There are THREE things to consider when choosing an application:

1. Easy
2. Economical
3. Effective

Choose which TWO of these are most important to you and find an application that fits.

Will some bias, I'd have to recommend Farm Works, using Farm Site, Trac Mate/Site Mate, and Farm Funds. Some things about it match number 1 above, but for the most part, in my opinion, numbers 2 and 3 apply. The real challenge lies in getting everything set up and ready to roll.

Some more advice:

• Remember that technology that the progressive farmer uses is always more intimidating than it is hard.
• When choosing a new technological tool, get one that has some easy to learn, practical features, BUT with more advanced features to learn to use over time.
• Find a company with the kind of tech support you need
• Find a company that has reasonably priced upgrades and support plans.
• Find a partner who uses or will use what you are going with and help one another.
• GRIT YOUR TEETH and MAKE IT WORK
• Don’t “jump ship” too soon to another application and have to start a lot of learning over.

The computer won’t

• get out of the truck or office and do your field work for you.
• do your thinking for you.
• do enough that your spreadsheet and database skills current will never be needed again.