1. New Media for Agricultural Communications

2. RSS RSS is a family of web feed formats used to publish frequently updated content such as blog entries, news headlines or podcasts. An RSS document, which is called a "feed," "web feed," or "channel," contains either a summary of content from an associated web site or the full text. RSS makes it possible for people to keep up with their favorite web sites in an automated manner that's easier than checking them manually. Source: Wikipedia

3. Blog A blog is a user-generated website where entries are made in journal style and displayed in a reverse chronological order. Blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject, such as food, politics, or local news; some function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of most early blogs. Source: Wikipedia

4. Benefits of a Blog Highly search engine optimized Inexpensive up-front investment Easy to manage & update frequently Puts a friendly face on your organization Provides customer/member feedback mechanism Your target audience can subscribe to content

5. Content Ideas Internal employee communications Showcase company achievements Update customers on company projects Replace or enhance periodic printed newsletters Let customers hear from company leaders Company event coverage (annual mtgs., etc.)

6. Blog Characteristics One main homepage design Built in columns Each post has its own url All posts are archived (by category or topic) RSS feed available to subscribe to content

7. Blog Examples AgWired - www.agwired.com www.agwired.com Precision Pays - www.precisionpays.com www.precisionpays.com EPIC Member Website - www.epicinfo.org www.epicinfo.org Appaloosa Blog Spot - www.appaloosablogspot.com www.appaloosablogspot.com National Biodiesel Conference - www.blog.biodieselconference.org www.blog.biodieselconference.org The Ethanol Report - www.ethanolrfa.org/industry/conference/blog www.ethanolrfa.org/industry/conference/blog Beef Board Meeting - www.beefboardmeeting.com www.beefboardmeeting.com

8. Podcast A podcast is a digital media file (or a series of such files) that is distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds, for playback on portable media players and personal computers. Like 'radio, it can mean either the content itself or the method by which it is syndicated; the latter is also termed podcasting. The host or author of a podcast is often called a podcaster. Source: Wikipedia

9. Benefits of a Podcast Highly search engine optimized Inexpensive to produce Easy to manage & update frequently You control the content Your target audience can subscribe to content

10. Content Ideas Interviews with company leaders Interviews/testimonials from customers Presentations from event speakers Product how-to presentations Company announcements (internal/external)

11. Podcast Characteristics Audio in form of mp3 file Registered in iTunes No standard length Produced on regular basis Distributed via RSS feed

12. Podcast Examples Forage Forum - www.worlddairydiary.com www.worlddairydiary.com Fill Up Feel Good - www.domesticfuel.com www.domesticfuel.com Alltech Podcasts - www.alltech.com/podcasts/bioplex www.alltech.com/podcasts/bioplex National Biodiesel Conference - www.blog.biodieselconference.org www.blog.biodieselconference.org Swinecast - www.swinecast.com www.swinecast.com

14. AgWired Geo Map Overlay Source: Google Analytics