire
Dairy discussion to follow:
•look at #AgrichatUK for general topical discussions
•#clubhectare for socialising, support and sharing
•#teamdairy for other dairy farmers
•#paddockposse for livestock-related chat.