EFarming Survey National Field Days June 2003

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E-Farming SurveyNational Field Days June 2003

• Stuart Locke

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E-Farming Survey

• Very positive response to survey
• Key outcomes
• 1. Cellphones
• Very low cellphone usage, texting is minimal
• Would use more if could see advantage in it.
• Cellphones are not used as information gathering
  tool.

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E-Farming Survey

• 2. Internet
• Not a lot happening at present but searching is
  the largest of the various activities.
• Three groups emerge as to future use
• Significant group want to get into it.
• Largest group want to expand slowly (cautious)
• Significant group are saying nope.

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E-Farming Survey

• Computers on farm
• Common (75) but business use lower (lt56)
• Proportion of total usage is relatively low
• Accounts and record keeping are predominant use
• Internet is low for business
• Purchasing and selling is very limited
• Usage varies across regions
• Internet connection is almost entirely via phone
  line, with minimal broadband usage

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E-Farming Survey

• Outlook
• Farmers like multiple sources of information
• Internet and cellphones have real roles to play
• Significant group are looking for more advantages
  and ways to reduce cost
• Internet selling, banking and purchasing are
  likely to increase rapidly especially bill
  payment and receiving sale proceeds.