You'll find that accounting software for farmers comes in versions for producers, accounting professionals and lenders. Depending on your technological proficiency and the size and scope of your farm, you could get away with simple, non-agricultural accounting software to track expenditures and income, or you may need to invest in one of the "luxury" versions of farmer accounting software that encompasses management, equipment depreciation, financial planning and accounting functions.
Buying integrated farm management accounting software isn't for everyone, and it's not for the faint-of-heart (or wallet). Try before you buy whenever possible, and keep in mind:
1. The tenets of your business plan and your ultimate farming goals
2. How you (or your accountant) will use ag accounting software
3. Your level of computer expertise and training needs
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Audition small business farm accounting software at no cost
Before you buy, find out how easy farm accounting programs are to use, and how well they would work for your specific agricultural application, by downloading and using free trials or touring demos.
I recommend: Download a free version of
Farm Biz Agricultural Software for Farm and Ranch, and get started entering your information and generating reports today -- you just won't be able to enter July-December information until you buy the full version. Visit
123farmworks.com to download a demo of Farm Funds by Farm Works Software, part of the Farm Trac integrated farm management software package.
Find farm agriculture accounting software for use with popular analysis tools
Farm managerial accounting software was developed by agricultural pros and scholars for total farm management and financial integration. The University of Minnesota's Center for Farm Financial Management developed FINPACK. It is a professional-grade, whole-farm planning and financial analysis program used by industry leaders and credit analysts when making agricultural lending decisions.
I recommend: Visit Vertical Solutions, Inc., for a virtual demo of
Easy-Farm, farm office accounting software that offers complete integration into
FINPACK.
Manage your business with farm office accounting software made for farmers
Many producers may already have information in QuickBooks, but some farm accounting software makers have made switching a little easier. Ask about QuickBooks data integration before you purchase accounting software for agriculture. Transfer QuickBooks data in Excel format into the farming accounting software you choose for a complete transition.
I recommend: Download a free evaluation trial of
DataTech Ag Software or
Blue Skies Accounting by AgData, agricultural accounting software programs built with the producer in mind.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Consider farming accounting systems that will communicate with your farm management software. Oftentimes, you can generate reports from one program or another in an Excel format, then import the tables into the other program. If compatibility is a major concern for you, purchase totally integrated farm management accounting software that can handle it all.
The official source of Farm Management Accounting Software is
the Farm Management Accounting Software page at Business.com
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