A Tipperary farmer emailed me in five of his favourite apps/services and one device which he carries around for safety.

1. Farm Sprayer GPS

Track your tractor around the field in real time as you spread fertiliser, etc. Set the working width of your machine and watch the screen as you paint the map with the set distance as you drive. Gives forward speed and area covered. Screen turns as you turn and you always remain centered in the map. It will measure fields as well. Super app. Cost €4.50.

2. Internet banking

Set up all your payees on your main PC and use phone app to pay them. No more cheque book. I pay everyone like this now.

3. Geomeasure

Similar app to Planimeter featured in last week’s issue. Measured area and distance.

4. S note

Comes as standard on Samsung phones. Ideal for grass covers and day-to-day stuff.

5. ICBF

Need I say more. Totally underused by farmers who don’t appreciate it.

6. Ur SOS

Made by a company in Wicklow, every farmer should have this. It’s a little button on a pendant about the size of a matchbox. Fits in that small pocket on the righthand side of your trousers – the one where you might keep a penknife.

It charges with a phone charger and charge lasts a few months. It works with android phones.

Bluetooth and GPS must be always on on your phone.

Use this if you get in trouble and you can’t use your phone. Maybe you can’t reach it or the screen is broken, or you left it in the tractor. Press the button three times and it will send out five text messages alerting people and telling them where you are.

If they ring you, the phone will answer and go to seeker. €100 plus vat.

For another €100 you can upgrade the app to use the phone as a detector to monitor your aspect, ie portrait or landscape. In this way if you fall and hit your head it will send out a man down alert even though you are unconscious.

What are your favorite apps or technology that save you time or money?

Email them to bizsense@farmersjournal.ie.