Podcast: 10 Best for Leaders in Selling Agricultural Products Online (Part 2)
Interested in selling agricultural products online? Check out the Part 2 of this episode from the Wedgworth Leadership Institute Podcast featuring Dr. Lauri Baker.
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Podcast: 10 Best for Leaders in Selling Agricultural Products Online (Part 1)
Interested in selling agricultural products online? Check out the latest episode of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute Podcast featuring Dr. Lauri Baker.
Read MoreU.S. Department of Agriculture official named to lead UF/IFAS
The University of Florida has named J. Scott Angle, director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, to lead the university’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) into the next decade. He is expected to assume the role as vice president for agriculture and natural resources on July 13.
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Tools and Technology for Leading Remotely
Working remotely presents a number of challenges, especially if it’s something new for you and your organization. Technology can help us make the most of the situation by keeping our organization and stakeholders connected. There’s no “one perfect solution,” but rather a plethora of tools that can help with certain aspects as needed.
Videoconferencing and Communication
How do I keep in touch with my team? Whether it’s an individual check-in or a weekly team meeting, technology can help facilitate the next best thing to an in-person meeting. Depending on the size of your organization and the level of communication you want to maintain, some of the options below may help you stay in touch with your team and stakeholders.
- ZOOM – You are probably already using ZOOM as it has become the industry standard in online/virtual meetings. Meetings are easy to create and invitations can be sent to individuals or groups via link. You have the ability to share your screen which allows you to make presentations and review documents. ZOOM is great for larger organizations where you might have a large group of people on one call.
- Microsoft Teams – If your organization has already invested in Microsoft Office, you likely have access to Microsoft’s newest office app, Teams. A mix between chat, file sharing, and virtual meetings is one of the best ways to describe Teams. Within the app, you can create multiple “teams” for different groups. This is useful when you are managing multiple groups or teams of people.
- Slack – If you’re looking for something to reduce email and remain in constant contact with your team, Slack is one of the best options out there. Its easy-to-use interface allows you to create different channels for chats, file sharing, video or voice calls and more. Slack has the most integrations with other app that you may already use.
- Google Hangouts – If you’re already using the Google suite of tools, this may be a great option for you. Similar to ZOOM, you can share links to meetings and integrate with you email and calendar.
- Spark Mail App – You’re probably overwhelmed with email at this point (if you weren’t already). The Spark Mail app is one of the best apps I’ve seen for handling email madness and preventing email fatigue. Exciting features include snoozing emails, reminders to follow-up, and a smart inbox to help you sort different types of messages. Sorry PC users, this is an Apple and Mac device app only.
- Mailchimp – You also are probably sending more email now than ever. Consider creating a digest or daily update and send it at a consistent time every day. Also consider using a tool like Mailchimp, where you can create a template and plug in your content. Add links, photos, GIFs, and organize your information more effectively using the email designer. You are also able to track who opens your email message when sent with Mailchimp.
Collaboration and Project Management
Okay…you’ve conducted your first virtual meeting and everyone is on the same page. How do I share files, task lists, and manage progress? Consider of the collaboration tools or project management apps below. It’s important to identify the best solution for you and your team in an effort not to introduce too much change/challenge at once.
- Basecamp – Basecamp is my absolute favorite project management system. It pulls together fire sharing, calendars, to-do lists, messaging, and so much more into one space. Create automatic check-ins with each of your team members. Also a great way to include clients or customers that are outside of your organization in projects and conversations.
- Trello – Don’t need a full project management system? Consider giving Trello a try. Create boards, lists, and cards to share with your team. Great for managing projects and what’s the status of each progress.
- Notion – This app combines documents, project management, spreadsheets, and databases in a very flexible environment. If your organization requires a lot of freedom, flexibility, and data – this would be a great solution for you.
- Mural – The most productive meetings for me are when I’m able to draw something out on a whiteboard. Mural is a digital whiteboard that has a lot of really neat features where you can invite your team to collaborate with you. Great for brainstorming or creative sessions!
