Tweet corn? Nebraska farmers on Twitter

If a farmer uses Twitter to talk about planting the latest hybrid, would you call it “tweet corn”?

That's the intro to a news release that introduces several Nebraska farmers who are sharing their story on Twitter - the popular micro-blogging tool.

From corn and soybean farmers to livestock producers, Nebraska farmers who have flocked to Twitter provide insight on those subjects and more by “tweeting” what they are up to on any given day – and helping their “tweeps” (Twitter followers) and others around the world better understand farming, farm life and food production.

Nebraska farmers on Twitter (and links to their Twitter pages) include:

• Debbie Borg: www.twitter.com/iamafarmer2
• Brandon Hunnicutt: www.twitter.com/cornfedfarmer
• Ryan Weeks: www.twitter.com/huskerfarm
• Susan Littlefield: www.twitter.com/firefighter89

These farmers are just a few of the many from across the country that have found Twitter a great way to share their story - and interact with those who have a common interest.

Farmers sharing their stories is a very good thing. All to often people have no idea of who is behind the bountiful food we have in this country - and make assumptions about modern farms and food production simply because they don't know the real person behind the product. Farmers on Twitter (or Facebook or who have a blog) can help change that.

Encourage those you know to follow a farmer - and get to know agriculture a bit better.

For more, click here or check out Debbie Borg's blog, Our Ag Story.

And here's a previous post that explains more.


Brief biographies of Nebraska farmers on Twitter:

Debbie Borg (@iamafarmer2)
Borg Farms just celebrated its 125 anniversary. The family operation, near Allen, consists of corn, soybeans, alfalfa, wheat and cattle feeding – but the most important crop on the farm is the 6th generation: Hannah, Heidi and Hunter. Both Debbie and her husband Terry are 4-H alumni and are helping their children to learn by doing in 4-H with bucket calves, horses and quilting. In their spare time, they enjoy camping, horse shows and riding 4-wheelers. Debbie said farming is the family business, but just as important the way of life. “We cherish the opportunity to be stewards of the land and animals and work hard at making it better for the next generation. It is very hard work, but the reward of knowing we are helping to feed a very hungry and growing world is inspiring,” she said.

Brandon Hunnicutt (@cornfedfarmer)
Hunnicutt lives on a farmstead that has been in his family for more than 100 years. He farms with his dad, brother and a neighbor in the Giltner area, where they raise corn, soybeans and popcorn, and have raised seed corn and wheat. They believe in using the latest in technology to raise the highest quality product they can to feed and fuel not only their area but the whole world. Brandon and his wife Lisa have five children: Kinsley, Payton, Bréley, Truett and Fallon, who is only a couple of weeks old. Brandon spends time with the family at church, gymnastics, summer ball games and Husker sporting events, and also likes to play golf and the Wii. “I farm to bring the highest quality food, feed and fuel source to the world in the most economically and ecologically safe way possible. I enjoy the challenge agriculture brings each day,” he said.

Ryan Weeks (@HuskerFarm)
Weeks Enterprises is a fifth generation family farm operated by Ryan and Kristi Weeks, near Juniata. They raise yellow corn, white corn, popcorn, soybeans, prairie hay and alfalfa. Both Ryan and Kristi are involved with many different community organizations in their hometown. Kristi is on the steering committee of the local MOPS (mothers of pre-schoolers) group, along with serving with Ryan on the Nebraska Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. Ryan also serves on the board of the Prairie Loft Center for Outdoor and Agricultural Learning (www.prairieloft.org), the Adams County Farm Bureau Board and Congressman Adrian Smith's Ag Advisory Committee.

Susan Littlefield (@firefighter89)
Susan has been a farm radio broadcaster since 1990, and is the farm director for the Farm and Ranch Market Network. Susan and her husband Mike, along with their three children, Bryan, Morgan and Paul, have a registered Columbia and Suffolk sheep operation south of Surprise. Farm life is a family affair, with everyone having their chores and livestock to take care of. "Helping with feeding, cleaning and other aspects of raising livestock shows compassion and a better understanding to where their food comes from,” she said. Susan shows sheep with her daughter and being involved in 4-H as a leader.