Computers on the Farm Farm Uses for Computers, How to Select Software and Hardware, and Online Information Sources in Agriculture

This practical bulletin walks farmers through the basics of bringing computer technology onto their operations. It explains the differences between hardware, software, and online information sources, and offers clear guidelines for choosing the right system for a farm’s needs. Listeners will learn how a modest microcomputer can become a versatile tool for everyday decision‑making.

From calculating the most economical feed rations to scheduling irrigation and tracking machinery inventories, the guide outlines dozens of everyday tasks that become faster and more accurate with a computer. It also covers financial record‑keeping, tax preparation, livestock breeding logs, and real‑time market and weather updates delivered through telephone‑linked databases. Even process control—such as automating pump schedules or grain‑drying equipment—is introduced in easy‑to‑follow steps.

The advice encourages a gradual approach: start by computerizing a single record set, then expand to analysis and control functions as confidence grows. By the end of the first act, listeners will have a solid foundation for selecting suitable software and hardware, and for harnessing online resources to boost farm efficiency.