Leader Lookback

This is what ran in The Evening Leader 50 years ago this week. Farmers Asked To See Computers, Answer Questions

The day is not far off when a farmer can ask a computer to help him make the hard management decisions. That’s the prediction of The Detjen Grain Co., Allis-Chalmers Dealer at Moulton. Should a farmer plant more soybeans and less corn next year. Or vice versa? Or what’s the best size tractor for my farm? Planter? Combine? Computer programs now available can answer these questions and many more.

This new farm management, tool will be the subject of AG- PREVUE-73, a meeting for farmers scheduled at OSU Branch Campus, Lima, O. starting at 7 a.m. Thursday, March 15. From 7-8:30 a.m. will be a free breakfast.

The Detjen Grain Co. says all farmers are invited to see how the computer can answer the key questions in field crop production management.

“We all have some preconceived ideas about computers,” they say. “Those who have had bills fouled up by the computer probably think there’s no way it can help in farm planning. However, computers are lightning fast, making it possible to make calculations that just weren’t feasible in the past. They can test alternate plans of management. Computers now can compare one crop mix against another, one machinery mix versus alternatives. It can choose the most profitable program for a wide variety of farming situations.”

Test programs sponsored by universities already are making it possible for farmers to dial the computer on the telephone, ask a question and get the answer almost immediately. This is the kind of exciting new development that will be presented at AGPREVUE-73. “If you’re skeptical about computers, come in and see what they can do for farmers,” Detjen Grain Co. urges. “You’ll be amazed at the capability of today’s computer technology.”