Computers

A new system being used in the farming business is called the Homestead Farm Management System which allows farmers to deal with farm management from their own offices with the use of computers.  The system provides an effective tool to assist the farmer in basic accounting, record keeping, and planning functions required for the operation of a modern, efficient and profitable farm enterprise.

Three benefits are:

1.     Save time- proper bookkeeping and accounting takes lots of time.  Reports on financial statements are available within a matter of minutes.

2.     Improve Farm Performance Records.  Historical records on crops and livestock easily kept and are accessible.

3.     Increase profits - ability to improve planning and decision making easier with information that is easily accessible.

Besides all of the things that were mentioned before, a farmer has to be the type of a person that can take pride in his accomplishments, such as a field of golden grain, straight corn rows, straight sunflower rows free from weeds, cattle that look good and are in demand by the buyers when they are taken to market.  He is constantly looking for better and more efficient methods in his particular operation.  He has to be willing to try new methods of doing things and be able to face disappointments such as crop failure, to put that aside and begin to plan for the next season.  They, the farmers, are the stewards of the soil.  It is their responsibility to use it with care in the best manner that they can so that it may be an inheritance for their children's children.

Source: A History of Foster County 1983 Page 125