Q:Why did you seek membership with NAFB?
A: I was a collegiate member of Mizzou ACT and had always heard that NAFB was something worthwhile to invest time in, so I became a student member of NAFB. After receiving the 2014 George Logan Scholarship from the NAFB Foundation, I received a free year of membership and after that I quickly realized that NAFB was something I enjoyed and wanted to join and get involved with. The association and members are an invaluable resource in starting my professional career.
Q: What is the value of a membership to you?
A: My membership in the National Association of Farm Broadcasting is extremely important to me. I am a new member of the Broadcast Council and this is my third year attending the annual convention. I have connected with so many other broadcasters, industry leaders, newsmakers and influential players in the ag industry. However, there are many benefits that extend beyond networking in NAFB. The support system that is paired with the membership is second to none.
Q:How have you grown to work as a muli-platform journalist?
A: In today's fast paced and technological world, utilizing multiple platforms to diversify and strengthen the quality of news is imperative. In order to stay competitive and relevant, it is necessary to deliver news to your audience the way that they demand it and want to consume it. Using social media and digital products are easy and effective ways to make ag news easy to read, listen to and follow.
NAFB member Shannon Yokley of @brownfield Ag News finds terrific value in membership. #NAFB16 pic.twitter.com/nuARfy882c
— NAFB (@NAFB) November 10, 2016
Q: What is your current role?
A: I am the current Digital Products Coordinator for Brownfield Ag News based out of Jefferson City, Missouri. My responsibilities range from creating and designing content for digital platforms such as Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Periscope and the Brownfield website. I also produce and edit video for Brownfield TV, manage our website, RSS feeds and report analytic data, produce eNewsletters and many other digital products specific to Brownfield content.
Q: What career goals do you have?
A: I have several short term and long term goals. I would love to advance the digital presence of Brownfield overall and generate a portfolio of various digital products. Throughout my career, I want to enhance ag news and keep being a storyteller through various platforms. I aim to be a lifelong learner in agriculture, gain new experiences and travel internationally, all while telling agriculture's story in a new, refreshing and innovative way.
Q: How has/is NAFB helping you reach goals?
A: NAFB certainly helped me accomplish one of my biggest goals of obtaining a college degree. I am eternally grateful for the investment NAFB members and supporters made in selecting me as a scholarship recipient. NAFB continues to help me reach professional and personal goals by providing me unique opportunities to interact with other agriculture industry professionals and broadcasters.
Interview by the 2016 NAFB Convention Social Media Corps member Leann Fox, an agricultural communications and journalism major at Utah State University. The 2016 NAFB Convention Social Media Corps is sponsored by Farm Credit.
