Application of ICT for growers

Do you want to reduce paper work in your business? Have you wondered how to improve record-keeping and manage your business information more efficiently? Innovative Information Communication Technology (ICT) such as handheld computers used with software for crop recording, or disease prediction models and global positioning systems(GPS) are designed to do just that.

In an ever-changing environment growers need to avail of any new technology which can help them survive in today’s very competitive market.

There are many applications, which can benefit businesses, whether large or small. For growers the most useful are: -

Computerising your accounts will make keeping the books much easier, improve your efficiency and give you quick access to accurate information.

A good accounting software package can save time and money, while providing useful management information. Bank reconciliations, VAT returns, and other accounting tasks can be completed quickly. Most packages allow the addition of a payroll module to automate the payment of wages. Invoices can be generated and stock control automated.

Accurate recording of crop information is the foundation of traceability in crop production as well as providing the basis for calculating costs and profitability.

The information can be recorded on simple spreadsheets designed by the growers or on specific crop recording packages. All crop information from planting to harvesting can be recorded.

Various reports will be automatically generated including traceability, yields, pesticide and fertiliser use, gross and net margins. Comprehensive analysis of field and crop performance provides valuable financial information for improved business planning and management.

Shane Donnelly, Derrylard Nurseries, Portadown, availed of the Increasing Access to ICT Scheme to record information on his lettuce and cut flower business using a PDA to link with farm management software. "Using the PDA allows me to enter crop data while I am carrying out an operation. This makes recording simple and accurate. I can call up a complete crop history when I’m in the field by clicking a key. Once I get back to the office the data entered on the PDA in the field can quickly be transferred to the computer"

Thomas and Kenneth Gilpin, Gilfresh Produce, Loughgall, also took advantage of the Scheme to link a crop-recording programme with a GPS package. Kenneth comments, "The main advantage so far is that I can precisely map the fields and so greatly improve accuracy of fertiliser spreading. I have a lot to learn about the software but I hope in the future to use it to help adjust and fine-tune both land and crop management."

For those who spend most of their working time away from their home or office mobile computing can be a great benefit.

The most portable option to use is the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

often referred to as a palm computer. These small, light devices allow you to look up contact details, appointments and make notes. They are quick and easy to use and some can link to a mobile phone for Internet and e-mail access.

A DARD Scheme, ‘Increasing Access to Information Communication Technology’, provides funding for innovative ICT for growers or grower groups.

Growers participating in a project must use the ICT application in their business and provide feedback to the scheme manager on the benefits of the technology.

All approved ICT applications are 100% funded and supplied to scheme participants. The maximum level of funding for an individual project depends on the number of growers associated with the project and will be approximately £750-£1000 per grower.

If you have an idea for an innovative project which will help your business contact

Manus McHenry, Educational Development Branch, Greenmount Campus

Tel: 028 9442 6642, e-mail: manus.mchenry@dardni.gov.uk

Shane Donnelly, Derrylard Nurseries, demonstrates use of the PDA to Joan Hamilton, Edible Crops Development Adviser, Greenmount Campus.

Manus McHenry, Greenmount Campus, discusses GPS farm mapping with Alan Lockhart and Kenneth Gilpin, Glifresh Produce.