1 FARMING WITH COMPUTERS: q53,; VVhat Are the Alternatives?. ,___ _

'Y Extension Bulletin 0953

~ CooperativeExtension

College of Agriculture Washington State University Pullman, Washington EB 0953- Page 2

FARMING WITH COMPUTERS: Programmable Calculators WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES? These are hand-held machines similar in Herbert R. Hinman and Gayle S. Willett. appearance to the small calculators used Extension Farm Management Economists, by millions of Americans to solve tradi­ Washington State University, Pullman, tional mathematical problems. In addition Washington to performing all the functions of the con­ ventional calculator, the programmable, as Production agriculture has benefited suggested by its name, can be program­ greatly from technological advance during med. This means the machine has the the 1970s. While these advances are likely ability to accept a sequence of directions to continue, the big breakthroughs during and use these directions to automatically the next decade are most· likely to occur in solve a mathematical problem. The se­ the method and efficiency by which farm quence of directions, or program, is management decisions are made. These punched on the keyboard of the calculator breakthroughs will be based on the con­ and then recorded on a magnetic card tinued development and widespread adop­ about the size of a stick of gum. The pro­ tion of computerized tools by farm gram is recorded by passing the card managers. These tools will make it possi­ through a slot on the side of the cal­ ble for farmers to analyze the large culator. Since the program is permanently amounts of information needed for effec­ recorded on the card, the next time the tive decision making. program is needed it is re-entered into the machine by simply once again passing the Computers have been reduced in size, card through the same slot. complexity, and cost to the point where many farmers are finding them a profitable Answers derived from the programmable investment. Certainly, farm computers will calculator are displayed on the become an even better investment in the calculator's visual display panel and/or by years to come. There are currently three a printout. Printers are available for use basic kinds of computer systems available with the more advanced programmable for on-farm use: ( 1) programmable calculators. The printer gives the user the calculators; (2) remote terminals; and (3) option of getting a printed copy of data the microcomputer. Ea~h system has its and/ or programs. own strengths and weaknesses and to a certain degree, they complement each A large number of agricultural programs other. This publication will discuss the have been developed for the more strengths and weaknesses of program­ popular programmable calculator models mable calculators, remote terminals, and and are available from various land-grant microcomputers for the purpose of universities. For example, Iowa State facilitating system selection. University, Cornell University, Kansas State University, Oregon State University, and Washington State University current­ ly have libraries containing numerous pro­ grams. Examples of programs available in these libraries are estimates of machinery cost, ration formulation, lease versus buy of various farm assets, loan amortization, EB 0953-Page 3 enterprise analysis, etc. A listing of pro­ WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY grams available from Washington State PROGRAMMABLE CALCULATOR LIBRARY* Programs for the Tl-58 University, Iowa State University, and Cornell University appears below. Gross Margins Analysis for Evaluating Alterna­ tive Crops. This program calculates gross margins (returns over variable costs) for up to five crops at a The advantages of the programmable cal­ time and allows systematic comparison of crop pairs culator are its low cost ($200-$800), por­ with a break-even yield and price analysis. Work tability, simplicity, and availability of a sheets are provided to record program results in­ large number of prepared programs. cluding gross margins, break-even analysis and crop acreage assignments. For a given crop mix, the pro­ Because of its limited size and capacity, gram calculates total revenue, total variable cost and the programmable calculator is not total gross margins. suitable for storing and processing large Analysis of Land Value. This program estimates volumes of data. Thus, the ability of pro­ land value based on the major land value deter­ grammable calculators to process farm minants. These determinants are after-tax annual records is quite limited. The comparative returns from farming, the tax benefits from rea l estate loan interest deductions, and the after-tax advantage of programmables lies with market value of land at the end of the investor's analyzing management problems that can planning period. be reduced to mathematical formulas. They represent a good alternative for the Analysis of Ability to Pay for Land. This program determines the maximum financially feasible price farmer wanting to get started with com­ that can be paid for additional farm land. The max­ puters on a modest scale. imum price is based on: equity funds available for down payment, cash flow generated from the farm operation, other financial commitments, the interest rate on the loan used to finance the real estate ac­ quisition, and the number of years over which the loan is amortized.

