By Matt Hartong
Farming can be challenging. From the long hours to the back breaking work it can be difficult to keep up with innovative farming practices. Fortunately we live in a world where information is at our fingertips. From scientific journals to agriculture publications there is no shortage of valuable knowledge. However, there’s nothing like seeing those innovations implemented in a realistic and applicable way. Websites like YouTube have effectively taken the guesswork out of adopting new practices on the farm.
Many farmers that run their own social media pages are knowledgeable about an array of different topics pertaining to their farming operation. Some use their videos to show machinery working, others will take a more educational approach. Here are some of my favorite Ag Influencers I think you should be watching.
- Iowa Dairy Farmer
Dan Venteicher is a dairy farmer in Northeast Iowa. He uses the most cutting edge technology you could use in the dairy industry today. He feeds and milks his cows robotically and is very open about his operation. From the birth of a calf, to sickness and death, Dan does not shy away from any topics. He does not shy away from controversy either and takes a head on approach to criticism of the agriculture industry. On a personal level, Dan made me as a dairy farmer more confident in what and why we do what we do. I strongly recommend looking up his videos on TikTok, YouTube or Facebook. You’ll be happy you did.
- Millennial Farmer
Zach Johnson is a grain farmer in West Central Minnesota and is probably the gold standard for Farmers on YouTube. He’s knowledgeable about a number of different aspects of row crop farming and uses the biggest machinery you could use in agriculture today. He farms thousands of acres and uses top of the line, brand new equipment. My young kids love to watch his videos because there’s no shortage of big green machines.
- 10th Generation Dairyman
Eric and his dad Dennis farm in Pennsylvania. They farm 250 acres and milk 200 cows. From feeding his cows to cleaning up after them, his videos show what an average dairy farmer does every single day. They are easy to follow and full of information.
- Our Wyoming Life
Mike and Erin own a ranch in Wyoming. They post every week on a variety of different topics. They have a lot of videos of cattle, but Mike’s wife Erin also posts informational gardening videos.
We live in a world today where many people have been disconnected from where their food comes from. Not only that, but the agriculture industry is under more scrutiny now more than ever. Not only do these farmers show how they do what they do, but in many cases, they explain why. As a farmer, these videos encourage me to innovate and grow and I hope for non-farmers they inform and educate. Do you watch any farmers on social media that Ag-fluence you? Let us know!