Jeff Caldwell and I chatted about his upcoming SXSW panel “How Farmers Get Serious Business Done With Mobile” and the common misconception that farmers are not “wired” like the rest of the world.  Jeff is the Multimedia Editor for Agriculture.com, the website for Successful Farming magazine.

During his panel session, Jeff hopes to shed some light on how farmers are in fact connected and utilize wireless technology in their everyday work.  As Jeff puts it, farmers make up a segment of the population that’s not typically thought of as being very wired, but today’s modern, tech-savvy farmers are just that.  Mobile technology is really a key piece of the equation.  For example, farmers utilize smartphones to tweet about industry issues, check markets, research equipment and handle product negotiations.  Wireless technology allows farmers to accomplish much of what historically has required an office from the cab of their tractor or combine.   This technology also frees up time and resources that farmers can now devote to improving their business.

Attendees of Jeff’s panel will learn about how today’s farmers are applying mobile technology in three different areas:

First, Jeff plans to touch on the mobile tools and applications farmers utilize for operating and augmenting machinery and equipment.  For example, farmers use smartphones to remotely control sprinkler systems from miles away.

Secondly, Jeff will share how mobile technology is playing a role in the agriculture business.  For instance, farmers all over the world utilize their smartphones to market their products, monitor the market and complete sales, all while working in the field.

Lastly, Jeff will discuss how farmers are engaging with mobile web technology.  For example, farmers utilize the social mobile site m.agriculture.com, developed by Agriculture.com, to virtually interact with other members in their farming community and share what’s happening in their fields and on their farms via their smartphones.

I think attendees will be amazed to learn the level of interactive technology today’s farmers use in their business, what new innovations are coming around the corner and some useful mobile technology tips we can all employ in our respective fields.