In today’s diverse agricultural environment, podcasts are a rapidly growing medium to bring connections and insights to farmers. Podcasts are uniquely suited for those working in agriculture; they are free, accessible, downloadable, mobile, targeted and on-demand.
While the agriculture industry has adapted to the vast array of communication outlets, locating quality agricultural podcasts can be a challenge. Rob Sharkey of Bradford, Ill.; Tim Hammerich of Austin, Texas; and Wendell Schumm of New Hamburg, Ontario, recognized the need to give ag podcasts a centralized home online, leading to the launch of The Farm and Rural Ag Network.
The Farm and Rural Ag Network will provide curated content for growers, consumers and those interested in food and agribusiness. At launch, the network lineup will include Shark Farmer, Ontario AgCast, Future of Agriculture, The Farmer & The City Girl, and Grow Smart with BASF. The network plans to add additional agriculture-focused podcasts in the coming months.
“Podcasts are gaining in popularity because of how specifically they can appeal to an audience’s interest,” says Sharkey, an Illinois grower and host of the Shark Farmer Podcast “With farmers being such a small part of the population, it’s not surprising that farmers and ranchers are turning to ag podcasts. It gives them a chance to find sources of information and entertainment with an ag twist.”
To learn more about The Farm and Rural Ag Network, visit www.farmruralag.com, like the Facebook page or follow on Twitter.