Estimating Farm Machinery Costs. This program calculates the per-acre and per-hour cost of owning and operating farm machinery. It will calculate costs for self propelled equipment and a combination of power units and implements.

Investment Analysis-Net Cash Flow and Pres­ ent Value, Debt Recovery and Investment Payback Periods. This program calculates four im­ portant measures for evaluating alternative in­ vestments including after-tax net cash flow, net present value of the after-tax cash flow for both debt and equity financing, and also the debt recovery and investment payback periods. The pro­ gram can be run for debt and equity financing or both.

Beef Feeder Stocker Break-Even Analysis. This program calculates the break-even purchase price for feeders or the break-even selling price for stocker cattle. Feed requirements are calculated using the net energy system and initial weight, sex, and desired rate of gain. Work sheets are provided to assist with comparative analysis. EB 0953- Page 4

Break-Even and Culling Point Analysis for Dairy IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY PROGRAMMABLE Herds. This is a program that can be used with CALCULATOR LIBRARY* DHIA records and business records to help deter­ Programs for the Tl-58 mine which cows should be culled due to low milk production and indicate when is the most eco­ Agricultural Engineering nomical time to cull. Sprayer Calibration Machine Buy, Machine Lease, Machine Measuring Corn Harvesting Losses Rent/Custom-Hire. This is a package of three Measuring Soybean Harvesting Losses routines that can be used to compare the economic Field Work Sheet for Measuring Corn Harvesting benefits associated with four machinery financing Losses (reverse side for measuring soybean alternatives: (1) cash or credit purchase; (2) lease; harvesting losses) (3) rent; and (4) custom hire. The programs calcu­ late the present value of after-tax costs for the four Agronomy alternatives. Determining Fertilizer Needs to Supplement Liquid Dairy Cow Investment Analysis. This program Manure analyzes the profitability and liquidity of a proposed Crop Yield Calculation investment in dairy cows. The program computes: Soybean Yield Contest ( 1) the value of the cow to the business, or the max­ Corn Yield Contest imum bid price, and (2) the years needed to recap­ Field Population ture debt capital used to finance a cow purchase. Field Population: Planter Calibration Field Size: Acres/ Hectares for Rectangular Fields Lease vs. Purchase of Farm Land Analysis. This Soil Erosion of Corn Fields: Quantitative Estimate program analyzes the profitability and cash flow Soil: Agricultural Lime Recommendations aspects of lease versus purchase of farmland. Corn: Early Freeze Yield Reductions Growing Degre·e Days: Weather Service Method Animal Science Programs Universal Soil Loss Equation Corn: Estimate of Yield Beef Carcass Evaluation Beef Carcass Evaluation (Dressing percent) Animal Science Swine Carcass Evaluation (Days to produce 85# of muscle) Net Energy for Feedlot Cattle Swine Carcass Evaluation (% muscle) Ration Analyzer for Feedlot Cattle Lamb Carcass Evaluation Protein Supplementation for Feedlot Cattle Feed Evaluation Program Metabolizable Protein and UFP Determination of Feed Evaluation Program (Based on NPN) Feedstuffs and Protein Supplements Feed Evaluation Program (Based on vegetable pro- Adjusting British Breed Weaning Weights with tein and NPN) No Birth Weights Ration Formulation Program (Includes price) Adjusting Exotic Breed Weaning Weights with No Average Daily Gain Calculation Birth Weights Weight Per Day of Age Calculation Adjusting Calf Weaning Weights with Known Birth Adjusted Weaning Weight (Additive) Weights Adjusted Weaning Weight ( Mulitiplicative) Weaning Weight Ratios and Sire Summary Adjusted Yearling Weight Yearling Weight Adjustment and Weight per Day of Irregular Yearling Weight Adjustment Age Determination Weaning and Yearling Weights On-Farm Bull Test Record Feeder Heifer Break Even Price Analysis Ration Analyzer for Beef Cows Adjusting Beef Cattle Weaning Weights *Programs can be obtained from Herb Hinman and Month Data Tape Gayle Willett, 203 Ag Sciences, Washington State Yield Grade, Cutability and Percent Lean Deter­ University, Pullman, WA 99164, or Dick Cark~er, mination in Beef Cattle Western Washington Research and Extension NPPC Pork Carcass Evaluation Center, Puyallup, Washington 98371. Many of these NPPC Swine Carcass Evaluation Age Units programs and others are available for the HP41-C Required to Produce 85 lbs. of Muscle from David Holst, Department of Agricultural and Ration Formulation (Pearson Square) Resource Economics, Oregon State University, Cor­ Standardizing Swine Carcass Measurements vallis, Oregon 97331 . Swine Ration Analyzer Adequacy of Swine Ration Comparative Value of Various Feeds for Swine EB 0953- Page 5

