Farmers are fighting back against the culture of technophobia that has held the industry back for so long.
More than 60 per cent of farmers are now connected to the internet, with 2 in 5 using the superhighway for online trade.
The findings are a result of a key survey by the National Farmers Union amid fears the industry is lagging well behind other sectors on internet use.
The study also discovered that farmers used the net more than usual during the foot and mouth epidemic.
NFU president Ben Gill said: 'We live in a world where speed in obtaining the latest information is the key to success. As the internet grows in value more and more farmers are seeing real business benefits from becoming internet savvy.
'The internet was particularly crucial during the height of the foot and mouth season when many farmers were isolated and has limited access to information.
'It also provided a virtual platform for advice and for members to come together and support each other.' Nevertheless, it is important the industry puts things in perspective – 45 per cent of farmers admitted they still lack the technical know-how to use the net successfully.
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