Meteorological information to support local farming planning: experience report

Abstract

This paper presents a four-year experience report of a university extension project developed in partnership with the Regional Office of the State Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply – Department of Rural Economics, in Campo Mourão, Paraná. The initiative emerged from the need for localized meteorological information to support agricultural planning and decision-making. With the aim of strengthening the ties between the university and the external community, a social media profile was created to disseminate educational content about agriculture and meteorology, along with a monthly newsletter directed at farmers in the Metropolitan Region of Campo Mourão, which encompasses 25 municipalities in the central-western portion of the state. Content creation strategies included the use of mind maps, visually engaging infographics, and structured posting schedules. The newsletters incorporated choropleth maps displaying meteorological data, soil types, and agricultural zoning for climate risk. Results demonstrated strong engagement from younger audiences on social media and continuous improvement in the newsletters’ quality and relevance, highlighting the project's success in promoting effective communication and fulfilling the goals of university extension.