Farmers will be able to access broadband technology at next week's show

The advantages of broadband technology will be at the centre of the Welsh Development Agency's (WDA) display at the agricultural showpiece.

In partnership with D-Link and Powys County Council, the agency will have an area around the main ring for wireless broadband.

Farmers and other visitors will be able to watch high speed access to the internet and email via enabled laptop computers, electronic personal organisers and other mobile devices in action.

The advances in technology at the centenary event at Llanelwedd, near Builth Wells, will be a far cry from the first in Aberystwyth, in 1904.

"We're aiming to show just how wireless broadband technology can open up an array of opportunities for businesses, farmers, individuals and communities throughout rural Wales," said Peter Williams of the WDA's media technology programmes.

"The potential is amazing. The technology will highlight how you can access important emails or even agricultural market information from the internet with a laptop computer without having to be connected via a landline.

"You could be watching the cobs in the show-ring from the grandstand while checking up on the very latest market prices elsewhere in the UK or even further afield."

'Switching on'

He added: "The aim is to highlight how businesses and individuals can have the added flexibility of a wireless environment, whether it is for business or pleasure."

Among the benefits of going online is the British Cattle Movement register where farmers can log details of their beasts in order to receive passports.

Some farmers are using the internet to improve their businesses

Beef and sheep farmer Glyn Roberts, from Ysbyty Ifan, near Betws-y-Coed, says farmers are more receptive to the internet now.

He added that the change had been forced on older farmers by their children who have grown up with computers.

"Even the farmer who, at one time, knew the least about new technology is switching on to the internet," said father-of-five Mr Roberts, chairman of the Farmers' Union of Wales' bilingual committee.

"Farmers have to register every new-born calf and I do that now via the internet because it's instant and you can guarantee registration. The post can be unreliable.

"I also use the internet to gather information such as details about the Common Agricultural Policy.

"Younger farmers are obviously using the internet more as a business aid and they are forcing the change.

"You'll find that younger farmers will be tutoring their parents in the ways of the internet and that's what happened to me.

Mr Roberts added: "There are huge benefits to using the internet for business use and farmers are beginning to see."