cloud software

High Emphasis on Farm data It’s been said knowledge is power and that is especially true for farmers. On any given day, farmers make a number of decisions – some big, some small. Every decision a farmer makes has an impact on the farming operation, which is why making informed decisions is critical. When it comes to making those decisions, farm data is king and good data management is paramount.   “Frankly, the last few years we’ve had a more difficult farm economy with six or seven years of low margin operations,” says Paul Gorman, owner of ELCEL Solutions Inc. and a long-time farm business management instructor.    With extreme market swings, rising input costs and severe drought impacting much of the country, having sound financial management practices is pivotal, perhaps more today than ever before. “People cannot afford to be sloppy,” Gorman says.   That’s where a powerful farm data management software program is helpful. Computerized farm management software has been around for decades. These programs have enabled farmers to make informed decisions, allowing them to be more efficient and make decisions based on accurate information. “[Farm management software] definitely gives you a truer picture,” explains Mitch Konen. “Instead of

The Changing World of Farm Accounting Just as farm equipment has evolved from horse and plow to powerful 4-wheel drive tractors and 48-row planters, farm data collection has experienced its own revolution. What started with pencil and paper before transitioning to desktop software has now advanced to a cloud-based farm accounting application.   With the use of cloud-based services in agriculture on the rise in recent years, the introduction of this new accounting solution, Traction, is a welcome addition to farmers who are looking for enhanced accessibility, added security and peace of mind. For most farming operations, one person assumes responsibility for data entry and has access to day-to-day financials and reporting. Beyond that, current farm desktop accounting software programs are archaic and not user friendly and non-farm specific applications make it extremely difficult for farmers to capture field-level accounting analysis. A cloud-based platform, like Traction, enhances collaboration and team engagement for all stakeholders on the operation.    While Traction is relatively new to the market, Laura Ehnle, Edelstein, Ill., has already experienced increased collaboration since implementing the application on her family’s farm. A long-time user of a popular farm data management software program, Ehnle admits she and her husband could