- Things – Just need an app to make lists? Things is an award-winning app that lets you create powerful lists, assign deadlines, and organize by project or area. Today and This Evening lists are automatically populated so you know exactly what to start on next.
- Airtable – More of a spreadsheets type of person? Airtable is an awesome spreadsheets app with tons of features and integrations. Create different views, attach files to records, and format cells to include check boxes and more. A lot of really cool features that make spreadsheets even more useful.
Live Video/Recording & Podcasting
You’ve got your team and organization all connected now. What about your customers and stakeholders? Maybe you have a conference or training planned that now has to be virtual. Consider one of the following tools to help keep your stakeholders informed about what’s happening with your organization.
- Switcher Studio – If you’re looking to stream a conference or product launch, Switcher Studio is a great option. Use mobile devices or computers as sources to capture, switch, and stream video to your Facebook, YouTube or other places. Upload and use your own photos, graphics, and video to be shown as well.
- Vimeo – A favorite for hosting video, Vimeo also offers livestreaming and opportunities for paid content. If you want to embed a lot of videos into your current website, Vimeo is a great option.
- Facebook Live – Let’s not forget one of the easiest tools available to us, Facebook Live. Go live from your mobile device anywhere you have a good internet connection. I’d recommend investing in a small tripod for your phone to avoid shaky video. Facebook Live is a great (and easy) way to keep your stakeholders informed.
- Adobe Premiere Rush – Need to put a video together but not at your main desktop? Download Adobe Premiere Rush to quickly edit and share quality videos right from your mobile device. If you’re a Premiere Pro veteran, the interface will look very familiar. New to video editing? Premiere Rush is super easy to learn. Shoot, edit, and share video all on the same device.
- Anchor – How about starting a podcast? Anchor makes it really easy to record, edit and share from your computer or mobile device. Invite others into the conversation connecting with them using the Anchor app. Anchor published your episode on all of the major podcasting platforms and is completely free.
As you can see, there are a lot of different tools and resources out there to assist in leading remotely. Don’t implement everything on this list into your remote leadership strategy. It’s important to determine your needs first – is it primarily communication or project management that technology can help with? Equally important is understanding who you are leading remotely – are you leading a small leadership team, your entire organization, or a group of stakeholders? After determining each of these, introduce the technology to your team or group with patience and understanding. There’s a lot of change happening right now, so adapting to a new workflow or process may take some time. To help with the transition, make sure to highlight how this technology will help simplify or make tasks easier and provide time for exploring and training if needed.
Read MoreWedgworth Leadership Institute Selects Class XI
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The UF/IFAS Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources (WLI) recently selected 30 participants for Class XI of its two-year leadership development program. The first seminar of the program will take place in Gainesville in November.
Administered by University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and housed in the department of agricultural education and communication, WLI hosted its inaugural class in 1992. With approximately 450 program alumni (inclusive of participants and their spouses), WLI has become a staple for developing agricultural leaders who will become increasingly involved in the policy formation process.
Members of Class XI have committed to 11 seminars, totaling 55 days, which further develop their leadership capacity in representing the agricultural industry. With seminars ranging from the Florida panhandle to Miami, time spent in Washington D.C. and a three-week international learning experience, this program broadens the participants’ perspectives and builds a network within the industry and beyond. Program graduates are equipped to address challenges of local, state, national and global dimensions.
“The candidates selected for this program are already leaders in their respective industries,” said WLI Director Christy Chiarelli. “Our goal is not to teach leadership, but rather, to give existing leaders an introduction to public policy and to create a networking system for participants to develop professionally. It is our aim to further develop their skills to address issues affecting Florida’s agriculture industry and natural resources.”
Class members were selected through a rigorous nomination and application process. The group is representative of agriculture’s diversity through their employment in 22 different sub-sectors of the industry, from citrus to horticulture to sod production. Class members also bring geographic diversity, representing 22 different counties across the state, from Calhoun to St. Johns to Miami-Dade.