Scoring Judging Cards Marketing Ration Analysis for Swine and Poultry sow Productivity Index Feeding Ca~le to Higher Grade Gestation and Livestock Management Calendar l!c~momics of Feeding Hogs to Heavier Weights Ration Analyzer Utilizing Master Library Evaluafion of Liv~ and Hot Carcass Weight ' Module Program 03 Alternative~ for Fed Steers Ration Formulation and Premix Balance with FM -09 (Agricultural Module) *Subscription available at Iowa State University, Publications Pist., Ames, Iowa 50011. Send check Dairy Science or money order made out to ISU for $30 for the subscription. Dairy Ration Balancer Dairy Ration Analyzer Grain Mix Formulator Comparative Feed Pricing

Farm Management

Cattle Feeding Work Sheet Feeder Pig Work Sheet Grain Marketing Costs and Returns Estimating Farm Machinery Costs Income Tax Estimation Farm Loan Analysis: Installment Loans Combine Ownership or Custom Hire: After-Tax C9st Gross Margin Equating Formula for Corn and an Alternative Crop Farm Depreciation and Investment Credit Feeder Lamb Work Sheet Discounting a Combination of Uniform and/or Non­ Uniform Series Internal Rate of Return for a Combination of Uniform and/ or Non-Uniform Series Land Purchase: Financial and Economic Analysis (an extended version of FM-1730 (4)-TJ) Investment Payback Period Determination Break-Even Price for Stored Grain Compared to Selling Wet or Drying Cow-Calf Work Sheet Time Series Deflator Motor Vehicle Cost Analysis Moving Average Feeder Pig Production Work Sheet Ewe Work Sheet Farrow-to-Finish Work Sheet Farm Business Record Analysis 1979 Feed Grain Program Work Sheet Investment Repayment Capacity Analysis Cost Comparison for Fertilizer Application Triangular Probability Distribution EB 0953- Page 6

CORNELL UNIVERSITY PROGRAMMABLE 5.46- Fuel Cost Comparison CALCULATOR LIBRARY* 5.47- Subsurface Drain Design Programs for the Tl-59

