One of the Internet's greatest features is that you can find information on almost anything, which makes understanding how to use search engines an important management skill. Useful resources and information are available either free of charge or for a fee. You simply need to learn how to locate the resources. To many, searching the web is second nature. Those folks hop on a search engine and can find just about anything in a matter of seconds. To others, searching the Internet becomes very frustrating very quickly.

The ability to search and find information is fundamental to your success in operating on the Internet. Because it's so important, we've provided some basic information to help you get started. As you use search engines, your comfort level will grow. With some knowledge and just a little bit of patience, you'll be one of those whizzes who can locate whatever you may need.

What's Out There? Our farmers use the web to locate many useful sites that include data, research results, educational information, etc. Here are some examples of the type of information that Brad and Rod regularly find on the Internet. Close Brad Hollabaugh Brad and the management team at Hollabaugh Bros. use the web frequently to locate information about purchased inputs and market prices. Brad indicates that the Internet allows him to find chemical pesticide label requirements on-line, saving him the need to keep a file of labels for the chemicals they apply. The team also regularly searches for market prices for their fruit.   Rod Hissong As Rod and the team at Mercer Vu were going through the expansion process, they frequently used the Internet to find research reports about dairy farm expansion as well as product information, including prices and reviews. Today, the web is their first place to find information. Rod noted that they recently downloaded and printed milking protocols in Spanish as a benefit to their Hispanic workers.   See also these videoclips of what our other experts have to say:   Kim Tait Joe Phillips   Cindy Latchaw