Internet and the Small Farmer Rancher

You Don’t Have Mail:
Ranchers Have Yet to Share on the Information Superhighway
      While millions of people across the world have harnessed the collective-thinking and knowledge spreading power of the internet, the U.S. ranching community has yet to pull their cars onto the information superhighway.

       Network upon network is accessible online, with likeminded individuals sharing information and ideas via bulletin boards, virtual communities, blogs, etc. to further their professions—not to mention their careers—via communication through the various electronic mediums now available online.

     But, according to a study conducted by the University of North Texas in cooperation with the Red Angus Association of America, despite a host of sites available and the huge benefits that could be reaped, cattle ranchers have all but bucked the internet information sharing trend in favor of good old fashioned word of mouth.

Not for Lack of Access
     Most of the 209 ranchers surveyed owned a personal computer and had ready access to the internet. But while sons and daughters regularly jumped online for school work and e-mailing their friends, 83 percent said they did not use the internet to run the ranch or access information. Not that they aren’t using the computer or the Internet; just the opposite is true. But, those surveyed indicated they did not use the internet to share and spread information to establish a cooperative online community and actively work to further and promote idea sharing and awareness.

     Instead, of those that did, the vast majority went online to examine breeding information, auction values, general market information and veterinary related resources.

Creating an Online Community
     Other studies, which have examined the effect of internet information sharing on disciplines and industries, as well as its effects on problem solving and information dissemination, have found growing empirical evidence that groups accessing and idea sharing information via bulletin boards, e-mail, and other Web-related mediums see a noticeable increase in productivity, growth and performance.

     The study indicated there is a need “for information sharing within the ranching community,” and points out that “the use of computer networks and services including information databases, E-mail, electronic bulletin boards and other appropriate services could contribute to preserving the ranching way of life and the creation of integrated coalition of ranchers through the development of an electronic ranching community.”

Jack of All Trades
     One reason for this lack of Web use is the tremendous amount of information ranchers must grapple with on a daily basis. The occupation itself requires an intricate or, at the very least, a basic knowledge of such a diverse collection of disciplines that one could spend their entire day trolling Web site after Web site and still not find one site that tackles all of the complexities that are the day-to-day duties of the rancher.

     Not only does the rancher raise and sell cattle, but he or she must also understanding the intricacies of modern day purchasing, sales, marketing, finances, veterinary and nutritional medicine, commodities, weather, biology, law, and a host of other duties that would make a CEO’s head spin. When you factor all those tasks into a 24-hour day it’s a wonder today’s rancher has time to eat, tend to his or her herd, let alone surf the Web.

Generation upon Generation
     The reality is, many of today’s smaller ranches have existed for generations, their pastures laid and fences raised long before fiber optic cables and modern day modems came into play. With such an inherent knowledge passed down from generation to generation, often the only place today’s rancher needs to go to learn the tricks and master the tools of the trade is outside their front door.

     Regardless of the findings, the study does open the door for discussion on the role of the Internet in today’s small ranch. Small acreage ranchers across the United States have embraced computer technology as a means to organize, monitor and track the herd as well as run their business and disseminate information about their roots-oriented methods. And, because the small rancher needs to compete on a more localized or one-on-one level with consumers, the Internet has provided a powerful marketing outlet.

     But, the study concludes, with many ranches located in isolated and rural areas, the Internet’s greatest potential for ranching is its ability to become a digital ranching library, housing information previously inaccessible to ranchers with little local facilities and resources to tap but the neighbors. At the same time, the small cattle rancher can get a surprisingly in-depth education on the fundamentals of the trade.

Mad Cow