Few things can be more powerful for business owners than a smartphone loaded with hot apps. The right combination of applications coupled with a tech-savvy user can drastically increase productivity and efficiency. And while historically the agriculture industry may have been perceived as being slow to adopt new technology, new apps prove farmers are becoming as innovative as the next guy, and they’re benefiting from a bevy of apps designed specifically to take the pain out of farm management.
From planting crops to managing livestock to connecting with produce traders, apps are increasing farmers’ productivity while saving them time and money. And chances are you already have the equipment—a smartphone—to take advantage of these top eight applications for 2015:
Agrivi. Available for iOS and Android devices, this farm management software allows you to organize your tasks, ensure you are optimally utilizing your fields, track your inventory, manage your finances and staff, and much more. In addition, you can access all your documentation from contracts to invoices in one place, and easily prepare reports with a click. Finally, Agrivi offers in-depth weather, crop, pest and disease reporting for your location, and you can set it up to send alerts when your fields are at risk. The basic plan is free, and packages start around $24 per month.
Sirrus. This free iPad precision agriculture app simplifies data collection and reporting. Digitize field boundaries and simplify boundary collection with georeferenced imagery and external GPS compatibility. You can collect and report on soil samples, scout your crops for future plantings, and chart rainfall estimates for your fields.
Conservis. Gain real-time insight regarding every aspect of your farm operation, including planning, planting, purchasing, controlling inventory, and even marketing and selling. This software allows you to capture logistics and the true cost of running your farm, so you can make more informed decisions about future spending. Plus, with all your data stored in the cloud, you can rest assured your information is safe. Contact the company for information on pricing.
TractorPal. For iOS and Android devices, this application allows you to maintain records of your agriculture machinery and attachments, and to monitor tractor maintenance. Add alerts for key maintenance, such as oil, coolant, air filters and fuel filter changes, and include products’ part numbers so you have all the information you need at your fingertips when it’s time to service machinery. Download a free trial, and purchase the full version for $9.99
Machinery Guide. For Android devices, this agricultural guidance application allows you to optimize fertilizer and pesticide usage, and lower machine costs and work hours without needing to purchase expensive equipment. You do need to purchase an antenna in addition to the application. Packages start at $163 per month.
iCropTrak. For iOS devices, iCropTrak allows you to maintain records of any farm-related variable through map-based visualization. Reset boundaries; export soil sampling results directly to the lab with one click; track crop quality and estimated yields; manage farm labor, materials and equipment use; and monitor for pests and diseases. $50 per month per user
FarmLogs. For iOS and Android devices, FarmLogs allows you to check your field rainfall without having to waste gas and time driving around to check your rain gauges. You can also access a daily account of field heat accumulation and see how that compares to previous years, so you can estimate crop yields and plan for future crops. Lease the program for $749 per device per calendar year.
Farmware. For iOS and Android devices, Farmware replaces the need to take notes in the field and then reenter them on your desktop. Simply enter activities from the field into the application for your livestock, paddocks and storage—even offline—to keep track of animal treatment records, livestock types, livestock performance, grazing and paddock combination, paddock and crop treatments and performance, storage inventories and more. Packages start at $22 per month for up to two devices.
The days of handwritten notes, spreadsheets, and paper reporting are over. By utilizing app technology, business-minded agricultural entrepreneurs can drastically cut down on human errors and time-draining tasks that kill productivity and hurt your bottom line.