Agri News connects with readers online
By Heather Thorstensen
hthorstensen@agrinews.com
Date Modified: 07/22/2010 9:18 AM
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ROCHESTER, Minn. — Agri News offers readers more ways to stay connected than ever before with a new website and Facebook page.
The site, www.agrinews.com, is updated weekly and features local news, a calendar of events and advertisements. It was launched last September.
"I think people really like it," said Rosie Allen, advertising and circulation manager. "It's more updated than the previous site, it has a clean look. I think it's a little easier for them to find things."
The website pulls all Agri News information together.
"Agri News has two weekly print editions, one featuring news in Minnesota and one for northern Iowa. Both sets of news are posted online," said Mychal Wilmes, managing editor. "Readers can get local news plus other information they otherwise might not see from the region."
Local news is a pillar of the site, said Allen.
"People need to go to the paper to get the opinions, editorials, advice, columnists and national news," she said.
Special sections, such as Varietal Trials, are also posted.
Online features include classifieds, Barn Burners and the Ag Directory. Classifieds may be submitted and paid for online. Subscribers to the paper get one free, four-line classified ad per month.
"If there's questions, we do have a classified advertising salesperson available to help," said Allen.
Readers may also submit via the site a letter to the editor, comments and suggestions or an event for the online calendar. Calendar items, including auctions, are added throughout the week.
On the Subscribe page, readers can sign up to have the newspaper delivered to their home, change their address or report delivery issues.
Staff contact information and news stand locations are also listed.
Growing areas of the site include the Featured Links page, which connects readers with local associations, and the Ask the Expert page, where readers can seek advice about specific issues.Agri News is looking for more associations and experts that would like to be involved.
Reporters update the Agri News Facebook page multiple times per week to alert readers to news, upcoming articles and events.
"People can follow us on Facebook to stay connected with our editorial staff," said Wilmes. "It's a great way to get updates between the weekly editions."