Friday, 18 January 2019 09:03

Expo to highlight latest rural communications

Written by  Tim Warrington
Smartphones, farming apps and better coverage have all helped improve rural communications in recent years.  Smartphones, farming apps and better coverage have all helped improve rural communications in recent years. 

The latest in rural communications will again be high on the agenda at the East Coast Farming Expo.

Several communication specialists are exhibiting at the event on March 6 and 7 at the Wairoa A & P showground.

“Communication on farms needs to be as real-time as possible to enable more timely and accurate decision making,” says expo director Dave Martin.

“The old saying ‘knowledge is power’ is more relevant today than ever because of the speed at which modern business operates. Being remote no longer needs to be a barrier to operating effectively in the modern farming business environment,” he says.

“Increasing internet speeds and cellphone coverage, online sales reports, cloud recording and banking and financial programs allow many farmers the same instant access to decisionmaking tools as in a city business environment.”

Award-winning Gisborne radio communications company Colvins is attending the expo for the third time.

“The biggest development in radio communication in recent times is the advancement of the digital radio platform,” says manager Scott McSloy. “Digital radio provides better voice clarity and allows packets of data to be sent over the network.”

Colvins has installed at least 30 farm communication systems in the East Coast region.

“Most of these systems use solar-powered repeaters that we have specifically developed for the purpose,” McSloy says. “Being solar-powered allows the repeater to be placed at a convenient location for maximum property coverage.”

He says these radio systems have become an integral part of their farming operation.

Colvins will have this equipment on display and operating at the expo, for site visitors to see and try the features. They also have portable demonstration repeaters available for onfarm trials.

Gisborne Net’s Ronald Brice says getting more technology onfarm and more communications helps with safety.

For information or to buy tickets go to: www.eastcoastexpo.co.nz

More like this

Mountain Warrior's words of wisdom

The Mountain Warrior Shane Cameron is coming back to his roots as key note speaker at the East Coast Farming Expo Property Brokers Evening Muster in February.

Expo scales to new heights

Engaging, thought provoking speakers, relevant seminars and relatable topics alongside innovative produces and services are the order of the day at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo.

Featured

National Lamb Day Returns on February 15

National Lamb Day returns this Sunday, 15 February, with Beef + Lamb New Zealand Inc calling on Kiwis to fire up their barbecues and celebrate the people and the product that put New Zealand on the world map.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Bulldust!

OPINION: Here w go: the election date is set for November 7 and the politicians are out of the gate…

No good news?

OPINION: ECan data was released a few days ago showing Canterbury farmers have made “giant strides on environmental performance”.

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter