Farming the Web - online classified site available for ownership
The Alberta Forage Industry Network (AFIN) is pleased to announce the offering of the current web site “Farming the Web” for sale. AFIN built this website with a Government of Alberta grant through the years 2020 to 2023. This website had an injection of upwards of $355,000 into it over a timeline from 2020 to 2023.This significant investment was not limited to cash only. AFIN’s volunteer board of directors took on the task of construction and operation of this website, spending countless hours ensuring functionality to provide a product for all those in the Ag Community to use.
Due to the closing of the former “Ropin the Web” website operated by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, there was a significant volume of responses to the Government of Alberta with a demand for a replacement website. An expression of interest was placed out and AFIN felt there was a space to increase the profile of AFIN while also contributing to the needs of the Agricultural community. AFIN was made aware of and received a grant and expression of interest in building this website as a replacement for the classified section of “Roping the Web” in 2019. AFIN’s volunteer board established a working committee to take on the work of modelling, creating, building out, and managing this website as a place to buy and sell agricultural related items along with a build out for a knowledge-based housing service.
As we enter 2024, the usage metrics of “Farming the Web” do not support the ongoing maintenance costs of a volunteer organization continuing to run this website. If there is not an increase in the usage base of this website which AFIN can use to justify its existence by the end of April 2024, AFIN will have no choice but to shut down the website.
Shutting down the website will result in a sunk cost of the initial investment dollars utilized to build such a wonderful product. As such, the AFIN board has decided to place the website and domain up for sale to any interested parties who would like to take advantage of the existing work that has been done and continue running the website as a place for agricultural listings.
This turnkey website is ready to go with great features that you can use to expand your site. Some common features of this agriculture classified site include the ability to post and browse listings for farm equipment, livestock, feed, and other agricultural products. There is also a section for job postings in the agriculture industry, an event listings page, and a document repository page ready to go.
In terms of monetization, you can generate revenue by charging a fee for premium listings, by taking a commission on transactions that occur through your site, or through Advertising or Event listings. It’s important to have a clear and transparent pricing structure for your users.
The Board of Directors of AFIN would like to express their gratitude towards the Government of Alberta for providing the initial grant money and responding to the call of the public when the “Ropin the Web” site was initially closed.
If you are interested in purchasing the rights to the “Farming the Web” site, please reach out via the email address below. If there is not a transfer of ownership of the rights as of April 1, 2024 (with a possible extension), the “Farming the Web” website will be shut down.
The forage industry is significant in Alberta. According to the most recent census of Agriculture (Statistics Canada) there are 28.8 million acres of forage land in Alberta.
Up until 2002 the Alberta Forage Council represented the interests of the forage industry in Alberta. However, in 2002, the Council merged with applied research associations to become the Agricultural Research and Extension Council of Alberta (ARECA). ARECA has evolved to become a broader umbrella organization representing the whole agriculture industry in Alberta. Several consultations were held with all facets of the Alberta forage industry between the years 2007 and 2010 to see if there was an interest/need to have an organization representing the forages in Alberta. This resulted in the formation of the Alberta Forage Industry Network Society or “AFIN” in 2010.
AFIN is directed and managed by a volunteer board of directors along with an advisor from Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development and an advisor from the Agri-environment Services Branch of AAFC. The board Members are located across the province. For more information and contact information about the AFIN board of directors please refer to the “Contact Us” section of the AFIN Website. www.albertaforages.ca
