WINNIPEG – When Ralph Pieper leaves his Manitoba Agriculture office each night there’s one switch he never turns off.
For when Pieper’s away, his computer will play – linking farmers, agri-business and governments across Canada in a way never before seen.
Described as an electronic “cork board,” the Farm Business Management Information Network (FBMInet) is a new government service operating in every province except Quebec.
Users get market prices, commentary, government and industry press releases as well as a national messaging service.
“It’s a very efficient way of communicating,” said Pieper. “It’s free. It doesn’t cost anything except a phone call.”
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When the clock strikes midnight in Newfoundland, the computer there dials up Winnipeg and the two begin to interface – buzzing and whirring as they exchange messages.
The same pattern is repeated as midnight hits in time zones across Canada. The routine starts over again at 6 a.m. updating messages across the country.
Users can dial a number in their province any time of day through their computer modem to receive information or send messages.
Farmers can also use the system to access a directory of agricultural computer software. They can also download software packages offered by Manitoba Agriculture from the system.
The only criteria for accessing FBMInet is to have a computer, a modem and telecommunications software.
Worthwhile investment
David Thacker, FBMInet national co-ordinator, doesn’t expect farmers to rush out and buy a computer just so they can access the network. But he said a growing number of farmers are using computers as part of their business. Adding a modem, for as little as $80, might be a worthwhile investment, he said.
The project is an expansion of Alberta Agriculture’s Compufarm system, an electronic bulletin board that has served farmers in that province since 1984.
Thacker said it became national last spring through financing from the Federal Farm Business Management Program. Its operation is supervised by the Canadian Farm Business Management Council – a coalition of provincial government representatives.
Interest in the network is growing at a phenomenal pace: “The average expansion rate is eight new users a day and between 80 and 90 calls per day.”
As of Dec. 1, the system had 1,600 registered users and had received more than 17,000 calls.
Prairie farmers who want to use FBMInet can contact the system operators in each province by telephone to obtain connection instructions. Or they can program the bulletin board number into their computer and sign onto the system directly.
In British Columbia contact Ken McAra 604-565-6466; B.C. FBMInet 565-4336.
Alberta – Bruce Waldie 403-556-4243; Alta. FBMInet 556-4104.
Saskatchewan – Lyle Stavness 306-787-5965; Sask. FBMInet 787-5965.
Manitoba – Ralph Pieper 204-945-2299; Man. FBMInet 948-2385.
