13 July 1984 Computer software for New Zealand farmers

Acquiring computer software that has "fallen off the back of a truck" is not a legitimate way of adding to your programs, according to Dr Peter Nuthall, head of the Kellogg Farm Management Unit at Lincoln College.

Although some people felt getting software in this way was quite acceptable, not only was this illegal, but also was shortsighted, he said.

"If software creators and distributors do not get a fair reward, improved systems will not eventuate.

"You cannot actually see the program, so it is not like stealing a car, camera or video recorder seems to be a common view."

Dr Nuthall is Reader in Farm Management and Rural Valuation at Lincoln College, and the Kellogg unit is developing computerised aids and management systems for New Zealand farmers.

He says that choosing the right software is a big problem for the farmer thinking of moving into computers.

The advice to select software to do the job and get the computer that will run the software was not easy to follow, he said.

"Without a computer, how can you really check out the software to see if it will do the job.

"It is a chicken-and-egg problem, and the answer must lie in seeking as much advice as possible.

"This advice can be obtained from people with business experience in educational institutions, MAF and independent consultants."

Dr Nuthall said that perhaps the farm accountant could help, as more were getting computers.

 "Equally important is getting hands-on experience, using the various packages available," he said.

"This means going along to courses, and pestering agents to give you access to computers so that you can sit down and experiment for several hours.

"Be sure to try out all the systems available. Shop around," he advised.

Dr Nuthall said that any one paying for software bundled with the computer could be getting a bonus of good packages.

"Increasingly quite powerful systems - word processors, spreadsheets and database packages - are included." However, Dr Nuthall warned against putting a value on any package that might seldom be used.

Further information from Dr Peter Nuthall, Kellogg Farm Management Unit, Lincoln College, Canterbury, New Zealand.