Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1467639
farm406 36 Riley Slivka, founder of AgriStudios, a multi-media consulting company in Bozeman, Mont. He specializes in producing documentary- like videos of agriculture life using his drone and video equipment, and has had success posting videos of family's farm north of Winifred, Mont. Photo courtesy of Erin Slivka on their demographics and interests. Algorithms can be challenging for marketers. "Algorithms decide who sees your posts and how oen," explains Abby Majerus of Montana RancHERS Beef Company, based in Lewistown, Mont. "ey try to make it as enticing as possible to get you to spend more time on social media. A hashtag phrase or buzzword may be popular one day and not the next; it is a full-time job staying up on it." Majerus and her ranching partners, Jessi Olsen of Moore, Mont., and Mariah Shammel of Hilger, Mont., joined efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic to market their beef directly to consumers in central Montana. "Part of our intention of geing on social media was to get central Montana beef into central Montana freezers," says Majerus. "We felt it was one of the best ways to get our products out there." Majerus and her partners share posting responsibilities while managing their own ranches. ey post about the day-to-day life on their ranches, agriculture education, their products – beef sold by the quarter, half, whole, and in seasonal beef boxes - and when they have product available for sale. "Be intentional about your posts," says Majerus. "It is easy to romanticize agriculture, but we try to show all aspects – the good, the bad, or otherwise. Sometimes it can work to your advantage or against you." Majerus posts primarily on Facebook and Instagram, using video or photography to visualize her content. "I know both of those platforms, and they both help hit the demographics of our customers," she explains. "I recommend not trying to tackle all the different social media platforms but choose the ones you prefer and stick with those." While social media has helped spread the word about the Montana RancHers Beef Company, Majerus says it is not their only marketing method. "If you are willing to invest time in social media, you need to be willing to invest in an e-mail management program, as well," she advises. "Most importantly, don't let it take the place of actual conversation with people, especially at social events." Abby Majerus Photo by Jesika Ayers