by Darin Grimm, AgChat Foundation Board of Directors, President

That’s old in the social media world right?  Sure feels like forever…  (just kidding.)

In all seriousness, it’s a good time to reflect back on what has been accomplished in the last three years, and where the road forward is headed. Looking both directions, the mission of the Foundation, the mission that we agreed on at launch, the mission that has not changed since that day, remains:  “Empowering farmers and ranchers to connect communities through social media platforms.”  It is that which propels us forward, that drives us each day to build upon yesterday, to continue to make a difference.

The primary method we have employed these first few years is training, from our own national conferences, to individual training for various organizations.  These efforts continue with our National Training Conference set for August 22-23, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jay Baer, recognized as maybe the leading social media speaker in the country, will be there to share his wisdom and insights. Watch for more information as the application process opens May 1st!

It’s also a time to celebrate all the individual agvocacy successes.  It’s easy to talk about the big winners: things like music videos from the Peterson Farm Brothers and farmers writing on CNN Eatocracy. It’s also important to remember that success isn’t defined ONLY by

big numbers.  Agvocacy, truly connecting, often happens best one person at a time.  There are so many stories there, each one of you reading this probably has several.  I just picked a random assortment of both agvocacy done directly via social media, and those using social media to share what they have done.

The story I want to highlight today is from Nicole Small, Kansas Farm Mom.  A childhood friend had seen her blog, got in contact with Nicole because she wanted to understand the farmers side of a recent issue.  Seems like a simple request right?  However,  if your in agvocacy, you know how much such a small request can inspire/delight you.  In Nicole’s own words:  “This was absolutely huge for me.  I had just celebrated my one year anniversary of my blog and was really thinking that mostly I was preaching to the choir.  This conversation really solidified why I am telling our farm’s story online”  As someone who has been a part of AgChat Foundation since we launched, it is the stories like Nicole’s that provide the encouragement and confidence that yes, we are making a difference, one conversation at a time!

Lastly it’s a time to thank ALL of those that have made the Foundation what it is today.  There’s the obvious folks, those that serve on our boards, committees, our weekly chat moderators, presenters at our events, our incredible staff, and that only covers the visible folks.  The many, many people who have shared the message of the AgChat Foundation, who have helped inspire others, who have reached out beyond agriculture to build those communities.  This week, on the third anniversary of the Foundation’s launch, we ask you to simply reflect on and be thankful for all that has been accomplished, and then tomorrow it will be right back to work sharing the story of agriculture!

Please share your “aha” moment in social media agvocay in the comments for the chance to win a signed copy of Jay Baer’s newest book Youtility-the Marketing Strategy for the Age of Information Overload, to be released June 2013. A random winner will be chosen on Friday, April 5th. Comments must be submitted before noon Central Time on April 5th to qualify. Qualifying winners must be legal residents of the United States or Canada and 18 years or older.

**  And a note, for those on Twitter and Facebook, join us in also celebrating four years (yes, four) of our weekly #Agchat conversation, tonight (8-10pm Eastern). We look forward to a relaxing look at “Social Media and Agriculture”. **