Class XI members include:
- Billy Barben, Avon Park
- Heather Blake, Trenton
- Aaron Bryson, Lake Placid
- Michael Cashwell, Clermont
- Juan David Castro-Anzola, Orlando
- Courtney Davis, Okeechobee
- Derek Hendrie, Venus
- Michael Hill, Eustis
- Phillip Hisey, Ocala
- Perry Hollingsworth, Sarasota
- Peter James, Pompano Beach
- Carleton Johns, St. Augustine
- Alan Jones, Parrish
- Charles Lanfier, Avon Park
- Marcella Lucio-Chinchilla, Miami
- Stewart Mann, Wellington
- Morgan McKenna, Fort Myers
- Cory Mikell, Gainesville
- Heather Moehling, Homestead
- Daisy Paez, Loxahatchee
- Ryan Pavlik, Monticello
- Daniel Rifa, Clewiston
- J. Ryals, Arcadia
- Sara Sebring, Sebring
- Marshal Sewell, Dover
- Casey Simmons Runkles, Plant City
- Erin Vermillion, De Land
- Philip Watts, Lee
- Curt Williams, Webster
- David Yoder, Altha
To learn more about WLI, visit http://wedgworthleadership.com/.
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The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS works to bring science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. Visit the UF/IFAS web site at ifas.ufl.edu and follow us on social media at @UF_IFAS.
The Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources helps participants understand current and projected political, social, economic and cultural issues facing decision-makers at local, state, national and international levels. Participants gain an understanding of people from all segments of society; study the social, economic and political systems in which people function; and use the framework to analyze issues related to agriculture, natural resources and rural communities. For more information about the Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources, visit http://www.wedgworthleadership.com or call Program Director Christy Chiarelli at 352-392-1038.
Read MoreChristy Chiarelli Named Director of Wedgworth Leadership Institute
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Christy Chiarelli has been a part of the agricultural community for as long as she can remember. Whether she was helping out on her grandfather’s farm or participating in 4-H and Future Farmers of America, she wasn’t afraid to step up, eventually becoming the national FFA vice president for the southern region.
Chiarelli will continue taking the lead as the next director of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute. As director, she will also be an Extension assistant scientist in the agricultural education and communication department, part of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
“The future of agriculture and natural resources in Florida depends on strong leadership, and I’m confident that under Ms. Chiarelli’s direction, WLI will continue growing a community of world-class leaders,” said Jack Payne, UF senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources.
The mission of WLI is to develop and refine the leadership skills of members of the agricultural and natural resources sectors. Initially called the Florida Leadership program for Agriculture and Natural Resources, the institute was established 1989. In 2003, the name changed to honor George Wedgworth and his contributions to Florida agriculture. Since its founding, approximately 300 alumni have participated in the program, which takes 22 months to complete.
Chiarelli is the third director of WLI, following UF/IFAS professors Gene Trotter, who established the institute, and Hannah Carter.
“Dr. Trotter and Dr. Carter’s leadership established the Wedgworth Leadership Institute as one of the premier programs in the country,” Chiarelli said. “I am looking forward to continuing to build on their legacies as we begin expanding our alumni programming, launching Class XI and finding meaningful connections between the program, the agricultural education and communication department and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.”
Chiarelli got involved with the institute while she was completing her master’s degree in agricultural education and communication in the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
“I surveyed the WLI alumni association for my thesis research. In 2011, Dr. Carter invited me to serve as the WLI program adviser, allowing me to travel on the national and international seminars with Class VIII,” she said. “Traveling with this class set an extremely high professional standard for me and encouraged me to succeed in my role with UF/IFAS Advancement. Given my past experience, when I saw the chance to work with the program, it was opportunity I could not pass up.”
