The larger the farm, the more time required for data entry and the more complex the database and spreadsheet design becomes. The demands are often perceived as more costly than the benefits. Degree of External Support Feed companies figure rations. The Dairy Herd Improvement Association keeps dairy records. Kansas State University offers computerized accounting printouts through a farm management service.
Many banks also offer financial record keeping.
Agronomists may keep crop records, veterinarians record herd information, and accountants store tax records. With all these services, several farmers with whom we talked wondered just how much they really needed to use a computer. Many farmers actually believe this old saw. Over and over, we heard statements about age from those who ran into difficulty learning to use the computer. I'm too old to learn.