Susan Obijiski
Posted: 03 December, 2008 |
|
|
You may think that the world of technology and the world of farming are far removed but in today’s world of agriculture, technology and software are widespread. As new farmers inherit the farming business from Mom and Dad, their knowledge of and comfort with technology has engendered a natural relationship between the business of agriculture and the business management software available today.
If you question the popularity of these software packages you need only to look at the large ERP vendors and best-of-breed vendors jumping into the market. There is money to be made in these vertical software markets and you can find a software package to organize and track just about every aspect of farm management. Software packages include feed management, fixed assets, costing, time and attendance packages, payroll, billing and accounting packages, crop management, nursery and stock management, delivery programs among others.
These software programs help farmers to better management expenses and crop and stock assets to better manage the slim margins of the farming business. A brief review of agricultural trade journals and national newspapers reveals the value of these types of systems. One farmer who used stock tracking software was able to track his cattle herd from “calf to carcass” to better identify the feed and medicinal requirements for every cow. This resulted in decreasing feed costs and improved health and value of each animal. Ear tags are placed on each animal and information is gathered from these animals and tracked in a database. By tracking each animal, it is estimated that a farmer can increase the value of an animal by as much as $300.
A recently published report in a national newspaper reports on the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) software that allows farmers to capture soil properties and track pest treatment and seasonal weather patterns. This new form of precise agricultural management does require an investment in new equipment and online reporting services but its adoption has grown in popularity among crop farmers in the Midwest. Pest control chemicals cost money and this type of precision farming allows the farmer to view the results of pest treatment using GPS images and correct treatment plans only in areas where pest control is questionable.
Whether you need to cut costs in back office management of payroll and time reporting or look for trends in crop or stock health, or plan expenses and seasonal yield for your farm, you are certain to find a software package to meet your needs. As the science of farming has moved into the new age, so has the science of managing and organizing the farming business as a money-making enterprise. At a time when small and large farming enterprises are finding it hard to stay in business, many agricultural analysts believe that the use of technology and data analysis and trending can make or break a farming business.
|
| |
 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
Susan Obijiski is a technology professional, consultant, business coach and writer. Her experience includes management consulting, and she has published research for Gartner Group. Susan is a frequent speaker and presenter on a variety of topics including software and technology, business strategy, process improvement and organizational culture change.
mailto: susanobijiski@aol.com
|
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
SoftwareShortlist is an innovative online platform
that helps small to medium businesses
compare, select and buy the right
software for their specific needs.
read more... |
|
|
