This document summarizes a workshop on broadband technology and apps for agriculture. The workshop aims to increase awareness of how broadband can benefit communities and agriculture, provide an understanding of smartphones apps, and familiarize participants with apps for agriculture. It introduces several apps, including ones for crop disease identification, calculators, and AgChatOz, an online community for rural issues. The document also discusses how to find, download, and use apps on Android and Apple devices and provides additional online resources.

1. Learning Outcomes
At the end of the workshop you will:
• Have an increased awareness of how broadband
technology can benefit your community and the
agricultural industry.
• Have an understanding of Smartphone Apps
• Be familiar with how to find and use Apps
• Be familiar with Apps specific to the agricultural
industry
• Presenters: Gerrie Carr-MacFie Manager DigiBiz
Chris Elliott Project Officer DigiBiz
Frank Henry DEPI

2. DigiBiz -Training to get you online
The Central Highlands Digital Enterprise project is:
• An initiative of Centre for eCommerce &
Communications (CeCC) at FedUni.
• Supported by Local & State Govt.
• Principally funded through Dept of
Communications www.communications.gov.au
• Provides FREE workshops, mentoring, and
events that promote use of broadband
technology

3. Benefits of Broadband Technology
Opportunity & Potential of Broadband Technology
Enhanced productivity and global competitiveness
Transformative –TeleHealth- Education -Services- Precision Ag
Broadband Benefits
Booming demand for data
International competitiveness
Productivity & Business Efficiencies
Enabling a more inclusive Australia –
Busting the ‘tyranny of distance’ for rural and regional Australia-
Social Media -source of venture capital-reducing social isolation
Online Resources & Tools - www.digitalbusiness.gov.au
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4. Broadband Technology in
Agriculture-
CeCC Key Areas of Operation
Environmental
• Groundwater monitoring
• Landslides and Salinity
• Digital soil mapping
• Fire management planning
Research
• Regional ICT studies
• Sport and Recreation participation
• Commuting patterns
Agribusiness
• Dairy production
• Farming Trials
• Wildlife spotting

5. Apps Defined
A mobile app, short for mobile application or
just app, is application software designed to
run on smartphones, tablet computers and
other mobile devices. Wikipedia
Apple iPhone/iPad Android/Google Play

6. Android and iPhones
Check Out the Apps Book:
http://agex.org.au/wp-
content/uploads/2012/07/Apps-Book.pdf
Book Compiled 2012 - many apps updated
Apps in this workshop selected for:
• Compatibility of devices
• Free download vi internet connection
• Internet connection not required for use in the
paddock
Refer: F21C Selected Apps Sheet

7. Top Categories of Apps
• Calculators
• Convertors
• Tools eg. flashlight, mirror)
• Management eg.notes, sharing, memos
Link to Apps Book
http://agex.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Apps-Book.pdf
Other App Books
http://agex.org.au/project/apps-for-farmers-completed

8. Downloading Apps
Apple
Android
• Use the App Store icon on your device to
browse apps
• Apple devices use the ‘App Store’
• Android devices use ‘Google Play Store’

9. Crop Disease App: Frank Henry DEPI
• Identifies crop varieties and disease
• Combines resistance ratings from DEPI's Cereal and
Pulse Disease Guides with crop information from
Victorian Winter Crop Summary
• Can check symptoms with disease images, map diseases,
share photographs of symptoms with friends,
agronomists and DEPI

10. Website: AgChatOz
AgChatOz- digital online community of
rural & urban Australians on industry issues
Most widely used application for
AgChatOz is Twitter - @AgChatOz
Check Out AgChatOz Tuesday Forum 8pm
https://twitter.com/AgChatOZ

11. @AgChatOz
Twitter
• @ symbol identifies users
• # hash-tag identifies topics.
• Searching for #AgChatOz brings up
discussions based on this topic.
• Used by both AgChatOz and other people
wanting to follow the discussion.

12. @AgChatOz Links
Website - http://www.agchatoz.org.au
Twitter - https://twitter.com/AgChatOZ
Facebook -
https://www.facebook.com/agchatoz
AgChatOz Blog -
http://www.agchatoz.org.au/_blog/The_AgCha
tOz_Blog

13. F21C-The future
Australian Government policy initiative 2014
‘Australia’s Agricultural Competitiveness’
Consultation and Submission Process
Issues Statement early 2014 Green Paper mid 2014 White Paper late 2014
• Improve the competitiveness and profitability of agriculture
• Boost contribution to trade and economic growth
• Build capacity via greater productivity through innovation
www.daff.gov.au

14. More Information & Resources
Join the Digital Revolution
DigiBiz activities are funded by the Australian Government’s
Digital Enterprise program & supported by State and Local Government
Click onto: www.digibiz.net.au
to register for Workshops & Mentoring
Online Resources for Business: www.digitalbusiness.gov.au
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