Will Bruce, from AgriWebb, a farm management software startup, and Ed Wilson, from Figured, will speak at the Quality Hotel Powerhouse Armidale, 31 Marsh Street, at 1.45pm on Friday, May 31.

The sessions are designed to help those on the land understand what software can help them operate their farming businesses better in times of change.

They will look at making better decisions based upon data; improving productivity; how to make on-farm accreditation and audit pressures easier; and saving time.

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AgriWebb's website claims it has helped thousands of farmers across Australia simplify their farm record keeping, solve their audit and accreditation needs, and make their farms more productive.

Figured is advertised as a complete online livestock crop and production tracking, farm budgeting, and forecasting tool that gives farmers accurate data in one place, in real time.

"Technology promises more data about livestock, and pasture farm management than ever before," Armidale accountant Andrew Kirk said.

"But how do you use it? When you're kilometres from town and expert help, how are you expected to know what's available, what will make business easier, and what is relevant? Technology is daunting - and there's so much of it!"

The farming industry was being dictated by climate change, Mr Kirk said. "It's not their doing, but it results in a need to be sustainable and environmentally savvy. It means challenging the way farmers have run their business and livelihood for generations.

"Since the Industrial Revolution, there's been no time of change like the one farmers face right now. Changing industries mean fluctuation to cash flow, a need to learn new methods, and a renewed drive to revolutionise, rebuild, and redefine the farm for future generations."

Farmers also face social pressure, Mr Kirk believes. "Traditionally, farmers have been seen as guardians of our great land. They now face scrutiny over their farming practices and efforts to be eco-friendly and sustainable."

As if that weren't enough, Mr Kirk said, farmers also have to grapple with the ongoing drought - but, amazingly, they carried on.

Many farmers have embraced the changes, Mr Kirk thought. Many embraced the changes, reinvigorating their operation to meet new markets, such as hormone-free, organic, and grass-fed. Producers also sold directly to customers, and worked to conserve their land for years to come.

Admission free. Call 6763 0100, or email ksquires@forsyths.com.au for more information.