Technology has been applied to the upcoming harvest season, with a website looking to link up farmers with contractors.
FarmCentral was established three years ago and is managed by industry consultant, Kelvin Bella, St George, Queensland, just north of the NSW border.
Mr Bella says the website provided an easy cost - efficient way for farmers and contractors throughout Australia to find each other without the need for costly advertising or time consuming phone calls.
“What we do is we link up contractors and farmers, via text message and email, for jobs that need to be done – particularly at harvest time,” Mr Bella said.
“Once your details are entered, the system will search automatically and will continue to update you daily by email or SMS,” he said.
Farmers register their location, area and crop size to be harvested and starting date and this also applies for earthworks and transport requirements and can be used for other types of contracting such as hay carting, baling or grain carting.
Contractors will register and provide their equipment details and availability and the system automatically searches and updates both parties daily with appropriate matches, using email or SMS, depending on the user’s
preference.
Mr Bella said it essentially allows for a more efficient way of co-ordinating work for contractors, making life easier for farmers.
“Let the farmers do the farming and the contractors do the contracting: that’s the main idea,” Mr Bella said.
Lake Cargelligo contractor Scott Golding has been a member of FarmCentral for the past three years and says it is a fantastic concept.
“I have been part of FarmCentral since it started and it has saved me a lot of time and money,” Mr Golding said.
“I receive 5 – 6 texts a day from Kelvin letting me know about any jobs that are coming up which saves me so much time as I’m not out on the road chasing work,” he said.
Mr Golding says grain growers need to know about FarmCentral as it is an essential tool for harvest.
“Farmers who have contractors pull out at the last minute, have called Kelvin who had headers there within a day and in weather like were having this harvest that kind of service is invaluable,” he said.
Mr Golding also says the cost of FarmCentral is very low in comparison to other forms of advertising and marketing.
“The cost is very low and the technology is great,” Mr Golding said.
“The website is very easy to use and Kelvin is in daily contact through text, which gives us an idea of where we should be as we know where the work is,” Mr Golding said.
“More farmers need to know about FarmCentral as it is one of the best concepts I’ve heard about in the farming industry,” he said.
Participation can be at least at four levels of membership, depending on the number of services to which access is required.
Each category will provide access to the full range of services including harvesting, haulage, spraying, dry hire,baling earthworks and transport. “FarmCentral is not just another website – it’s an integrated management tool and working site that makes life easier,” Mr Bella said.
For more information visit: www.farmcentral.com.au
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