By ELIZABETH HEITKAMP
Farm World Intern

WASHINGTON D.C. — Various online networks: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and numerous websites offer opportunities for people to stay informed with news – even agriculture. Those interested in agriculture have the opportunity to participate in discussions found on the College Aggies Online website at http://aggiesonline.ning.com

It is hoped participants will become more comfortable with agriculture-related discussions with multiple Internet options by participating in the learning opportunity provided on the site.

The Animal Agriculture Alliance (AAA) and the American National CattleWomen, Inc. co-host the competition and encourage those with knowledge of agriculture to participate in discussions to help contestants learn and understand more about the industry.

“It’s more than a space to learn and share information,” said AAA Communications Coordinator Sarah Hubbart. “Students can connect with others passionate about agriculture.”

An AAA intern originally introduced the idea of the online competition, thinking the knowledge could be of use to college students.

Last year was the competition initiation with 350 students competing from 50 universities. According to Hubbart, the forum provided a “wealth of knowledge” to the students.

University agriculture organizations and members can compete in the second year of competition re-launching on Sept. 1.

Students will earn points for participating in discussions on the forum, publishing news articles and utilizing Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Awards are given to the top two university organizations and individuals. In April, points will be totaled to see which club earns the 2011 winning title. The top organization will receive multiple prizes including: national recognition, a $750 scholarship and Washington D.C. trip for one club member to be recognized at the annual Stakeholders Summit.

Last year, the Western Kentucky University’s Block and Bridle Club won and sent the overall top individual contestant and member Celeste Laurent on the trip.

Hubbart said, “She had a chance to network with leaders in agriculture and learn from professionals.”

She believes this network will show students how “speaking for agriculture can be fun,” and that developing understanding with the online networks is “something that needs to happen now.”

E-mail Krissa Thom at KThom@animal agalliance.org or call 703-562-1410 if interested in participating in the 2011 competition.