AZ Ranchers Post Videos

The video-sharing site, YouTube, becomes a natural fit for Arizona Farm Bureau's Fill Your Plate ARIZONA, Taking advantage of the opportunity to share the agriculture story, the Arizona Farm Bureau recently posted three video stories about a Yuma farmer, a southern Arizona rancher and a northern Arizona rancher on the YouTube site. In each video, the agriculturalists were asked why they pursued a career in agriculture. "I thoroughly enjoyed working with Arizona Farm Bureau to give a brief spotlight about agriculture," says John Boelts, Yuma farmer and Yuma County Farm Bureau President. "We see this as one way to connect to the community, especially YouTube fans, and share our experiences as agriculturalists. In a world of 20-second sound bites it's exciting to see real people depicting real experiences. A viewer is getting to see real people discussing real things that are important to all of us. Everyone has to eat. I hope they're interested in hearing from the people producing it." Arizona Farm Bureau plans to link these first three videos and future ones to their Fill Your Plate online directory of listed farmers and ranchers that sell agricultural products directly to the public. This puts a face to Fill Your Plate and lets viewers identify with the producers. Also part of the first three video vignettes is Sharla Mortimer, a rancher from Dewey, Arizona. Sharla and Gary Mortimer raise cattle and also have a nursery. During Sharla's video segment she highlights what inspired her and Gary to go into ranching and their desire to stay in agriculture. Arizona Farm Bureau video vignettes for YouTube will average no more than three to four minutes. This is in keeping with the typical trend of short video segments now seen on YouTube. Pima County Farm Bureau President Stefanie Smallhouse, who ranches with her husband, Andy, in Redington, Arizona, also contributed to the first series of Arizona Farm Bureau YouTube videos. Says Smallhouse, "The YouTube format is a great way to connect with the public and tell our story. People want to be connected to agriculture and when they hear our stories they'll identify with them." To view the video segments, go to YouTube and type in "azfb Meet" in the search window. You can also find the specific videos by doing a YouTube search of "John Boelts," "Stefanie Smallhouse," or "Sharla Mortimer." Arizona Farm Bureau plans on regularly posting video vignettes of farmers and ranchers throughout Arizona. About Arizona Farm Bureau The Arizona Farm Bureau is a grassroots organization dedicated to preserving and improving the Agriculture industry through member involvement in education, political activities, programs and services. As a member services organization, individuals can become a member by contacting the Farm Bureau. Go to www.azfb.org to learn more. For information on member benefits call (480) 635-3606.