15: How 400,000+ Producers are Shaping the Future of the Ag Industry

Farmers are not just farmers. You’re also marketers, educators, and advocates for your small businesses and the industry as a whole. And as Ag experts, you have the ability to not only influence consumers and public policy, but also the companies who are supplying everything you need to run your business.

With over 20 years of experience, Ag Access, a research logistics company that specializes in the agriculture industry, has positioned themselves as the leading resource for reaching Ag audiences through their 400,000 member research community. Colson Steber, Co-CEO of Ag Access, joins Raising the Barn to talk about the importance of farmers having a voice in the innovations coming to the Ag industry, the continued investment in Ag Tech, and what factors will impact the Ag industry in the near future.

Some of the questions we chat about:

  • What is the history of Ag Access and what kind of work do y’all do? 

  • For the Ag folks in your 400,000+ member community, what does that audience look like? 

  • There’s been a significant increase in investment in Ag Tech in the last few years. Can you share some of the trends that you’re seeing across the industry and/or where you see innovation making a big impact on Ag? 

  • Can you talk a little bit about the influence that folks in your community have and why it’s so important? 

  • The USDA still estimates that around 22.3 percent of Americans in rural communities lack access to broadband coverage. How do y’all engage the spectrum of farmers who have varying access?

  • What role can Ag Access play in helping the industry bring in young and new producers and help them be successful? 

  • What do you see as having the most impact on the farming industry in the next 5-10 years? 

  • Is there anything that you’ve learned as  a market research leader that small Ag businesses can apply to their own marketing strategy? 

  • For any listeners who might be interested in becoming an Ag Access Member, are y’all still recruiting for your insights community? What’s the process like to sign up?  

  • What’s on the Ag Access Marketing Plan for 2024?

Join the Ag Access Insights Community:

Ag Access is an invite-only market research insights community of professionals working in the agriculture industry. Members get access to a multitude of research opportunities including online surveys and discussions, in-person focus groups, phone interviews, and various other methods. By voicing your opinion and participating in a study, you’ll get cash rewards, gift cards, and gain industry influence from your opinions.

Join the Ag Access Community

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Mentioned in this episode:

Ag Access Website

Join the Ag Access Community

Connect with Colson Steber on LinkedIn

Ag Census: A Review of Insights and Gaps

USDA Broadband Report

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16: Selling Direct-to-Consumer More Successfully with Freedom Harvest

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14: A Conversation with Clemson Extension’s, Ben Boyles, Founder of the SC Ag + Art Tour