Bloomington, ILL – August 3, 2022 – The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) sent two Illinois farmers to Washington D.C. this week where a select group of grower leaders from across the country took part in a two-day training to become members of the American Soybean Association’s (ASA) Agriculture Communications Team (ACT). Daryl Cates, Vice President of the American Soybean Association and Columbia, Ill. farmer attended as well as founder of Seed Life and Virden, Ill. farmer, Katie Dowson.
“I’m so thankful for the opportunity to learn more and share my story and real-life experiences through social media, personal and professional blogs, as well as individual and community outreach, “says Katie Dowson, “I’m passionate about the work I do through my business, Seed Life and loved making new connections in the industry while honing my skills through advocacy, crisis and formal communications training.”
ACT training provides tools and techniques that enable growers from across the country to respond to issues at the national, regional, and local levels, specifically through social media channels. Members of the ACT in turn share their soy stories while supporting the entire ag industry. Participants go through media training, walking through best practices on how to engage media or communicate one-on-one, whether with a neighbor, a stranger on a plane, a home state representative, speaking at an industry event, or addressing a larger audience on social media.
During the program, participants work with media trainers who help them polish their communication skills, work on any perceived weaknesses they may have, and learn how to narrow and refine their message during interviews, including staying focused on relevant talking points. Participants also develop a strong support network with other social media advocates.
For those interested in joining the ASA ACT team by attending this annual training, please reach out to ISA Director of Communications, Rachel Peabody at peabodyr@ilsoy.org.
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development and utilization efforts while the membership program supports the government relations interests of Illinois soybean farmers at the local, state, and national level, through the Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG). ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean producers through promotion, advocacy, and education with the vision of becoming a market leader in sustainable soybean production and profitability. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org and www.ilsoygrowers.com.
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