The influx of social media has skyrocketed over the past few years. The on-going and increasing demand of customers online has confirmed that the reality of social media is not one of fad or trend, but one that is here to stay, permanently.  Social media does, in fact, help get the word out about Extension. But even more important than the exposure, it provides the opportunity to grow relationships with your target and even non-target audience. 

Local needs assessments last year identified the use of social media to reach agriculture and non-agriculture audiences as a priority. Being new to social media, our plan started out utilizing Facebook.  A professional ANR friends page was created to help relay information, remind followers of meeting announcements and engage followers in all things agriculture and community and economic development.  By July 2017 the page had 480 followers.  As of October 2017, the ANR page has reached 10,112 people in the community.  Engagement activity from July to November 2017 increased by 19%.

These contacts have resulted in new clientele utilizing Cooperative Extension digitally, many new clientele participating in programs, increased awareness about agriculture opportunities, meeting reminders and invitations.