You don't need complicated software...

Most farms don't place big demands on accounting software, so they are a good case where simple software works really well. Farmers generally don't need to send out invoices, or manage inventories for example, and the software we use in our training can be purchased at a cheaper price without these features (and they can be added later if needed).

• Cashbook Lite costs $120 and is enough to run the farm and satisfy the accountant, yet it is simple to learn and use.
• Cashbook Complete, for an additional $120, adds the ability to send out invoices.

So it is not necessary to spend more than $120 to get great farm accounting software - and you can trial the software free for 3 months to make sure it does the job!

Learn only what you are going to use...

The modular design of our training programme works well for farmers (and their partners) - you can just tackle the bits you need and leave out the rest.

The key to getting accounting going is to keep it simple. That means using simple uncluttered software doing just the jobs you need to do.

With our computer accounting 1Day Workshop you learn just the features you are going to use. You will easily be able to set up your basic farm computer accounting system in 1 day.

What about specialist farm software?

There is software out there designed specifically for farmers (Landmark, Computer Concepts).

Typically you get enhancements - like paddock diaries to assist with farm management - but they do come at a cost.  These features are great if you are going to use them, but they can complicate learning accounting and getting it going.  It's just extra stuff to deal with.

It's a lot easier getting your computer accounting going first and then trading up later if you prove there really is a need. 

You are not committed to buying any software in our training.