Down On The Farm - Online

The launch of a revolutionary new web site is set to save farmers time and money.

An independent, New Zealand based website, Netfarmer.com offers a range of services, including a tendering and quoting system where buyers and suppliers can conduct business online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, a job site - FarmWork, financial services, free e-mail, weather, news, classifieds and a chat room.

"I was sick of hearing about dot com companies that failed to deliver real benefits to farmers. I wanted an Internet based system that would allow farmers to get their farm supplies at sharper prices, while saving the time of having to physically shop around," says Netfarmer creator, Michael Burtscher.

"This system will enable me to spend more time on my farm - concentrating on what makes me money."

Netfarmer Chairman, former Federated Farmers President, Malcolm Bailey says Netfarmer is different from other Internet based farm servicing companies because it allows individual farmers to shop around for the best deal, by inviting competitive quotes from a wide range of farm supply companies.

"Netfarmer is independent from all of the supply companies and acts as an "honest broker" to obtain the best available deal. No other Internet based company is set up to do this for New Zealand¹s farmers," says Malcolm Bailey

The core of Netfarmer is a unique tender and quoting system that enables buyers and sellers to conduct business online.

Netfarmer Business Development Manager, Cambel Ferguson says Netfarmer.com has been established with the real needs of farmers and suppliers in mind.

"We understand Internet connections in rural areas are slow ­ we have developed the site with this in mind," says Cambel Ferguson.

"It¹s just another tool in the farmer¹s toolbox ­ something that can make doing business easier and more profitable."

More than 31,000 Kiwi farmers are connected to the Internet, according to Telecom New Zealand.

"Bottom line ­ this is a great site for farmers and suppliers" says Malcolm Bailey.

Media are invited to attend the launch on Thursday, 22 February at 10am Scott's Farm.

Take Brougham Street toward Lyttelton Tunnel, through lights onto Port Hills Road, travel under Tunnel Overpass until you reach the roundabout. Turn left into Martindale Road and travel to T-Intersection. Turn right onto Bridle Path Road. Turn left at 74 Bridle Path Road (large red letterbox), drive up dirt road toward sheep yard and woolshed.

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