5. 1 -Determination of Water Removal 'or Addition *Subscription available from: Programmable to Condition Feedstuffs Calculator Library, NRAES, Riley-Robb Hall Cornell 5.2 -Estimating Agricultural Aircraft Cost University, Ithaca, New York 14853. Cost is '$20 for 5.3 - Corn Crop Selection the first subscription and $10 for each additional 5.4 -Calculating Water Flow in a Pipe subscription sent to the same address. Send check 5.5 -Standardization and Statistical Analysis of or money order made out to NRAES. Plot Samples 5.6 -Comparing Fuel Costs 5. 7 -Drying Fan Selection 5.8 -Estimating Farm Machinery Costs and Mimeo #431 5.9 -Manure Storage 5.10- Produce Storage Refrigeration or Heating Load 5.11 - Ration Analysis and Formulation 5.12- Batch Size Calculations for Complete Feeds. 5.13- Simplified Feed Requirements for the Lactating Cow 5.14- Dairy Ration Balancer 5.15- Prediction of Daily Dry Matter Intake 5.16- Formulating and Blending Complete Feeds Calculator (An. Sci. Mimeo #25) 5.17- Calculation of Nutrient Allowances for Dairy Cattle 5.18- Estimating Operative Costs for Bulk Milk Assembly 5.19- Cost Evaluation of Dairy Feed Using Corn and Soybean Meal Constants 5.20- Calculating Soil Loss 5.21- Drive Belt Length and Center Distance 5.22 - Building Heat Loss and Heating Cost 5.23- Economic Value of Cropland 5.24- Financial Feasibility of Land Purchase 5.25- Greenhouse Heat Loss Calculator 5.26- Home Canning Cost Analysis 5.27-Warm Dairy Barn Ventilation Calculator 5.28- Matching Grain Depth to Drying Fan 5.29- Lime Calculations 5.30-Wood Beam Analysis- Uniform Load 5.31-Wood Beam Bending Analysis- Point Loads 5.32- High Moisture Corn Pricing 5.33- Tank Calibration 5.34 - Tractor Ballasting .5.35-lnvestment Table Generator 5.36- Social Security Program 5.37- Laying Flock Records- Program Description 5.38-Wood Column Design for Grain Storage 5.39- Determining Air Flow per Volume of Grain 5.40-Vehicle Fuel Cost 5.41- Bovine Nutrition- Program Description 5.42-Volume and Tonnage of Grain or Forage in Various Storages 5.43- Grain Drying Time Estimator and Psy­ chrometric Calculator 5.44- Silo Hoop Spacing 5.45 - Fieldwork Horsepower Requirement Estimator EB 0953- Page 7

Remote Terminals addition to the cost of the terminal, there are expenses for long distance phone calls Remote terminals can be used in the and computer time each time the system is farmer's office to access a large, cen­ accessed. Partidpating members of these tralized computer via a phone line~ The systems use the central computer on a terminals resemble a typewriter and have "time-share" basis and are, therefore, a keyboard for entering instructions and · billed for only the time they actually use data. Work done by the centralized com­ the computer. puter is printed on paper and/ or dis­ played on a cathode ray tube (TV-like Like the programmable calculator, remote screen) by the terminal. Terminals can be terminals are primarily an analytical tool. purchased for $800-$3,000. They can also However, because of the greater capacity be leased. The main difference in termi­ of the centralized computer, the terminal nals is their data input and output capa­ system can analyze larger and more com­ bilities. Some terminals even possess plex problems than the programmable cal­ memory capability so input can be loaded culator. Due to a lack of farm accounting · into the terminal, then entered immediate­ programs in time-sharing, centralized com­ ly into the computer system at the time puter libraries, and to the high cost of of telephone hook-up. With these mem­ purchasing a terminal with memory capa­ ory terminals, data output from the com­ bilities, opportunities for farmers to proc­ puter can also be stored in the memory ess business records with a remote ter­ and be recalled after the terminal is minal system are currently quite limited. disconnected from the computer. These "smart" terminals save on-computer time and on-phone time.

Currently, there are three major remote terminal-centralized computer systems be­ ing used by farmers. These are AGNET, University of Nebraska; TELPLAN, Michi­ gan State University; and CMN, Virginia Polytechnic State University. Several states participate in these programs so farmers don't have to r~side in the origi­ nating state to participate. AGNET, for example, covers six states, including Washington. AGNET terminals are located in all of Washington's Cooperative Exten­ sion county offices. Thus, in lieu of acquir­ ing their own terminal, Washington res­ idents have the option of accessing AGNET through their local Extension of­ fice. Examples of programs found in these systems are: (1 ). ration formulation; (2) en­ terprise analysis; (3) irrigation scheduling; and (4) market reports and analysis. A list­ ing of AGNET programs appears below. In EB 0953- Page 8

