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4.1 Computers in the Farm Office

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 February 2018

K. Butterworth
K. Butterworth*
Affiliation:
Agricultural Development and Advisory Service, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
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Extract

This paper concerns a look at the future use of computers in the farm office, particularly in relation to animal production. It would perhaps be appropriate to start by examining the current position and look briefly at the types of farms involved, the possible computer applications and the computer systems currently available. On the basis of what is known about future developments in hardware and software, a view of the future use of computers in animal production in the farm office will be attempted.

The information largely comes from the ADAS On Farm Computing Team, which was set up in April 1979 to examine the implications of microcomputers in the farm office. The team has made contact with a large cross section of the industry. It has been in touch with farmers who own microcomputers, firms actively selling machines and programs, manufacturers, software houses, bureaux, consultants, accountants, secretarial agencies and others offering alternative services. The team has also had several machines and programs under evaluation.

Our aim has been to brief the ADAS field advisers on the new technology, the possible applications, advantages, disadvantages and the criteria to be considered when a farmer is faced with the decision of whether or not to buy a microcomputer.

Type
4. Policies for Future Use of Computers in Animal Production
Information
BSAP Occasional Publication , Volume 5 , 1981 , pp. 121 - 125
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Production 1981

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References

REFERENCES

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