Gone are the days when a farmer’s biggest concern was the unpredictable weather. Now, it’s all about choosing the right filter for that sunrise shot over the cornfields. And while previous generations may have had their hands full with crops, livestock, and machinery, Gen Z farmers are multitasking like never before—balancing crop rotations with TikTok trends and making sure every angle of their farm is Instagram-worthy.
Who Needs Scarecrows When You Have a Viral TikTok Dance to Keep the Crows Away?
The traditional scarecrow has long been a fixture in farming, a silent sentinel keeping watch over the crops. But in the world of Gen Z farming, it’s being replaced by something much more dynamic—a viral TikTok dance. Instead of stuffing old clothes with straw, these young farmers are pulling out their phones, setting up a tripod, and busting a move in the middle of the field.
“I posted a dance video in my cornfield, and it got over 500,000 views,” says Jenna, a 22-year-old farmer and TikTok enthusiast from Fresno. “I like to think the crows are watching too, and maybe they’re scared off by my moves!”
It’s a modern twist on an old problem—keeping pests at bay while also staying relevant online. After all, why settle for a scarecrow when you can be the scarecrow and go viral in the process?
Forget Tractors—Gen Z Farmers Are More Concerned About Getting the Perfect Drone Shot of Their Fields
Tractors have long been the workhorses of the farm, essential for plowing fields, planting seeds, and harvesting crops. But for Gen Z farmers, they’re also a backdrop for the perfect drone shot. Flying drones over their fields to capture sweeping, cinematic views has become just as important as the farming itself.
“I’ll spend an hour getting the right drone shot,” says Tyler, a 24-year-old farmer. “It’s all about showing the beauty of the farm from above. Plus, it’s a great way to check on the crops without actually walking through the fields.”
The drone has become the new essential farming tool—not just for practical purposes, but for content creation. It’s all about giving followers a bird’s-eye view of farm life, from sunrise to sunset.
It’s Not Just a Farm, It’s an Influencer’s Dream Backdrop
To the average person, a farm might seem like nothing more than fields, barns, and animals. But to Gen Z farmers, it’s an influencer’s paradise. The rustic charm, the open skies, and the natural beauty make for the perfect backdrop for endless social media posts.
From posing with chickens to lounging on hay bales, every corner of the farm becomes a stage. It’s not just about farming anymore—it’s about creating a lifestyle brand that resonates with followers.
“Every day is a photoshoot,” says Emily, a 21-year-old farmer. “I’ll spend hours setting up shots with my animals, making sure the lighting is perfect. My followers love it, and it’s a great way to connect with people who might not know much about farming.”
Why Milk Cows the Old-Fashioned Way When You Can Livestream It to a Million Followers?
Milking cows used to be a quiet, solitary task done in the early hours of the morning. But Gen Z farmers have turned it into a spectacle—live-streaming the entire process to their millions of followers. It’s farming meets reality TV, where every squirt of milk becomes content.
“I started livestreaming my morning milking sessions,” says Ryan, a 23-year-old dairy farmer. “At first, it was just for fun, but then people started tuning in every day. Now I have a whole community of followers who watch me milk cows. It’s kind of surreal.”
It’s not just about showing the world what farming is like—it’s about creating content that resonates with viewers, whether they’re fellow farmers or city dwellers who’ve never set foot on a farm.
Farm Chores Are Just Another Hashtag Opportunity. #HayBaleChallenge
What used to be a mundane task—stacking hay bales, feeding livestock, fixing fences—has now become an opportunity for social media engagement. Every chore is a potential hashtag, every task a chance to go viral.
Take the #HayBaleChallenge, for example. What started as a simple task of moving hay bales has turned into a full-blown social media challenge, with farmers competing to see who can stack them the fastest, highest, or in the most creative way.
“I posted a video of myself doing the #HayBaleChallenge,” says Sarah, a 20-year-old farmer. “It blew up overnight. Now, people from all over the world are trying it out. It’s a great way to make farm life fun and interactive.”
