AgChat and Awareness

(The caption on this picture was a hot topic on AgChat this week. Adaptation of the producer population to new technologies)

This week I participated in my first AgChat session. I chose a great night for my first because last night was about how to translate science from the lab to the farm and from the farm to plate.  I was thrilled because I work everyday at translating science from jargon into terms that people actually want to read and learn.

At one point during the AgChat convo, in response to the question "Is ag sometimes a little too sterile and matter-of-fact with our explanations to non-farmers?", I tweeted "Familiarize yourself with the person you are talking to.  Get to know their point of view before you start spouting facts. Agvocating is about listening too" (this tweet was heavily abbreviated).  The point of my response was that when talking to non-producers it shouldn't be a one-sided conversation.  Spouting facts to closed ears is pointless - if you respect your conversation partner's opinions and ideas, they will be more likely to return the favor.  Care about what other have to say - it's awesome to know the ins and outs of the agricultural industry but if no one is listening, it's hard to convey the message.

Just some thoughts.

Until next time,
~Buzzard~