Options to alleviate this pressure and increase overall efficiency in the livestock sector are currently being examined. On the other hand, crop production is expected to be at least on par with last year, and may even exhibit a marginal increase. The Agrifoods Branch in cooperation with Treasury Board, is currently examining Information Technology that will allow for more efficient acquisition, manipulation and dissemination of data to industry stakeholders. It is anticipated that a system for the Department and farmers will be developed in order to increase access to agricultural information. On-farm computers are increasingly being used for compiling production records, financial records and field records.
Farmers use computers to feed their animals and monitor milk weights, fat content, etc.
Some farmers also use agricultural software programs, subscribe to various listserv addresses, FBMInet, and other sources.