Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1877-02-15
Keeping Farm Accounts.

The subject of keeping farm accounts
has often been referred to in these col
umns, and in those of most of our con-
tempOraries. Practical and experienced
farmers have pointed out its importance,
and still it is doubtful if moro than one
farmer in hundred keeps any account
with bis crops or stock. At all events,
those who keep such accounts are the ex-
ceptiOn, and not the rule. 1t is plain that
the importance of this matter among farm
ers is not properly appreciated, and it is
This fact that induces us to refer TO 1ttrOm
time to time.
1t is essential to success In all kinds of
business that a record shall be kept of eX-
penditures and receipts. The merchant
or mechanic who fails to keep an accu-
rate account of his business transactions
will, in nine cases out of ten, find that he
is losing money, and in the course of a
few years finds himself bankrupt. 1t is
true that a farmer MAKES fewer exchanges
of property than a merchant, but still
there is an outgO constantly, as well as
receipts for products sold. These should
be noted down daily, for in this way only
can any accurate knowledge be had
whether the farm is paying or not, or at
the end of the year whether this crop or
that has paid any profit, or whether ornot
the whole farm is a satisfactory invest
ment. There is little room TO doubt that
the remissness among farmers in this re-
spect is one reason why the results of
farming operations in many cases are I'M
satisfactory. Very many manage to
make a bare living who might and
doubtless would do far better if they kept
a strict account of their receipts and eX-
10 Of, -
very many more who do better than this
would be much larger. Let them try it
once and test the matter.
Generally, farmers work hard enough,
and are economical in their expenditures,
but still many of them do not get salts
factory returns for their labor. There are
SO mary small items of eXpense-a little
thing here and another there-that, in the
aggregate, make up no inconsiderable
sum. Now, il system of accounts is
kept, it is not difficult to find out where
the leakages are, and to stop them. it in
duces little more thinking and figuring,
but that is something that pays in farm
ing as well as in mercantile and mechan-
ical pursuits. Brain is quite as essen
tial as Drawn in the management of farm
work.
1t hardly seems to be necessary to en-
large upon the propriety and benefits OF
keeping farm accounts. They have fire.
quently been pointed out, and we will do
no more in this connection than to sum-
Marie them. They will show the farm
er at all times the condition of his affairs;
they give a clear idea or exhibit of his
farming operations; they show what
crops and what stock are the most protita-
bic for his farm; they are an invaluable
aid in the dealings of the farmer with his
neighbors; they develop correct business
habits; they educate men in lessons of
economy; and, finally, their influence is
calculated to elevate the standard of this,
the first of all pursuits.
To keep farm accounts does not require,
as some seem to think, a knowledge of
book keeping, such as is necessary in a
large mercantile or manufacturing estab-
lishment. Although system of farm &C
counts embraces detailed debt and credit
account, it is very simple affair, which
any farmer can master; in fact his boy or
girl, if they have learned to write and
cipher, can keep such accounts. And we
may say here, parenthetically, that we
know of a farmers daughter who thus as
sisted her father, keeping his accounts in
a neat and business-like manner. The
knowledge and experience thus gained in
this way will certainly be no detriment to
any one.
The early part of a new year Git is
never too late, however, to begin) is an
appropriate time to commence a system
of farm accounts, and the first thing
necessary is to make an inventory of the
farm, including all real and personal
property appertaining to the business.
1t should state the number of acres: what
amount is under cultivation, and what is
woodland, if any; an enumeration OF the
live stock, and the value Of each animal
amount of grain, hay, ETC., and its value;
value of farming implements, utensils,
etc, and an exhibit of financial condition
that is, assets and liabilities. Then
open a cash account, in which is to be en-
tered all the cash received or paid out;
then an expense account with the farm
in which all the receipts and expendi-
lures, of whatever kind, whether OF cash,