Information Provider

A farmer can find many ways to use the internet. Using the internet, he can not only access information but can be an information provider. We normally do not think of farmers as information providers on the internet, nevertheless, some of the biggest benefits come from providing information.

One opportunity is to develop a home page. The farmer's home page is electronic business card in which he can provide information about his farm. Those interested in the farmers. A farmer would be able to give those who have an interest in the farm updates and reports they can access at their leisure. The Home Page is also an excellent place to advertise the farm's commodities to prospective buyers. Any or all the information presented on a home page can be restricted and accessed only by those who have security information.

Farmers can also provide information to suppliers and other businesses that need and use information from farmers. A farmer can order fertilizer in the middle of the night, sending detailed information on where and how much to spread with maps.

E-mail and chat space is another way farmers can provide information directly to others. Farmers can give advice to other farmers that are hundreds or even thousands miles away. E-mail can also provide a direct and easy route to our elected politicians. Virtually all politicians have e-mail addresses and you can tell them what you think without the cost of a stamp.

Accessing Information

A farmer and is family, with a computer and modem, can access a wealth of information on the internet. Much of this information can be accessed at sites that include many different areas and kinds of agricultural information. Three examples of this kind of site is the Illinois Cooperative Extension , Stratsoy , and Agriculture Online . These sites include production, marketing, research, Q and A, databases, and other general information.

A major machinery manufacturer will be offering farmers the opportunity to access dealership's parts inventory and discover availability. If the parts are available, the farmer can order them and have the parts waiting when he gets to the dealership.

Elevators are starting to provide information to farmers can use to gather information. Farmers who need to monitor such things as the temperature of grain in the storage bin or the environment of a hog barn that might be miles away can receive this information over the internet. Sensors at remote locations miles away can save hours of time.

Farm families can also find valuable information on the internet. Planning family vacations, education, games, product information, organizations, and hobbies are just a few of the areas found on the internet that can be useful.