From a well-executed nationwide research in Germany it appears that 18.2 percent of agriculturists possess a smartphone and 2.4 percent a tablet. On instructions from Limagrain Deutschland GmbH, AgriDirect have questioned about 500 German agriculturists with more than 50 HA about the use of new technologies.
Smartphones mainly popular with young agriculturists
Most smartphone owners are amongst farmers between 30 and 45 years of age. But also older agriculturists are interested in the latest developments. 10.7 percent of agriculturists aged between 45 and 55 use a smartphone and 17.9 percent of those older than 55. The share of tablet owners is lower, but here as well the group of young agrarian entrepreneurs is biggest with 5.4 percent.
12% have plans to change to smartphone shortly
12% have plans to change to smartphone shortly
The change to a smartphone is on its way. 11.6 percent of the agriculturists plan to do this shortly. Again the young entrepreneurs are at the front with 14.9 percent. Of the intermediate age groups 8.8 percent is interested and with agrarians of 55 this is 13.4 percent.
Almost 10% use social media
Almost 10% use social media
With the increasing use of smartphones the group agrarian users of social media networks, such as Facebook or Twitter, grows. Already 9.3 percent of the German agriculturists use these networks. 16.2 percent of the group 30-45 years of age use the social media to connect, discuss experiences or to receive advice. 7.1 percent of the present non-users say to start using shortly. Facebook with 93 percent is top favourite with the German agriculturists, 10.7 percent of the farmers use twitter.
This research shows that social media and the use of smartphones and tablets is still in its infancy in German agriculture. Limagrain Deutschland GmbH, however, is of the opinion that the general trend in the direction of smartphones and tablets, which is very clear in other branches, will also reach the agrarian sectors.
Source: AgriDirect