FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) May 7, 2009 -- LINCOLN, NE – If a farmer uses Twitter to talk about planting the latest hybrid, would you call it “tweet corn”?

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.

“Posts on Twitter are captured in real time and provide a peek into the life of farmers. People can read what we’re working on that day, the issues we’re facing, why we do the things we do and more,” said Debbie Borg, a farmer from Allen. “If people choose, they can join Twitter and ask us questions.”

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Borg, who is known as “@iamafarmer2” on Twitter, frequently posts information on planting and crop progress, cattle production and related issues. She said Twitter is easy to use with a web browser or other software that will help keep track of people you decide to “follow.” By following someone, you can see what they have posted and their replies to others who are on Twitter.

“This time of year I’m posting about planting progress, problems that come up some days and issues that are important to me as a corn farmer,” said Brandon Hunnicutt, a farmer from Giltner. Hunnicutt is “@cornfedfarmer” on Twitter.

Other Nebraska farmers on Twitter include Ryan Weeks of Juniata (“@huskerfarm”) and Susan Littlefield (“@firefighter89”)

of Surprise. Weeks has been posting planting and crop progress updates and related information, while Littlefield has been describing the impact of weather on her operation and providing updates on lambing.

“Twitter is unique in that it is relatively simple to use and posts are a maximum of 140 characters so people can read them quickly,” Hunnicutt said. “It’s a great way for anyone to follow a farmer and see what we’re up to.”

Borg said Twitter is also a great way to ask farmers questions if someone doesn’t understand what is happening or why. “I’d encourage anyone to have a look and pose a question if they are looking for a better understanding of why farmers do what they do and food production in general. If we don’t know the answer, we’ll find someone who can help,” Borg said.

To see what these farmers are up to, just follow these web addresses or search for their username at Twitter.com:

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

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