GENERAL AGNET PROGRAMS DRY- Simulation of grain drying systems DUCTLOCATION- Determines ducts to aerate BASIS- Develops historical "basis" patterns for grain in flat storage bids certain crops ECON- Package of teaching programs dealing BEEF- Simulation and economic analysis of with economic concepts feeder's performance EDPAK- Demo programs illustrating computer BEEF ADVISORY- Beef feedlot placement and sales assisted instruction advisory report EWE COST-Analyzes the costs & returns of sheep BEEFBUY- Comparison of alternative methods of production enterprise purchasing beef EWESALE- Lists sheep for sale BESTCROP- Provides equal return yield & price FAIR- Scoring and tabulation of judging contests analysis between crops FAN- Determination of fan size and power needed BIN DRY- Predicts results of natural air & low temp. for grain drying corn drying FEEDMIX- Least cost feed rations for beef BROILER- Simulation and economic analysis of dairy, sheep, swine, and poultry ' broiler's performance FILLED IT-Constructs and modifies files for BUSPAK- Package of financial analysis programs use in FILLIN ANNUITY- Solves problems involving periodic FILLIN-A "fill in the blank" quiz routine payments GAMES- Package of game programs BUDGET -Capital budgeting GRASSFAT -Analyze costs and returns as- CAPITAL-Cost of capital sociated with pasturing calves CASH FLOW- Discounted cash ·flow HA YLIST- Lists hay for sale DEP- Depreciation HELP- Lists available programs & items of DEP3- Depreciation (3 methods solved interest to general user simultaneously) HOUSE- Estimates the costs of heating and cooling EQUITY- Loan equity a house FUTVAL-Future value INPUTFORMS- Prints available input forms GROWTH-Rate of growth in equity IRRIGATE-Irrigation scheduling IRR -Internal rate of return JOBSEARCH- Matches abilities and interests to LOAN- Single loan occupations LUMPSUM- One-time investment LANDPAK- Package. of programs to assist in land MULTLOAN- Multiple loan management decisions NETDEP- Net declining balance depreciation BUYLAND- Estimates maximum price you can RETURN- Return on investment afford to pay for land CALFWINTER- Analyzes costs and returns CASH RENT- Estimates maximum cash rent you associated with wintering calves can afford to pay for land CARCASS- Scoring & tabulation of beef or lamb MINCOME-Calculates minimum net cash in­ carcass judging contest come required to make payments CAR COST- Calculates costs of owning & operat­ MACHINEPAK-- Machinery analysis package ing a car or light truck CUSTOM- Calculates break-even acreage and CASH PLOT- Prints a plot of selected cash prices custom rates CONFERENCE-A continuing dialogue among users FIXEDCOST- Estimates machinery costs as a on a specific topic percent of new purchase price CONFINEMENT- Ventilation requirements & heater GRAIN DRILL- Least-cost grain drill analysis size for swine confinement MACHINE- Determination of field machine costs CORN PROJECT- Projects ave. U.S. corn price for SEMITRUCK-Estimates costs of operating a various marketing years tractor-traitor rig COWCOST-Examines the costs and returns for MAILBOX-Used to send and receive mail beef cow-calf enterprise MARKETCHART- Prints bar, moving ave., or point COW GAME- Beef genetic selection simulation & figure charts on futures game MARKETS - Various market reports and specialists' CROPBUDGET- Analyzes the costs of producing a comments crop MC-A multiple choice quiz routine CROSSBREED- Evaluates beef crossbreeding MCEDIT- Constructs and modifies files for use in systems & breed combinations MC DAIRYCOST -Analyzes the monthly costs andre­ MONEYCHECK-Financial budgeting comparison turns with milk production for families DIETCHECK- Food intake analysis NEWSRELEASE-A program for rapid dissemina­ DIETSUMMARY- Summary of analysis saved tion of news stories from DIETCHECK PIPESIZE- Computes most cost-effective size irri­ gation pipe to install EB 0953- Page 9

