Features Production Research
Measuring social media, smartphone use in ag

February 17, 2012, Ridgetown, Ont – Social media and
smartphone topics have been popular at farm meetings this winter, and for good
reason. Many farmers and other agribusinesses are using these online and mobile
tools to streamline and improve their communications and business activities.

February 17, 2012, Ridgetown, Ont – Social media and
smartphone topics have been popular at farm meetings this winter, and for good
reason. Many farmers and other agribusinesses are using these online and mobile
tools to streamline and improve their communications and business activities.

Researchers, OMAFRA specialists, and other organizations
that want to get current information out to the industry need to take advantage
of these tools and be part of the conversation. For the innovators and
influencers who are using these tools, it’s a timely and efficient way to share
information and ideas.

OMAFRA field staff based in Ridgetown, Ont., is leading an
OMAFRA/University of Guelph initiative to determine the level of usage of
various smartphone and mobile device platforms and communication tools,
including social media, in the Ontario agriculture industry. An online survey
has been launched, aimed at those working in agriculture across the province. The
questions will focus on whether you are using social media, smartphones, or
other Internet, media, and print resources in your agricultural business.
Agricultural students are also included in the survey.

The online survey is being conducted by Ipsos Reid.  The project team hopes to get
participation from a wide range of people across the industry – and from those
who get their information from a wide variety of sources, not just those with
smartphones and Twitter accounts. The existing ways of sharing information
aren’t being thrown out just because we have some new tools, but with so many
options out there, it’s a good time to ask people how they want to get their
information.

The online survey is found at:
http://www.ipsosresearch.com/omafra/. It should take less than 10 minutes to
complete.

Results will be available early in April and the
information will give agricultural organizations and businesses more data to
use in deciding where to focus their efforts in mobile tools and online
communication with their members, clients, or stakeholders.

This project is funded by Agri-Food and Rural Link, the
Knowledge Translation and Transfer program under the OMAFRA-U of G Partnership.