The Rural Voice, 2001-01, Page 50AgriTech
Seeking a new technological direction
By Janice Becker
With the first year of the millenni-
um now past, we are full-fledged into
an era in which technology is affect-
ing every aspect of our lives.
Not only do a vast number of
households have at least one comput-
er, many connected to the internet via
phone lines, cable or satellite, but we
are forever confronted by cell
phones, digital devices and new wire-
less equipment that can keep one in
contact no matter when or where.
While so many pieces of technology
can control our lives, others can be of
great benefit when used wisely and
with the understanding of the source
of information. Computer programs
can ease bookkeeping, new equip-
ment can make an operation more
efficient and good information can
lead to better management.
Throughout the past year, a wide
variety of internet web sites have
been discussed, everything from how
to shop on-line for fruits and vegeta-
bles or antique tractor parts to locat-
ing educational material for children,
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understanding better farm drainage,
weather forecasting and buying new
equipment.
It is hoped these sites were infor-
mative and of use to the readers. I
thought the beginning
of the new year would
be a good time to
review some of the
sites and plan for the
future.
For me, one very
important aspect to
finding the material
being sought is by
using an agreeable
search engine. I had
preferred Yahoo Canada because it
allowed me to narrow the search
within a desired topic.
However, changes to the setup have
taken it off my list. I now use random
engines as I still have not found one
which works in all situations.
A good search engine should
allow you to type in numerous crite-
ria, using all information to identify
appropriate sites rather than all the
sites that include even the mention of
one criteria. If anyone one has a great
suggestion let me know. A good
search engine can drastically reduce
the frustration factor.
Beyond doing general searches
through an engine, discovering sites
which meet your most frequent needs
is helpful.
One site I returned to repeatedly
began as eharvest, but was changed
to fanny com this year when it amal-
gamated with another source. This
site connects to numerous others in
almost every sector of agriculture. It
is a good place to start when search -
Searching
for the best
search
engines
ing for a specific topic.
If looking for material for school
projects, organization sites such as
the Ontario Cattlemen's Association,
www.cattle.guelph.on.ca and
OMAFRA's at
www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/kids/inde
x/html or informative and fun.
For the more serious student, check
out the United Nations site at
www.fao.org.
Association sites, whether for the
pork producers, fruit growers or
wheat farmers, offer good material
and can usually be found easily by
simply searching with the organiza-
tional name.
Equipment dealers can be found in
the same manner.
For the new year, I would like to
stretch this column in other direc-
tions, with the help of the readers. I
would like to learn about any piece of
software which has lessened or eased
your time doing paperwork. Is there a
piece of equipment or a new technol-
ogy which has allowed you to run
your specific operation more effi-
ciently, with fewer hands or perform
in a way not previously conceived?
Tell me what new technology has
brought agriculture into the 21st cen-
tury and how it has affected the fami-
ly farm or large scale operation.
I look forward to hearing from you
and speaking to those in the farming
business in the months to come.
Contact me at becker@wcl.on.ca
with information which could help
others in your agricultural sector
boost their business.0
Janice Becker is a computer enthusi-
ast and journalist living near Walton,
ON.
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