Crop Rotation? More Like Selfie Rotation—Every Angle Needs Its Moment
Crop rotation is a time-honored farming practice, essential for maintaining soil health and maximizing yields. But for Gen Z farmers, there’s another kind of rotation that’s just as important—selfie rotation. After all, every angle of the farm deserves its moment in the spotlight.
“Every time I’m out in the fields, I make sure to take a selfie from a new angle,” says Megan, a 19-year-old farmer. “It’s all about keeping things fresh for my followers. One day, I’m posing in front of the corn. The next, I’m in the wheat field. It’s all about variety.”
It’s a balance between maintaining the farm and maintaining a strong online presence. And for Gen Z farmers, both are equally important.
Who Knew Hay Bales Made the Perfect Yoga Props for Viral Workout Videos?
Yoga is all the rage, and so are viral workout videos. So, it was only a matter of time before Gen Z farmers combined the two—using hay bales as yoga props for their latest fitness routines.
“I started doing yoga on my hay bales as a joke,” says Justin, a 22-year-old farmer. “But then I realized it actually worked! Plus, my followers loved it. Now, I post a new hay bale yoga video every week.”
It’s a creative way to blend fitness and farm life, and it’s another example of how Gen Z farmers are finding new ways to connect with their audience.
Forget Weather Forecasts—Just Check the Latest TikTok Trends to Decide What Crops to Plant
For generations, farmers have relied on weather forecasts to plan their planting and harvesting schedules. But for Gen Z farmers, there’s another source of information that’s just as important—TikTok trends.
“Sometimes I’ll base my planting decisions on what’s trending on TikTok,” says Chloe, a 23-year-old farmer. “If avocados are trending, I might plant more of those. It’s all about staying relevant.”
It’s a risky strategy, but it’s one that’s paying off for these young farmers. After all, what better way to ensure your crops are in demand than by planting what’s popular online?
Why Fix a Broken Fence When You Can Make a Tutorial on How NOT to Fix a Fence?
Farm maintenance is a never-ending task, and fixing broken fences is just part of the job. But for Gen Z farmers, even this mundane chore can be turned into content—by making a tutorial on how NOT to fix a fence.
“I had a fence that needed fixing, but instead of just fixing it, I made a video showing all the wrong ways to do it,” says Jake, a 25-year-old farmer. “It was hilarious, and my followers loved it. Plus, it got me out of actually fixing the fence for a while!”
It’s all about finding humor in the everyday tasks of farm life and sharing that humor with the world.
The Future of Farming: TikTok Tutorials on How to Grow the Perfect Avocado Toast Ingredients
Avocado toast has become a symbol of millennial and Gen Z culture, so it’s no surprise that these young farmers are jumping on the trend. But they’re not just growing avocados—they’re making TikTok tutorials on how to grow the perfect avocado toast ingredients.
“People are obsessed with avocado toast,” says Lily, a 21-year-old farmer. “So, I started making videos on how to grow everything you need for it—avocados, tomatoes, even the bread if you’re really ambitious. It’s farming meets foodie culture, and my followers can’t get enough of it.”
It’s a niche market, but it’s one that’s gaining traction as more and more people look to grow their own food and share the process online.
Gen Z Farmers Might Be the First to Plant Seeds and Take Selfies at the Same Time
Multitasking is a skill that every farmer needs, and Gen Z farmers have taken it to the next level. Not only are they planting seeds, tending to crops, and caring for livestock—they’re also taking selfies at the same time.
“I’ll be out in the field, planting seeds, and I’ll just snap a quick selfie,” says Hannah, a 22-year-old farmer. “It’s all about capturing the moment and sharing it with my followers. Plus, it’s a great way to document the progress of the farm.”
It’s a balancing act, but one that these young farmers are mastering with ease.
