September 26, 2003

Sweat and back-breaking work are still part of agriculture, but many of today’s farmers do a portion of their work in front of computers in air-conditioned comfort. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, 55% of American farmers have access to a computer. Along with that statistic the NASS reports that 48% of U.S. farms now have Internet access, up from 29% in 1999. This sharp increase is the inspiration behind the newest section of LG Seeds’ website.

Computers have changed the way farmers do business. They are like any other on-farm tool. They have the potential to provide a much broader range of information as well as easier access to that information. Kim Robertson, Marketing Manager for LG Seeds, says, “Farmers understand and expect ‘real-time’ answers to their agronomic questions, that’s why LG Seeds developed the AgroWeb section on our website.”  Robertson adds, “Most agronomic information currently available on the internet is copy of a company newsletter sent to customers in a format which can be slow to open. AgroWeb pages are user friendly, allowing growers quick and easy access to answers to their agronomic questions.”

LG Seeds’ AgroWeb is one of the most comprehensive agronomic websites offered by a seed company today. “We offer information on virtually every insect or disease that affects the products we offer,” says Brett Booth, Marketing Communications Specialist, “it’s a combined effort between our Agronomy and Marketing Departments to pass on timely information to growers.” And timely information is important when making decisions that could affect the outcome of your crop. Another added benefit of AgroWeb is the CropTalk feature. CropTalk is a chatroom which allows growers from all across the nation to share their input on current topics.

Not only does AgroWeb serve as LG Seeds’ Agronomy Department website, but it is a valuable resource to every farmer across the nation. “We have archived every Technical Bulletin LG Seeds Agronomist’s have ever written, but also link to University and other third party information,” says Travis Dollarhide, Agronomy & Product Development Manager. He adds, “This offers information across a larger geographical area which, in turn, increases the possibility that a grower will find the information he needs, no matter where he farms.”

All of the technological advancements in the agriculture industry over the past few years have required industry suppliers to ‘re-think’ their approach to several aspects of the business. This latest addition proves that LG Seeds is taking an aggressive stance to remain on the forefront as a leader in the seed industry. Kim Robertson summarizes, “Our slogan is ‘First In The Field’ which relates to our products, services and people. The addition of AgroWeb reinforces the fact that we are continually looking for ways to remain ‘first’ in our field.”