A PART-TIME farmer has urged fellow farmers and landowners in Lancashire to use computers to help their businesses prosper.

David Hall, who is also a part-time lecturer at Myerscough College, told members of the Lancashire branch committee of the Country Landowners' Association that farmers must embrace the computer as a business tool.

"It is important that farmers get training in information technology skills," said Mr Hall who added that farmers today need to learn about financial management, marketing and customer services.

He pointed out that four out of 10 farmers have a second income -- an indication of the financial situation facing the industry -- and that the way to succeed was through the classroom.

"The computer is the way forward and these skills can be taught and learned," he said.