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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
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