Forums for on-farm technology

Some of the country's leading agribusinesses will help dairying women get better at using apps, smartphones and different online systems.

Recent research from DairyNZ shows nearly 50% of dairy farmers have smartphones.

Network executive chair Michelle Wilson says increasingly farmers expect to be able to use new technology on the farm to add to the efficiency of their business.

The network's Facebook page, which has 1265 followers, will be the meeting place for its members to view a series of short video presentations about Technology on Farm from ASB, Ballance Agri-Nutrients, CRV Ambreed, Tru-Test and Agritec.

Participants will then post questions and share their thoughts, comments and ideas for using the technology with each other on the Facebook page.

Waikato technology and agriculture research organisation Agritec will show participants how to get smarter by using their phones on farm.

Digital resource developer Marlene Williamson said Agritec will demonstrate how by thinking laterally smartphones can contribute to improving health and safety and human resource practices.

"Smartphones are so much more than phones and many farmers are only just starting to embrace their capabilities," says Williamson.

The network's traditional Dairy Days are a series of one-day workshops which run twice a year across the country covering a range of topics from essential business skills to on-farm practices. The virtual forum is an extension of the Dairy Days.

Wilson says members can sign up to as many or as few of the technology sessions as they like, and there is no charge for the online information. For those who can't join the online forums a DVD is available for purchase.

"The Dairy Women's Network was founded on using technology to empower dairying women. Our email forum which started in 2002 was a leading innovation at the time and is still really well-used. Today forums such as our Facebook page are becoming increasingly popular and it makes a lot of sense to use social media to come together and talk about technology."

Technology on Farm Dairy Days start on October 28. For more information and to register visit www.dwn.org.nz