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The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, March 26, 1997 Page 9 Section Two by Laura J. Richards 'Staff Writer Computers can plug farmers farmers into a vast storehouse of knowledge world-wide, says a representative of Ontario's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "The Internet is not a fad," Gwen McBride assured about 55 dairy farmers at a Dairy Day workshop held in Blackstock in January. Instead, she views the Internet as part of a worldwide revolution revolution linking people through computers She told the audience "the Internet is growing at an incredible rate." But, to be a part of it, "you don't need to know all of it." She added while it is a boon to those researching information, or using it to chat, "there is a lot of frustration frustration with it because it is still going through its growing pains." . Like the introduction of the automobile early this century century "the Internet is evolving as time goes on." She likened the development development of the Internet and world-wide web to the automobile. automobile. "The Internet is like wheels on a car. There are 60 million computers connected to it," McBride said. "The world-wide web is like the body of the car that gives you comfort while, driving driving it." Electronic mail or E-mail "is very easy to do, and some people only use this," McBride said. "This gives you information information through words, pictures, video and sound," she explained. The Internet also allows for chat-lines and discussion groups like 'Dairy L' and forums where people come together to exchange information. information. OMAFRA has set a goal "to create a virtual office for clients to visit." Among the objectives set by OMAFRA, McBride noted that the Dairy Info Net which can be found at www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA was launched in August 1996. "We chose dairy because many of our dairy clients are way ahead of other commodity commodity producers," she noted. Demonstrating the concept of surfing the net, McBride hooked up her lap-top computer computer to a projector to allow the audience to view the procedure. procedure. Once she accessed the web site, she was able to duck into everything from fact pages to the e-mail system. One of the pages she examined was one on 'Feeding & Nutrition.' She buzzed through the Table of Contents then found a quiz on body condition for cattle. McBride told the audience when the quiz was introduced, introduced, many people" tried their hand at it. However, the highest score went to an eight-year-old, she recalled. She added the quiz is set up so you will know when you have given and incorrect or correct answer. There is either a buzz and a polite message beginning with "I'm sorry but your answer is incorrect." If you have a correct correct answer "it will ring a bell and clap for you.". McBride said there are many fascinating things that can be done over the computer. computer. These range from research to just chatting with farmers all over the world. Farmers who would like to garner more computer knowledge knowledge can find out everything they wanted to know with courses being held at the Durham College satellite campus in Uxbridge. In December 1996, a series of programs started off with 'Introduction to Farm Computing, to Farm Accounting Software, 'to WordPerfect 6.0 and MS- Word (Windows). Other courses have been beginner to Advanced Windows 3.1 to Quicken Bookkeeping. There was also a course on Computer Communications: The Internet & E-mail. To find out what courses will be available this year, contact Karen Yellowlees, the local coordinator for the Ontario Agricultural Training Institute at (905) 986-0657. FARMERS ON THE INTERNET - Gwen McBride, of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs coordinated coordinated the ministry's web page on the Internet. She was one of several participants in a Dairy Day at the Blackstock Community Centre in mid-January. McBride talked about how the world-wide web can be useful to farmers looking for information. information. HARRISON FUELS Serving the Rural and Urban Community in Southern Durham for over 60 Years. Quality Esso Lubricants and Solvents. Providing a complete line of Quality Imperial Oil products for the agricultural and construction industries. Harrison Fuels also has a complete line of quality heating and air conditioning products. HARRISON FUELS 350 Lake Road Bowmanville Telephone 623-5516 ©j.p. NEW 1996 MODELS & 1996 DEMOS WHILE THEY LAST! ai 1/4TI TAM IYT fAH Tirll EAle tlSMi ; .. 6749 6274 6535 6635 6797 6384 6412 6526 96 1/2 TON EXT. CAB 3RD DR 96 1/2 TON EXT. CAB 4X4 96 1 TON DUALLY (DIESEL 6.5) 96 LUMINA APV 96 MONTE CARLO Z34 *0(3 ©Old 96 MONTE CARLO 96 MONTE CARLO 96 BLAZER 4X4 •27,275 *28,475 ♦31,775 *34,975 *22,375 *22,875 *29,975 • ■ ■: ■ • 2728 COURÏICE ROAD & HWY #2, COURTICE ÏW