| 41 Technology and communication tools are key The organisation maintains two-way communication with farmers so local challenges and opportunities can be shared across the sector. Karen Phelps Access to trusted information has never been more important for Kiwi sheep and beef farmers and Beef+Lamb New Zealand is continuing to invest in technology and communication tools designed to help farmers make betterinformed decisions, building on decades of valuable industry knowledge. One of the organisation’s most significant achievements is its annual Economic Service survey, which has now reached an impressive 75 years of continuous data collection. “It’s a nationally significant data set over a long time which gives valuable insights and information that can be drawn on,” says Patrick Crawshaw Beef+Lamb New Zealand’s Eastern North Island farmer director and a Hawke’s Bay farmer at Te Hau Station near Hastings. The long-running survey provides one of the country’s most comprehensive pictures of sheep and beef farming, helping track trends in farm performance, profitability and production over generations. The information supports farmers, researchers and the wider sector by providing reliable benchmarks and evidence for decision-making. Having been closely involved with Beef+Lamb New Zealand’s data and technology, audit and risk committees, as well as helping refresh the organisation’s strategy in 2024, Patrick says it is rewarding to see the organisation’s work around technology and data beginning to deliver tangible benefits for farmers. Communication also remains central to Beef+Lamb New Zealand’s ‘by farmers, for farmers’ approach. Through its nationwide farmer council, regional extension managers, field days, farming expos and roadshows the organisation maintains two-way communication with farmers so local challenges and opportunities can be shared across the sector. Technology is increasingly strengthening those connections. One of the latest developments is Bella, Beef+Lamb New Zealand’s artificial intelligence assistant, which gives farmers instant access to information contained within the organisation’s Knowledge Hub. Rather than searching through thousands of pages of material, farmers can simply ask Bella a question by typing or speaking naturally. The AI assistant searches only Beef+Lamb New Zealand’s endorsed resources, providing answers supported by references to the original material. Bella has access to around 4,600 pages of information along with more than 220 hours of podcasts RURAL PEOPLE » Patrick Crawshaw and videos, making it easier for farmers to find practical advice, planning tools, factsheets and local farm survey benchmarks. “There’s been a lot of good commentary around it from farmers,” says Patrick. “It’s a bit like having a consultant in your pocket.” He says the ability to make decades of research and investment easily accessible is a significant step forward. The organisation estimates Bella unlocks around $100 million worth of science-based, New Zealand-specific research and presents it in a way that suits individual farmers. Alongside new technology, long-standing communication channels continue to evolve. Beef+Lamb New Zealand’s weekly e-diary recently celebrated its 25th anniversary and now reaches more than 21,500 subscribers every Friday, highlighting local events, seasonal information and practical resources. Servicing the Puketapu, Patoka & Puketitiri area for bailing, silage, cultivation, drilling, maize / beet planting & earthmoving requirements M 021 308 684 E c.tcontracting@xtra.co.nz CT.NET.NZ Supporting Patrick Crawshaw from the ground up Precision where it counts Farmer owned.Topdressing and Aerial Spraying you can rely on Rural Aerial Co-op LTD www.ruralaerialcoop.co.nz Andrew Cuttance | 021 511 654 “The aim has always been to present in an easy way to farmers the information they may need throughout the year. Each issue takes into account the time of the year, the location so we give them information that is applicable to them at that time,” explains Patrick. “By combining trusted information, effective communication and modern technology Beef+Lamb New Zealand ensures farmers have access to the knowledge they need, when they need it.”
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