‘Top tips’ for online discussions
The Knowledge in Farming section of The Farming Forum is BOFIN’s online platform for farmers to enhance their expertise and engage in meaningful discussion about agricultural practices and policy. Here, BOFIN’s Community Manager Skye Melita shares her ‘top tips’ for getting started and making the most of online discussions on the Soil Circle, Slug Circle and PulsePEP.
Create your profile
BOFIN members are automatically sent a username and password for The Farming Forum when they first join the network. When you first log in you should change your password to something you will remember. You can also change your username if you wish, add an image and further details to your profile. What you include is entirely up to you, but could reflect your farming business, including the types of crops or livestock you manage and – if you are BOFIN trialist – indicate which of our trials you are involved in.
Your profile is what others see and helps them understand your perspective, making it easier to connect with like-minded people. If you’re not a BOFIN member already you can sign up here for free.
Active participation
Engagement is key to benefiting from the forum. Start by reading existing threads to understand ongoing conversations. Then, contribute by sharing your experiences or asking questions about topics that interest you – anything goes (within reason)! Your insights will be valuable to others, and asking questions can lead to really informative exchanges.
Use the resources
The Knowledge in Farming section also hosts a hub of resources aimed at enhancing knowledge exchange. Have a look through these sections to find webinars, articles, and research reports which can help you stay informed about best practices and the latest innovations.
Build relationships
Networking is another essential element of knowledge exchange. Reach out to other members through direct messages or by commenting on their posts. Whatever your query you will find someone on the Circles who has the experience to help you.
Be open-minded
In any discussion forum, people will have differing opinions. Approach conversations with respect and an open mind. Engaging constructively with diverse viewpoints can be just as useful as finding people who share your views.
Follow up on discussions
After participating in discussions consider following up with members who provided valuable insights or resources. This could involve thanking them for their contributions or asking further questions based on what you’ve learned.
By actively engaging with the Circles you can enhance your knowledge, share valuable experiences, and contribute to a vibrant community of innovative farmers.
Get involved at: https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?categories/knowledge-in-farming.265/