Farms And Computers
While scientists work to engineer a completely artificial hamburger, computers are actually improving the agriculture industry in more appealing and practical ways. Computer usage and ownership has been increasing in the United States steadily since 2001when the USDA began first seriously tracking computers on farms. But just how do farms and computers relate?
In 2011, the USDA reported that 65% of U.S. farms have access to a computer, with 63% owning or leasing their own computer. That statistic is significant in that it indicates that the agriculture industry is the most vital industry in the nation with the lowest computer penetration. While large-scale farms have adopted the computer to aid in the business of agriculture, many family farms and farms run by an older generation of farmer have actively refused computer integration.
The farms that use computers largely use them for their Internet capabilities. 95% of farms that have a computer have Internet access. The World Wide Web is being used to connect farmers across the country. Oddly, it is the resistance of traditional farmers that may be hurting their own business. The Internet provides local farmers with a new avenue to reach specialized local markets. However, the USDA found that farms making sales between ten and one hundred thousand dollars only use their computers for farm business 41% of the time! This is in stark contrast to the farms with sales above $250,000. Those farms used the computer for farm business 72% of the time. The willingness to use advancing computer technologies allows larger and specialized farms to continue to grow.
The most common use for computers on farms involves data storage. Farmers use computers to keep track of workers and inventory. While many of the smaller farms, the ones that resist the computer, still use traditional bookkeeping methods, most computer-connected farms use computers for keeping track of workers and payroll. As well, computers help tech-savvy farmers keep a closer eye on inventory and supply chain issues. By computerizing their feed and fertilizer inventories, farmers using computers provide more precise estimates to economic forecasters. The estimates developed by economists from data supplied by farmers has been more accurately able to predict price spikes in the price of a gallon of milk, which is one of several key indicators in calculating the poverty line!
Farmers are also using their computers to get more accurate meteorological and climatological data. Getting data on the weather is vital for farmers, especially crop farmers. Livestock farmers are also helping to provide environmental scientists with data that is helping to predict and regulate more accurately the environmental impact of agricultural production, like the beef industry. The flow of information both ways has helped to create sophisticated models that have prevented further outbreaks of Mad Cow Disease.
The agriculture industry may be the last big holdout in accepting the role of the computer, but those farmers that have adapted to the times are discovering the benefits of the computer outweigh the discomfort of change.
About RESCUECOM:
RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.
For More Information, Contact:
David Milman, CEO
315-882-1100
david@rescuecom.com
Filed under: business, business computers, computer help, Computer Support, david milman, maintenance, news, rescuecom, tech support, tips, winning