Thursday, 24 September 2015 13:55

Computer course for farmers, national rollout

Written by 

A course teaching farmers the basics of computing has attracted investment from the red meat sector.

Computers are now an essential part of running a farm business, says major investor, Beef + Lamb.

B+LNZ chief executive, Scott Champion says the course fits with RMPP's philosophy of helping farmers develop skills to make use of existing products, rather than inventing new ones.

He adds that an increasing array of services are being offered online. Having the skills to use them will help farmers make more informed decisions and better manage their businesses.

The project began two years ago when Pongaroa-based farm consultant, Rachel Joblin, ran the first basic computer skills course to meet demand from members of her local community.

It was such a success the Red Meat Profit Partnership (RMPP) is now funding a nationwide rollout.

Champion says "Computers are fast becoming an essential farm management tool and through its investment in RMPP, Beef + Lamb New Zealand is pleased to help make these computer courses available to farmers throughout the country."

Joblin's involvement in setting up the computer course happened almost by accident.

She explains that local farmers approached her wanting to develop basic computer skills. After investigating options and finding no local trainers, she decided to do it herself.

The course is aimed at developing the basic skills farmers need to run their businesses. Beginning with the basics, like starting the computer, to sending emails and using search engines. "There are so many ah-ha moments when you see whole new worlds opening up to them." says Joblin.

Many farmers have been relying on family members to use a computer for them, but that is not sustainable in a world where online communication is now the norm. "It's how other people want to communicate with us,"

Having a low level of computer skills hinders a farmer's ability to pick up other farm management tools such as Farmax, says Joblin.

The courses to date have run in Pongaroa and at Taratahi. Nigel Fleming, who manages an 890ha sheep and beef farm near Masterton, completed the Taratahi course. Previously he had relied on his wife, Brigid, to do all the computer work.

Nigel says he has learnt how to create files, so now has all of his killing data in one place, and adds that he is often sent contracts by email, which he is now able to manage online.

He says he was surprised at just how much he enjoyed the experience. It has given him the confidence to continue developing his computer skills. In the future, he hopes to use farm and cash management software.

More like this

Winning back farmer trust

One year into her role as Beef + Lamb New Zealand chair, Kate Acland is continuing to work hard and win back farmer trust.

Tough times on farm

Beef + Lamb New Zealand chair Kate Acland says while farmers are quite positive about the new Government, the economic situation on farm is "pretty brutal".

Featured

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

Editorial: Passage to India

OPINION: Even before the National-led coalition came into power, India was very much at the fore of its trade agenda.

National

Knowing bugs means fewer drugs

A mastitis management company claims to deliver the fastest and most accurate mastitis testing available at scale for New Zealand…

Machinery & Products

100 years of Farmall Tractors

Returning after an enforced break, the Wheat and Wheels Rally will take place on the Lauriston -Barhill Road, North-East of…

JD unveils its latest beast

John Deere has unveiled its most powerful tractor ever, with the launch of the all new 9RX Series Tractor line-up…

Biggest Quadtrac coming to NZ!

In the biggest announcement that Case IH Australia/New Zealand has made around its tractor range, its biggest tractor is about…

A different shade of blue for Norwood

Norwood and ARGO Tractors, the Italian manufacturer of Landini and McCormick tractors, have announced an agreement that gives Norwood exclusive…

Kubota tests diesel engines

Kubota last month used the UK LAMMA Show to test the water with its new 200hp, four-cylinder 09-series diesel engines.

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Why?

OPINION: A mate of yours truly wants to know why the beef schedule differential is now more than 45-50 cents…

Fat to cut

OPINION: Your canine crusader understands that MPI were recently in front of the Parliamentary Primary Sector Select Committee for an…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter