Some of you might remember my August article on my experience with the AgChat Foundation Conference in Austin, TX. It was a phenomenal experience and I hope to attend more in the future. Recently Jenny Schweigert from AgChat Foundation put out a press release on the 2015 AgChat Foundation National Collegiate Congress so I’ve decided to share some of that information in this week’s column as I hope area youth will take advantage of this great opportunity!
On January 17, 2015 at Dow AgroSciences’ headquarters a training workshop will “challenge passionate, agriculture, college-students across the U.S. to expand their social media experiences and shorten the bridge between consumers and their food.” An optional day on January 18th will provide touring at Fair Oaks Farms. This event will focus on providing college students and new graduates with tools to transform how they use both social media and in person interactions when engaging agriculture and food conversations”, according to Jenny Schweigert, AgChat Foundation’s Executive Director.
With support from Dow AgroSciences, National FFA and Animal Agriculture Alliance, the National Collegiate Congress will bring together 165 students to learn about extending their abilities to connecting with consumers. The event will include sessions on what consumers see and hear, how social media can be improved to tell a story when you are living on campus and away from the farm, how to use blogging, and what it means to make a consumer connection, both on and offline. Attendees can expect a strong focus on networking with other students and exchanging ideas on how to connect with fellow non-agriculture students on their campuses.
If you would like additional information about the AgChat Foundation or to schedule an interview, contact Jenny Schweigert at 309-241-8803 or email execdir@agchat.org.