Young Farmer Program: Networking to Build Your Business

Building a business and social network can provide producers hidden opportunities and help develop distinct competitive advantages.

Mark Moore, Top Producer Contributing Editor

Building a business and social network can provide producers hidden opportunities and help develop distinct competitive advantages.

“Enhancing your personal network helps your farming operation,” says Brett Oelke, Extension educator with the University of Minnesota. “This includes your personal and professional network.”

Building these networks is an ongoing process, and each can serve an important role. “Networks of partners are important to develop because they can alert you to available opportunities,” Oelke says. “And today’s technology gives you many valuable tools that can expand your networks.”

Oelke was a featured speaker at Top Producer’s Young Farmer seminar, being held in Chicago.

“There are many reasons why farmers should be interested in business and social networks,” Oelke says. “Advantages include enhanced competitiveness, new business opportunities, added information, and socialization with like-minded and like-sized producers”


For More Information
Read the complete 2010 Young Farmer Program coverage.

AgWeb-Logo crop
Related Stories
a
Joanna Carraway is the 2013 winner of the Tomorrow’s Top Producer Horizon Award.
Indiana farmer expands one acre of sweet corn to a booming, diversified business.
Read Next
Get News Daily
Get Market Alerts
Get News & Markets App