-USDA (http://www.usda.gov/)
-Audience would be mostly farmers/consumers/producers
-You tube, Flickr, Facebook, Twitter, Bloggs, Podcasts, RSS Feeds, and Widgets.
-Social Media Avenue #1
-Facebook
-It seems like USDA is trying to use facebook to get incite from small farmers or just country folks that have opinions. It sort of provides a way for USDA to be in the middle and be aware of the "gossip". It also allows them to give more information on news,events and new breakthroughs. Also, problems are addressed here too, along with many more topics. I would say this is very effective because it gives the small town individual a chance to express their opinions and sometimes get feedback or affirmation/reassurance from the USDA. I know there are a lot of posts to respond to but It would be nice if the USDA could some how find the time to actually reply to more of the posts instead of posting new news events etc...and ignoring many of the posts. This is an overall good social media site that reaches a very wide range of individuals.
-Social Media Avenue #2
-You Tube
- You tube is making it possible for the USDA to spread news and events much like the other social media avenues. The main difference is you actually get to watch different interviews with people ranging from local/regional farms, consumers, reporters and even congressmen. It is basically a "TV Channel" for USDA. Their mission and goal is stated on the left side of their You Tube page about halfway down. I would say this is a very effective avenue because it allows those that do not enjoy reading to to be educated by watching the different videos. I don't think I would change anything about this site.
