Using #Agchat Twitter Discussions in Teaching to Increase Interactions Between Students and Farmers.

The Millennial generation is very familiar with the use of smartphones and social media.  According to a recent 2015 survey by Farm Journal Media about 69% of farmers own a smartphone and an additional 18% indicated that they planned to purchase a smartphone by 2016.  Many of these farmers are engaging in social media through these devices which provides them with greater interaction with other farmers, agricultural experts and consumers.  Students can also take advantage of greater farmer connectivity by interacting with farmers where they can be found on social media.  A course assignment was developed that allowed students to become familiar with these kinds of professional interactions using an agricultural discussion group (#agchat) on Twitter.  Students participated in at least one discussion and were able to engage with farmers and others in the group by answering questions and providing feedback.  After their participation, students were asked a series of questions related to their participation as part of the assignment.  An evaluation of the assignment at the conclusion of the semester identified that 95% (37 of 39) of students either agreed or strongly agreed that the assignment was interesting and should be kept for future classes.  Student comments also indicated the success of the engagement.