OCPA HAS JUMPED on the social media bandwagon and started a blog.  A blog, or “web log,” as OCPA uses it, is an online journal that provides points for discussion and links to articles we believe are relevant to you, our members.  It’s called Corn Kernels Canada and is available as a link from our website.

Blogs are part of the expanding world of tools and information sources that fall generally under the concept of Web 2.0 (pronounced two point oh.)  Included in Web 2.0 are social networking websites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  The idea behind Web 2.0 tools is that everything is a conversation.  Standard media websites like the Globe and Mail and CNN will continue to provide trusted information we now call “news”.  But social media has provided the opportunity for “citizen journalism;” for anyone to share news.

So what does this have to do with agriculture? 

It means a growing number of people are relying on social networking as their source for news.  Contacts provide opinions, information, and even links to real articles in a matter of seconds.  News stories – both factual and opinions – are moving at rapid speed.

For example, well before it made mainstream newspapers, users on Twitter were “tweeting” (that’s Twitter-speak for “discussing”) about what changes US President Obama plans to make to the US Farm Bill.  They’re blogging about Pepsi’s plans to launch limited edition “Throwback” products that replace High Fructose Corn Syrup with sugar.  And there are entire Facebook groups with thousands of people supporting Ontario Grains and Oilseeds’ Farmers Feed Cities! campaign that were started by ordinary supporters who are not directly connected to the Campaign.

Farmers – at least in Ontario – are among the more technologically advanced in the world.  We take great pride in adopting new technologies that help us do our job better.  We were early adopters of new ideas like no-till planting and GPS mapping.  Those are technological tools that can directly benefit the farm’s bottom line.

Social media too, has its place as a tool if it’s used appropriately. There are ways to build networks with politicians, other farmers and farm leaders around the world, and members of the media in your own town or internationally.  Used appropriately, Web 2.0 can be a tool for sharing information and experiences that matter to you.

Web 2.0 tools aren’t for everyone.  Many farmers – especially during the busy growing season – struggle to keep up with email and market prices. But you should know that a growing number of members from the agricultural community are online telling your stories in the media.  When you’re ready, you’re welcome to join the conversation.

You can access Corn Kernels Canada from the OCPA website or at www.cornkernelscanada.blogspot.com.