Sustainable Farming? More Like Sustainably Curating the Perfect Farm Aesthetic
Sustainable farming is a hot topic, and Gen Z farmers are all about it. But for them, it’s not just about environmentally-friendly practices—it’s about curating the perfect farm aesthetic.
“I’m all about sustainability,” says Noah, a 24-year-old farmer. “But I also want my farm to look good. It’s about finding that balance between being eco-friendly and making sure everything is Instagram-worthy.”
It’s a new take on sustainability, one that combines practicality with aesthetics in a way that resonates with a younger audience.
Who Needs a Barn Cat When You Have a Ring Light and a Viral Dance Challenge?
Barn cats have long been a staple of farm life, keeping the rodent population in check and adding a bit of charm to the barnyard. But for Gen Z farmers, the traditional barn cat is being replaced by something much more high-tech—a ring light and a viral dance challenge.
“I set up a ring light in my barn and started doing dance challenges with my animals,” says Grace, a 20-year-old farmer. “It’s a fun way to get creative and show off the farm at the same time. Plus, my followers love it.”
It’s a new kind of farm entertainment, one that blends tradition with modern technology in a way that only Gen Z can pull off.
Tractor Pull? Nah, It’s All About TikTok Pull Now—How Many Likes Can You Pull In?
Tractor pulls have long been a popular event in rural communities, showcasing the power and prowess of farming machinery. But for Gen Z farmers, there’s a new kind of pull in town—the TikTok pull.
“It’s not about how much weight your tractor can pull anymore,” says Ethan, a 23-year-old farmer. “It’s about how many likes you can pull in on TikTok. That’s the real competition now.”
It’s a playful twist on a classic farming tradition, one that reflects the changing priorities of the younger generation.
The Cows Aren’t the Only Ones Chewing Their Cud—Gen Z Farmers Are Chewing Over Their Next Viral Post
In the world of farming, cows are known for their habit of chewing cud—methodically and patiently re-chewing their food. But in the world of Gen Z farming, it’s not just the cows who are chewing things over. These young farmers are constantly thinking about their next viral post, brainstorming ideas and strategies to keep their content fresh and engaging.
“Every day, I’m thinking about what I can post next,” says Rachel, a 21-year-old farmer. “Whether it’s a funny video with my animals or a beautiful shot of the sunset, I’m always chewing over ideas. It’s part of the job now.”
It’s a new kind of farming mentality, one that blends creativity with the demands of the land.
Practical Advice for Farmers & Cowboy Readers
For those looking to tap into the Gen Z farming trend, here are some solutions-oriented tips:
- Step-by-step guides: Start small—whether it’s a simple post or a full-blown TikTok challenge, ease into the social media world at your own pace.
- Pro tips: Authenticity is key. Show your real farm life, not just the polished moments.
- Insider knowledge: Don’t be afraid to experiment. The more creative you get, the more likely you are to go viral.
- Best practices: Engage with your followers. Respond to comments, ask questions, and build a community.
- Troubleshooting tips: If a post doesn’t perform well, don’t be discouraged. Learn from it and try something new next time.
Disclaimer: No farm animals were harmed in the making of this article. Any resemblance to actual TikTok influencers is purely coincidental, though highly likely. This story is a collaboration between a sentient farmer and a slightly more sentient cowboy. Any advice given should be taken with a grain of salt and a bushel of corn.
Originally Published at FarmerCowboy.com
2024-08-16 19:57:34
Karl Hoffman is a distinguished agriculturalist with over four decades of experience in sustainable farming practices. He holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy from Cornell University and has made significant contributions as a professor at Iowa State University. Hoffman’s groundbreaking research on integrated pest management and soil health has revolutionized modern agriculture. As a respected farm journalist, his column “Field Notes with Karl Hoffman” and his blog “The Modern Farmer” provide insightful, practical advice to a global audience. Hoffman’s work with the USDA and the United Nations FAO has enhanced food security worldwide. His awards include the USDA’s Distinguished Service Award and the World Food Prize, reflecting his profound impact on agriculture and sustainability.