“On New Zealand farms, the computer is now as important as the quad bike,” RMPP general manager Michael Smith said.
“This work comes after the conclusion of a successful pilot programme that was held in 2015.
“We’re offering new courses to help farmers get the most out of IT and computers because that will allow them to make more informed business decisions.”
Smith said when the computer courses were piloted, farmers who attended realised they could be much more efficient and get out of the office earlier.
Otara Station manager Nick Peacock said “Doing a set stocking plan and calculating stocking rates has become easy with knowing how to use Excel.
“Before, it took me weeks to work it out. Now it’s only a few hours.”
Course facilitator Rachel Joblin said there were always plenty of ah-ha moments during classes.
“Seeing a whole new world of possibilities open up for participants is really encouraging.”
The Getting Started course began in mid-June throughout the country.
The course took people through the first steps, including email and exploring the internet.
The Using Farm Data course introduced people to spreadsheets and online farm management tools and software.
Information on where and when courses were available was on the RMPP website.
