So often we look at social media as a means to waste time. We refer to things as ‘online’ and “real life” as if it’s different and for many it is. For many it intertwines. It’s with a heavy heart this morning I think of one of the contacts, Dr. Chris Raines, and the news of his death in a car accident.

He was a fellow #agchat supporter and a director on the board. More than that, he was an incredible person who would take time to talk meat and dispel meat myths. I was fortunate to meet Chris last year at the AgChat conference and the enthusiasm he put forward to meats, agriculture and social media. We’re all better for it.

He took a look at things like veal production and opened the door for people to see.

There are many who leave this world every day and their friends and family feel the loss more than those reading the news in a newspaper. He was one of two people I was confident in asking meat processing questions to for a straight answer that was accurate without overwhelming. The AgChat friends are very real indeed.

He’ll be missed. :-(