Innovation and discovering trends are big factors in promoting financial recovery and stability in Canadian agriculture.
Farm shows - from regional commodity business meetings to major farm equipment events - are valuable sources of ideas and trend discoveries. But restrictions on large indoor gatherings because of COVID-19 precautions offers an opportunity to find new ways of promoting ideas.
More social media
The in-person networking typically done by producers is now replaced largely by online interactions. The Canadian agricultural sector – especially individual farmers – have a strong, dynamic social media community. It pivoted slightly in the spring of 2020.
“Social media over the last five years or so has blossomed in agriculture, and I think this probably will accelerate that trend,” says Tyler Fulton, a board member with the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association.
With the reduction of in-person presentations, the Internet is also relied on for more information.
“I think there has been a big move to provide content online,” says Vanessa Stockbrugger, founder of Womencents.
She’s witnessed a surge in webinars since conferences were paused.
Going virtual
Many major events have transitioned to virtual ones, like Ag in Motion and the Canadian Beef Industry Conference.
Stockbrugger says this change creates an opportunity for those who couldn’t attended in person previously and brings a broader diversity of voices to the online discussions.
Stockbrugger sees online networking as opportunities to connect. In some instances, conferences offer the possibility of searching other attendees’ profiles by keyword or listing something about yourself that can be searched by others.
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