Somerset Young Farmers

Computers on the Farm

This is a one-year project funded by European Social funds as part of the 'AdaptthroughRatio' programme. Based at the office of the 'Somerset Federation of Young Farmers Clubs' the aim is to assist the young farming community to use Information Technology more effectively both on the farm and in any diversification businesses. The project employs a full time manager, Robert Edwards, who is able to offer advice and support on any aspect of Information Technology.

I emphasize again that this project is funded by European money and so there is no hidden agenda to sell products or promote the interests of any commercial activity. We are genuinely here to help but only until December 1999.

We aim to help both those who know nothing about computers and also those farmers with more experience of IT.

So how can we help?

If you:

want unbiased advice on what type of computer to buy, where to get it from and what it should cost
want advice on where to find specific farming software
information about training courses
need some financial help to attend a training course
want to be put in contact with other farmers who may be able to help you
would like a 'one-to-one' talk with Robert Edwards to discuss how a computer might help your business - and remember that this is totally free
would like some IT training in your farmhouse. We can bring laptops and give you personalized training
want advice on using the Internet for farm use
want to know about e-mailing cattle movements rather than using the postal method
are interested in electronic tagging for animals
are thinking of using the internet to either promote farm produce or introduce a diversification business onto your farm
want a arrange talk for a farming group in a computer room near you with the opportunity to use learn how to use the internet
want a talk on IT in farming

The above gives you a flavour of what is on offer and remember that this is all totally free of charge and we are not trying to sell you anything. The project aimed at helping the farming community.

The partners in this Project are:

Somerset Federation of Young Farmers Clubs
Devon Federation of Young Farmers Clubs
Cornwall Federation of Young Farmers Clubs
NFU
County Landowners Association
Somerset County Council
Drake Training in Cornwall

The following personnel are associated with the project:

Pat Boyle - Somerset County Council - Project Co-ordinator
Mike Lewis - Somerset Federation of Young Farmers - Project Champion
Julie Forbes - Somerset Federation of Young Farmers - Finance and administration
Alison Harman - Software advisor
Mike Chipperfield - Chapmans Farm, Treborough, Somerset - farming software advisor
Robert Edwards - Somerset Federation of Young Farmers - Project manager

We would be very pleased to hear from anyone in the farming community who would like our help and also from any group who would like to contribute their expertise to the Project.