Life on the farm has changed in ways that many don’t see. Today’s farmers aren’t just driving tractors and feeding animals. They’re also on the Internet every day, often from the wee hours of the morning. The internet has become a practical tool they use to make smarter decisions, solve problems faster, and stay connected to the world around them.
Selling Produce via the Internet
More and more Australian farmers are turning to the internet to sell their produce directly. A Mornington Peninsula strawberry grower may have a small website, for example, through which customers pre-order boxes of fruit and collect them at the farm gate. It’s a simple system that eliminates the middleman and keeps things local.
Some are using social media to promote what they grow. A sheep farmer in regional Victoria could post images of wool throws made from their own flock. Followers place orders with Facebook or Instagram messages. It’s personal, fast, and doesn’t require any complicated technology.
Keeping Track of Farm Finances
Running a farm involves keeping a close watch on the money coming in and going out. Many Australian farmers are now using online tools to help manage their accounts and stay organised. Platforms such as AgriWebb, Xero, and Figured are being used widely across the country.
These tools help make daily tasks easier. Farmers can record fuel use, input costs, and sales in a phone or tablet. This is particularly useful in harvest or mustering times, when paperwork can quickly accumulate. Instead of having things written down on paper, the information gets saved and backed up online.
Enjoying Online Entertainment After Work
Farming days in Australia can be long, hot, and hard. But after the sun goes down and the chores are finished, many farmers love to wind down with some screen time. Streaming platforms are a favourite. Some tune into Aussie dramas or footy replays on services such as Stan, Binge, or Kayo Sports. Others like nature documentaries or rural life shows on ABC iview or Netflix. It’s a simple way to relax after hours in the paddock or the shed.
Many also subscribe to YouTube channels operated by other farmers. A grain grower in Western Australia could subscribe to the vlogs from a cattle station in Queensland to compare techniques. These videos are often a combination of entertainment and practical tips, making them helpful and entertaining.
Online gaming is also gaining popularity. Many farmers love having quick games on their phones when they have a spare moment, whether it’s a simple puzzle game or a short casino-style game. This kind of entertainment is also great in regional areas where there are few social options available.
Fast withdrawal casinos are also gaining popularity, especially for people who want to play on platforms that don’t keep their money for extended periods of time (Source: https://www.escapistmagazine.com/guides/fast-withdrawal-casinos-australia/). They like the idea of playing for a short period of time and then having access to their winnings without having to wait for days. For many, it’s a practical way to unwind for a few minutes without having to leave the property or mess up their schedule.
Using the Internet to Plan the Day
Many farmers start their day by checking online weather. It helps them determine when to plant, spray, or harvest. For example, a corn farmer may wait to spray herbicides when wind speeds are too high. A vineyard owner could use a weather tracking app to prevent working in extreme heat.
Some farmers use high-resolution satellite maps from websites such as AgFiniti or Climate FieldView. These tools allow them to see the levels of moisture in various parts of the field. That way, they don’t waste their time watering crops that already have enough moisture.
Checking out grain or livestock market prices online is also a daily task. A farmer growing wheat may decide to sell at noon after watching the price rise all morning. This type of quick decision-making wasn’t possible in the past.
Ordering Equipment and Supplies with the Click
Parts used to be shipped to farmers who drove to town and waited for them. Today, many just go online. They order filters, belts, tires, and tools from websites such as TractorHouse or Shoup. A soybean farmer in Iowa may want a replacement sprayer nozzle. Instead of going on a long trip, they order it online and it is delivered in two days.
Buying bigger things works the same way. Some farmers buy used equipment, such as combines or seeders, at online auctions. Platforms such as Grays allow them to bid from home. These sites include a listing of photos, videos, and equipment history. That helps the farmer to determine whether the price is a fair one.
