By: Kelsey Banks, Ottawa-Rideau Regional Communication Coordinator

Most people would agree that the agriculture industry is a small world when it comes to networking. 

Many within the agriculture industry network and connect with others at various different events, meetings, etc. Having this opportunity to network in the industry is advantageous and unique compared to other businesses globally. With this communication advantage, networking and connecting with others in the industry can be very powerful for a business or for a person.

Networking can be a powerful tool for anyone and any farm business. Whether the networking opportunity is presented in-person or online, it is an opportunity to create business relationships with those in the industry that may be able to assist or support a farm business’ goal now or in the future. This also may result in making a connection with a similarly like-minded person who can relate to the farm business owner or be empathetic to the challenges they may face on farm. Consequently, this could possibly result in improving mental health.

As the agriculture industry continues to grow and evolve and global population increases, producers are faced with the challenge of meeting ever-higher production demands for food and other by-products. Agricultural businesses are starting to or will be working with non-ag industries to overcome this challenge.

For example, one goal the energy sector has is to make energy production more environmentally friendly. Agriculture can offer a solution to this goal, but it means the industry must work with the energy sector to make changes that work for both parties. Regardless of the outcome of collaborations, producers need to be involved with decision making processes that affect their industry. This is where the power of networking can happen. For many in agriculture, networking outside of the industry can seem a bit scary. The reality is it may be an opportunity to be heard. 

Here are ways you can increase your networking opportunities:

• Attending events – many of us attend local or regional events where we learn and meet and greet with other attendees. Typically, these events are of interest to us, so we tend to know more people related to that specific group. Instead, try attending an event that is not your usual area of interest. This could still be related to your overall interests and be beneficial for you and your farm business. For example, Bill is a grain grower and tends to attend crop or agronomy type events only. Another part of Bill’s farm business is being a seed dealer where he sells seed locally to many different types of farm businesses. Bill wants to learn more about feeding dairy cattle to better support his dairy customers, so he asks a dairy customer of his and they go to a dairy feed focused event. Bill learns a lot about feeding dairy cows and where this information may help him better support his dairy customers. Plus, now he has contacts to reach out to if he has questions about dairy feed.
• Social media – whether you use Twitter, Facebook or really any type of social media you can easily connect with others also on those platforms. The agriculture industry is very involved on social media platforms, especially Twitter. There are many topics discussed and there is a lot to learn from those with the same interests from across the world. 
• Join a group of interest – there are many groups and organizations in the agriculture industry that cover a variety of different interests growers may have. On top of meeting and connecting with people, there are a lot of opportunities to learn. These types of groups are always looking for volunteers, but sometimes being involved can take more time than you can dedicate to the group. To be involved does not mean you have to be fully invested, it could mean attending an event as a supporter.

Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, networking may be a benefit to your agriculture business. Just remember to share your contact information! Local SCIA associations provide many opportunities to network and connect with others, which is another strong reason to invest in membership in your local associations.