James Herrick: Farmers should sense-check their social media
© Tim Scrivener Like many farmers, I’m a frequent user of social media. But like many, I also struggle to work out exactly how I feel about it.
For a while my platform of choice was Instagram. However, over the past couple of years I have managed to accrue a half decent following on my “Baldys Farm” YouTube channel.
It’s become a place to talk about issues that occur on our farm, show our general goings-on and nerd out about my favourite topic…cows.
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It’s led to opportunities I could have previously only dreamed of.
I’ve worked with brands and manufacturers, had invites to conferences, judged prestigious farming awards, hosted farm tours and farm walks for farmers and the wider industry, and even represented the British meat industry overseas.
None of which would have happened without the power of social media.
On the other hand, I sometimes find myself questioning whether it really is that great.
I can’t even begin to recall the number of times I’ve seen posts or videos that contain blatant lapses in health and safety.
People jumping out of tractors that are running on auto-steer, farmers in grain buckets at height, people sat on combine harvester roofs as they travel down the field, all for a couple of likes from people on the other side of a screen.
I know I might come across as a spoilsport (I was told once that I wouldn’t be very “fun” to work for) but at the end of the day I want everyone to go home to their families.
No amount of likes or shares is worth jeopardising that.
When used for good, social media provides unrivalled potential. Whether that’s educational content, political lobbying, brand marketing, sharing your farm’s story or just some harmless fun, I encourage you to use it.
I can only begin to attest to the amazing opportunities that may come your way – but before you post, just think to yourself “should I be posting this?”
If the answer’s no, maybe question whether you should be doing it in the first place.