Hoosier Ag Today, Indiana’s leading agricultural communications company, is proud to announce the launch of its first mobile application (app) for the iPhone platform. The app brings together the timely and local information of Hoosier Ag Today with the simplicity and market penetration of the iPhone. This free app allows farmers to stay informed on up to the minute news, market, and weather information as well as vital crop and agronomic data such as crop conditions, insect alerts, and disease outbreaks. “Today’s farmer is mobile, and now we can reach him with up-to-the-minute information no matter where he is or what he is doing,” said Gary Truitt, President of Hoosier Ag Today.
In addition to the iPhone app, Hoosier Ag Today has re-designed its Android app which has been on-line since November of 2011. The new graphic display of both apps is specially designed for use in outdoor and farming situations. The color of the display shows up well in bright sunlight, and the menu can be operated with a single hand to allow for use while operating farm equipment. Much of the information on the app is in audio form which allows farmers to listen to their favorite farm broadcaster while driving.
Farmers are adopting mobile platforms as a media source in large numbers. A recent national survey conducted by the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) indicated that 25% get information daily from a Smartphone or mobile device. In addition, many mobile wireless devices are now connecting with the GPS systems used by many farmers.
The new HAT app provides a vehicle for agri-marketers to deliver their messages directly to farmers while they are farming. With rotating billboard ads and text and audio content within the app, advertisers can put information about farm products literally in the hands of farmers. Beck’s Hybrids of Atlanta, IN has secured title sponsorship of the HAT app. National sales for the app will be handled by J.L. Farmakis.
The iPhone app, like the original HAT android app, was developed by LoadOut Technologies, a Purdue Research Park company. “We anticipate this platform may be adopted by other farm broadcast and communication entities,” said Truitt. Future upgrades will add new features to the app including the ability to distribute video.
About HAT
Hoosier Ag Today was founded in 2006 for the specific purpose of serving the informational needs of the Hoosier agricultural community. HAT currently has 45 radio stations broadcasting its programs. In addition, HAT operates a multi-media web site, Smartphone app, and publishes a daily e-mail newsletter. In 2008 and 2010, Hoosier Ag Today was rated the most listened to farm radio network in Indiana by Ag Media Research. Hoosier Ag Today is owned by Truitt Communications, LLC and represented nationally by J.L. Farmakis, Inc.
About LoadOut Technologies LLC
LoadOut Technologies, based out of the Purdue Research Park in West Lafayette, Ind., engineers revolutionary mobile technology solutions that allow Smartphones to become the central point of command and control for complex industrial processes.