Anne Sheehan, Vodafone’s Enterprise Director, tells Doug Casey about new technological developments for the farming sector.

Are farmers embracing technology and seeing benefits to the sector?
Farmers are starting to see the incredible benefits that can be delivered in terms of higher yields, better productivity and a greater marriage between traditional farming methods and cutting-edge technology.

For farmers a smartphone connected to the internet can deliver business critical information. For example, agricultural information services accessible on the farm via a smartphone can provide early warning
of weather events, information on the best times to harvest and advice on crop techniques to enhance yields.

Social media tools are also allowing farmers to stay in touch with each other, facilitating the exchange of information, advice and social interaction.

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From a business point of view, the ability to gather information about the prices that farmers are getting for their products has real value. Specialist apps are now available, from seeing the live price of grain in
London, to learning more about safety on the farm.

How is agri-business benefiting from Vodafone technology?
Agri-engineering firm Keenan, based in Carlow, uses the latest cloud and IoT (Internet of Things) services to drive efficiencies in production for farmers. The company combines manufacturing, science and technology to maximise milk and beef production for thousands of farmers worldwide.

Keenan uses Vodafone SIM cards and network connectivity to ensure precision feeding. This increases feed efficiency by 10% and increases milk yields by almost 2kg per cow per day. Because of Keenan, 10,000 farmers in 25 countries are producing more and better quality milk and beef from less feed.

Vodafone recently signed a €10m deal with the IFA. What can members expect to gain from this?
IFA members can benefit from discounted tariffs and also have access to a suite of competitively priced handsets, including the Apple iPhone6, the Samsung S7 as well as durable handsets like the Samsung XCover3, which can be used in challenging environments and can withstand everyday elements such as dust, shock, water and falls.

How can Vodafone help in terms of farmers looking to embrace technology but who may be stifled by connectivity issues?
Vodafone is committed to providing connectivity for farmers across our mobile network. We are investing over €550m and are now bringing 4G to 95% of the population. SIRO, our joint venture with ESB, will deliver Ireland’s first 100% fibre broadband to 50 regional towns, with speeds of up to 1GB.

We also welcome the government’s decision to proceed with the National Broadband Plan which will ultimately connect rural areas the length and breadth of Ireland. Farming  communities will benefit from rural
connectivity which will have a hugely positive impact on efficiency in farms while also bringing general lifestyle improvements."

Angus Woods (pictured) runs a medium sized family farm, just outside Wicklow town. His farm is busy throughout the year with cattle, sheep and tillage activities. He feels farming has changed dramatically over the last number of years. “It’s a more fastpaced and less predictable industry than it used to be,” he says. And like all small businesses, Angus finds the use of his smartphone vital in keeping connected to suppliers, customers and helpful information. “Farming is a modern business, and is no different to any other kind of business, in the sense that you have to stay up to date with what’s happening and be able to react quickly when you get the information.”