Extension agent using Facebook to reach clients
July 25, 2011 by admin
Filed under Choosing Lingerie
Chris Becker, a regional agent based in Florence, developed the fan page, North Alabama Extension Home Grounds, to share information with clients of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and with gardeners all over the world.
Becker said a desire to provide a new method for sharing information from the Extension System aimed specifically at north Alabama gardeners motivated him to create the page.
“Extension has a Facebook page that covers the entire state, but people in the Shoals might not be interested in an event happening in Mobile,” Becker said. “With this page, I can provide timely information related to horticulture here in north Alabama.”
Becker said budget cuts have reduced the number of extension agents in Alabama and limited their ability to make personal visits to clients. He and other extension agents are hopeful social media will help them fill the void created by staffing limitations.
While Becker’s Facebook page uses social media to provide information to gardeners, it is not too far removed from the work of county agents in early 1900s.
“The Extension System was, in a way, the first social media in Alabama,” said Jim Langcuster, an extension specialist based in Auburn. “When we were formed almost 100 years ago, our county agents would go farm to farm for face-to-face visits to transfer the latest technology in agriculture and home economics.
“We were doing with our face-to-face visits what users of social media sites today are doing, staying in touch and sharing information. By using social media like Facebook and YouTube we’re continuing with that original mission of our organization, but stepping up to a new level.”
Langcuster said extension agents throughout the state are being urged to use Facebook and YouTube to connect with clients.
“Face-to-face interaction will always be an integral part of our organization,” Langcuster said. “But we must take advantage of all technologies that allow us to expand our outreach.”
Randall Armstrong, extension coordinator for Lauderdale County, said Facebook and YouTube allows the Extension System to reach new clients. He said many fans of social media tend to be younger and might not be aware of the Extension System’s services. By sharing its message on Facebook and YouTube, the organization can better connect with a new generation of clients.
Langcuster said many farmers are tech savvy and use social media to track trends in agriculture. While those farmers might be too busy to visit or call their local extension, they can get updates on what is going on with the organization by staying in touch online.
Armstrong said extension agencies throughout the United States are turning to social media to share information with patrons.
“I’m really excited about using social media to help expand our outreach,” Langcuster said. “As we become more comfortable with using social media and begin connecting with more people, I think it’s going to be one of the Extension System’s finest times.”
Dennis Sherer can be reached at 256-740-5746 or dennis.sherer@TimesDaily.com.
