The world of farming demands timely and current information. The Internet can provide this information in a relatively easy and convenient way. Therefore, the match between agriculture and the Internet is a good one.
This and more information from the Internet is accessible night or day and all from the comforts of your home computer.
Marketing
One
of the main farm business applications of the Internet is to obtain
commodity price and supply information. Let's say for example that
you produce beef cattle, grains and oilseeds on your farm. You can
use the Internet to check the commodity future and cash price at
Chicago, Winnipeg and Kansas commodity exchanges and prices at local
markets (e.g., B.C. Livestock Coop). If you need to refer to the
current or historical interest or currency exchange rates to
complete your marketing plan, these rates are accessible via the
Internet. Finally, maybe you are interested in expanding into a new
crop or specialty livestock. The Internet can be the place to look
for industry related marketing information. Increasingly, government
organizations such as USDA, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and
provincial departments of agriculture provide their factsheets on
the Internet. (e.g., Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Market and
Services Branch
http://www.agr.gc.ca/mar_e.phtml
and the Canada Farm Business Management Market News http://www.farmcentre.com/english/updates/markets.htm)
or
EHarvest http://www.eharvest.com/.
Communication
The Internet allows producers to communicate via email or
participate in active discussion groups. This allows producers
access to a broader geographical range of information. While email
allows individual producers to communicate with others they know are
on the Internet, the discussion or news groups are electronic
message boards where people post email messages about a particular
subject to be read and commented on by many Internet users. For
example, if you are a producer living in Northern BC who is
interested in the production and marketing of herbs there are
several groups on the Internet where you can access relevant
information. Be aware these groups are really a group of individuals
from a variety of backgrounds contributing to a discussion thus the
quality and accuracy of information may vary greatly.
Associations
Associations
can utilize the Internet to exchange information among members and
to clients. For example, a commodity association may set up a web
site to present their newsletter and current events calendar to
members, minutes of the meetings to directors, listing and email
addresses of members and directors, and educational product
information and/or product catalogue to customers.
Financial Planning
Financial planning is a major focus for most farm businesses. Maybe you are considering planting a new crop, expanding your cattle herd, or diversifying into one of the specialized livestock or crops. The Internet can be of assistance in this financial planning process. For example, if you have been in the business of growing carrots and onions in the past but are now interested in growing organic vegetables, the Internet can be the place to look for enterprise budgets, excel worksheets and agricultural financial software to assist you in the development of the budgets. The BCMAL Business Management website http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/busmgmt has a series of business planning guides, enterprise budgets and enterprise Excel worksheets that are commodity-specific which can be used to assist in the development of budgets for the financial plan. Others include: BCMAL Farm Management Tools http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/busmgmt/bus_tools/index.htm.
Direct Farm Marketing or Agri Tourism
Another business application for the Internet is the marketing of a direct farm outlet or agri tourism business. For example, if you are considering starting a direct marketing outlet on your farm or maybe a bed and breakfast the Internet offers you a method to introduce and promote your products and services. You can create a web page which provides a business name and contact information; list of products/services or product catalogue; season, days and hours of operation; maps and directions; survey of customers; and coupon events. You can even start an email list for your customer to make them aware of special events throughout the year. Customers can order products or make reservations via email on the Internet. This all reduces promotional telephone, mail and print costs and can allow the owner to reach a wide audience with minimal cost and effort. Of course, the Internet is just one of the options which can be utilized when promoting your business. See Farm Fresh Guide-Fraser Valley http://www.bcfarmfresh.com/.
Production
The Internet can provide access to production-related information such as supplier, equipment, weather, and field and animal management. The web can provide you with access to contacts around the world including factsheets from Canadian and U.S. Universities, Departments of Agriculture, and Associations. In many cases the publications are available right on the web in full or partial form. For example, if you are in the middle of harvest and need to know the forecast for the next few days you can check the weather reports on the Internet which are updated hourly or more frequently. Another example is if you are looking for a part for your tractor. Many equipment dealers provide a service manual that presents a name and a picture of their available part inventory allowing producers access to current product information. USDA Market Reports http://ers.usda.gov/Briefing/Cattle/index.htm
updated 2005 january
