Twitter training for Midlands farmers
Social media is being used by more an more farm businesses as a tool to improve communication and profitability.
Farmers and landowners wanting to find out more about social media are being invited by the CLA to attend special training sessions in Derbyshire, Rutland, Shropshire and Worcester.
The CLA is using social media guru and agribusiness graduate Simon Haley for the workshop. Simon co-founded the Twitter forum AgrichatUK, which is followed by 9,500 participants. Twitter in the Farmyard has been designed to help attendees find out about and start using social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Aimed at farmers, landowners and rural workers who have never used social media websites before, the seminar will include step-by-step instructions on how to set up accounts and get the most out of them.
Simon said: “Social media is a revolutionary tool for the rural industry. Farmers can use online platforms to skip a number of links in the food chain and sell their products directly to consumers.
“The training session will cover all of the basics such as using apps to make business decisions, writing blogs, recording a YouTube video, and tweeting about activities to help share your story with a broader audience.”
CLA Midlands communications manager Mike Ashton added: “The recent floods have highlighted the true value of social media to farming and rural communities. Much of the relief effort has been publicised and coordinated via social networks, due to its speed of communication.
“Our members are increasingly relying on social media to keep in touch and receive relevant information. This workshop is a hands-on opportunity to learn from an expert who knows both agriculture and IT.
Benefitting from subsidised Defra funding through the Rural Skills Framework (via Vicky Anderson Training), the three hour courses takes place on:
- 11 March Rural Business Community, Seaton Grange Offices, Rutland
- 12 March Agricultural Business Centre, Bakewell, Derbyshire
- 13 March Prees Cricket and Recreation Club, Prees, Shropshire
- 14 March Sixways Stadium, Worcester
Places cost £15 plus VAT. To book a place call 01785 337010, email midlands@cla.org.uk for a booking form or visit the Midlands events section of www.cla.org.uk
