DPI Climate Change Project Officer Lucy Stott will talk about webinars - online seminars, where participants view a presentation and interact with the presenter remotely - while Pru Cook will outline how the agricultural industry can make the most of social media.

Ms Stott, an experienced online facilitator, said webinars provided a chance for people to gain the latest information and insights from the comfort of their home office, kitchen table or, in some cases, even their tractor.

“With phone and/or internet connection, you can join in and listen to guest speakers and ask questions,” she said.

“We realise people are busy and often live a long way out of town and webinars provide a means to keep you in touch without having to physically travel to an event.”

“It just shows how the agriculture sector is embracing new technologies to share key information and knowledge.

“This year DPI will be holding a number of webinars and I will explain how everyone, no matter where they live and work, can be a part of them.”

Ms Cook said she would show real examples of how industry is using Facebook and Twitter to broaden their horizons and access valuable information.

“Not only can it be fun but it is a valuable form of networking, interaction, collaboration and exchanging of ideas.

“There is also a chance to influence opinion, guide discussion and set rather than react to policy agendas.”’ Ms Cook said.

“I hope to show the audience how easy it is get connected, what benefits it can bring to the industry and how important it is for everyone to understand and make the most it.

“As Danica Leys from AgChatOz said, it was not a choice of whether we did social media; the issue was how well we did it.”

The free Talk in the Park Seminar will be held at Grains Innovation Park from 3.30pm on Thursday, February 23. To book, call (03) 5362 2111.