During her time with UF/IFAS Advancement, Chiarelli rose to the rank of senior director of development administration, securing $1.7 million for the Wedgworth Leadership Institute and raising more than $13 million for UF/IFAS overall.
While fundraising is certainly one of her strengths, Chiarelli’s passion is helping others develop as leaders.
“Leadership development has a domino effect,” she said. “It’s exciting to think about how WLI class members will use their experience in the program to then make a positive difference in their local communities and industries.”
Keeping up with alumni and their accomplishments is also a high priority for Chiarelli.
“I am looking forward to meeting more of the alumni of the program and learning about their experiences both as a class member and an alumni member,” she said. “I hope to utilize their perspectives to ensure future classes have a meaningful experience.
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The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS works to bring science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. Visit the UF/IFAS web site at ifas.ufl.edu and follow us on social media at @UF_IFAS.
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Class X Seminar X Newsletter
Class X met for their tenth seminar on April 24th-26th, 2018.
Our featured Class X authors for this newsletter are John Bertram and Holly Chamberlain. Click on the image of the newsletter to read about this seminar!
John Bertram
Holly Chamberlain
Class X Seminar VIII Newsletter
Class X met for their eighth seminar
on December 8th-9th, 2017.
Our featured Class X authors for this newsletter are Tom Mitchell and his lovely wife Cheryl Mitchell. Click on the image of the newsletter to read about this fun seminar!
Tom Mitchell
Cheryl Mitchell
Class X Seminar VIII Newsletter
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PIE CENTER STUDY – A Comparison of GM Food: Wedgworth vs. Florida Consumers
The UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education
(PIE Center)
has recently released a study comparing the attitudes, perceptions, and opinions of Florida consumers around genetically modified food issues with those of current and past participants of the
Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The Study:
In Florida and throughout the United States, food-related issues such as the use of new food technologies clomid precio continue to be a top concern among consumers. Since consumers’ opinions regarding genetically modified food issues is important to both the sustainability of the agricultural industry and human life as we know it, the UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education (PIE Center) initiated a study to explore the attitudes, perceptions, and opinions of Florida consumers around genetically modified food issues. This survey examined Florida consumers’ (1) perceptions of genetically modified food, (2) intent to purchase genetically modified food, (3) familiarity of food policies, and (4) their information seeking behaviors with regard to genetically modified food. This survey was also replicated with Wedgworth respondents (current classes and alumni) to examine what they thought about these same 4 topics. Their attitudes, perceptions, and opinions of genetically modified food issues were then compared to those of Florida consumers.
The Methods:
In October 2015, an online survey was distributed to a representative sample of Florida consumers using non-probability sampling. Qualtrics, a survey software company, distributed the survey link to 1,154 Florida consumers, 18 or older. Of these potential respondents, 500 provided completes responses. To ensure that the data were representative of the Florida population according to the 2010 U.S. Census (seen in Table 1), the data were weighted to balance geographic location, age, gender, and race/ethnicity data with the Florida population (Kalton & Flores-Cervantes, 2003). Weighting procedures are commonly used in non-probability samples to compensate for selection, exclusion, and non-participation biases (Baker et al., 2013).
In May 2017, an online survey was distributed to 259 potential respondents from the Wedgworth agricultural leadership group. An initial emailwas sent to inform the potential respondents about the survery and request their participation. Up to 4 follow up emails were sent to encourage participation from those respondents who had not completed prior requests. This was done in an effort to attain a high response rate. Of the 259 potential respondents, 110 completed responses were recorded, resulting in a 42.5% response rate. Wedgworth respondents’ attitudes, opinions, and perceptions of genetically modified food issues were then compared with those of Florida consumers.
Click on the report icon to read the results of the study!
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Class X Seminar VII Newsletter
Class X met for their seventh seminar
on October 2nd-11th, 2017.
Our featured Class X authors for this newsletter are Cathy Atchley, Austin Spivey, and JC Deriso.
Cathy Atchley
Austin Spivey
JC Deriso