Farm Software

Many farmers have kept spreadsheets on paper for years. Spreadsheets are simply columns and rows that display numbers. A spreadsheet can be created to meet an individuals farmers needs. Spreadsheets can be use for accounting, budgeting, and general record keeping.

As a farms size and/or debt increases, many farmers and financial lenders are now looking to technology for an easier way of keeping these spreadsheets. Spreadsheets can now be kept electronically. Spreadsheet programs can help you manage your data in various formats.

A few advantages:

• Low startup cost - just need a program such as Microsoft Excel
• Not much learning time needed if you already have basic computer knowledge
• Information and records are stored on the computer, rather than on multiple pieces of paper

A few disadvantages of spreadsheets:

• Generating reports and graphs is tough, time consuming and can provide limited options
• There's not an easy way to filter records and report for just certain criteria, such as cattle in a certain pasture, or animals born during a certain date range
• New records may need to be updated in several areas