PLANTAX-Income tax planning/management Microcomputers program PREMIUM- Compiles and summarizes fair premiums The latest farm computer aid to appear on PRICEDATA-Prints selected historic cash and/or the market is the microcomputer. These futures prices are stand-alone units with the capability to PRICEPLOT- Designed to plot market prices in graphic form store and analyze significant amounts of PUMP- Determination of irrigation costs data. While there is considera ble flexibility RANCHADVISORY- Ranch (cow-calf) marketing in the components of a microcomputer advisory report RANGECOND-Calculates the range condition and system, a common unit would include the carrying capacity microcomputer itself-plus a printer, a SEED LIST- List seed stocks for sale cathode ray tube (a TV-like screen), a key­ SOYBEAN PROD- Demonstration soybean produc­ board, and one or two disc drives. Numer­ tion management model SPRINKLER-Examines feasibility of installing ous makes and models are currently sprinkler irrigation available but costs for the basic system STATPAK-Package of programs for statistical start at around $3,000 and increase with analysis of data STOREGRAIN-Cost analysis of on-farm and com­ the capacity of the computer and the mercial grain storage amount and size of peripheral equipment. SWINE-Simulation and economic analysis of feeder's performance SWINEADVISORY- Feeder pig and slaughter hog Microcomputers and their peripheral marketing advisory report equipment come in many different sizes. TESTPLOT- Standard analysis of variance TRACTORSELECT -Assists in determining suitabil­ The size of the computer's central proc­ ity of tractors to enterprise essing unit and its storage areas are TREE-Summarization of community forestry measured in terms of bytes. A byte is inventory essentially the computer space required to TREESALE-Listing of Clarke-McNary available inventory store a character in storage or in the cen­ TURKEY- Simulation and economic analysis of tral processing unit. Byte capacity is turkey's performance typically measured in terms of 1,000 bytes. VITAMINCHECK-Checks the level of vitamins & trace minerals in swine diet Therefore, when a person speaks of a cen­ WEAN- Performance testing of weaning weight tral processing unit having a capacity of calves 32K, he essentially means that the central YEARLING-Performance testing of yearling weight calves processing unit can hold up to 32,000 bytes of information in memory (this in­ Each of these programs can be executed by typing the cludes program and data storage space). program name. Also see SPECIALIZED for a list of Microcomputers come with various proc­ available programs which require additional materials and/or training by program author(s) to run. essing capacities ranging from 2K to over 64K. For agricultural applications, few pro­ grams will require the central processing unit to have more than 48K.

Most microcomputer systems use either cassette tapes or "floppy discs" to store and retrieve program instructions and data. The main difference between the two storage systems is the time involved to read and load data, with the floppy disc being the considerably more efficient system. The floppy disc system is also EB 0953~ Page 10

more costly. Programs and data stored on Microcomputers have the ability to store and retrieved from cassette tapes are and process farm records, and this feature transferred by means of a tape recorder is attracting farmer interest. Washington hooked into the microcomputer. Large farmers who own microcomputers empha­ programs may take from 15 to 20 minutes size the role of their systems in helping to input. If an input error occurs, you must with the record keeping chores. They have start over. Floppy discs, which resemble a high appreciation for the role of records 45 rpm records within protective cover­ in improving the control they have over ings, are inserted within disc drives. A sys­ their business. In the words of one farmer tem with two disc drives gives optimal pro­ "If I'm going to make it in this business, it' gramming capabilities since it allows large is essential that I know where I am making programs to be read from one disc while and losing money in my farming operation allowing access to data from the other and what are likely to be my most prof­ disc. Most programs on disc drive take itable options." from 1 to 2 minutes to input. The size of disc drives needed depends upon the data Though different in various aspects, the requirements of the programs to be used farm record keeping programs developed with the unit. However, a unit with two by several farmers who have microcom­ combined disc drives that store 600K, or puters are quite similar. Each expense or more, is not unusual. receipt item is entered from the keyboard and coded according to a particular enter­ Several different types and sizes of prise and field. On command any time dur­ printers and cathode ray tubes are avail­ ing the year, the computer automatically able. The cathode ray tube (TV screen) prints a summary of expenses and receipts presents a visual display of the computer for the entire operation and/ or for each input and output. The printer provides a enterprise and field. One farmer who printed copy of the desired input and out­ operates several tracts of leased land with put information. The type of printer different landowners is also able to get a and/ or cathode ray tube to purchase with breakdown by landowner. In addition, a microcomputer unit depends basically each farmer has developed programs that upon the type of output required. compare whole-farm expenditures, as well as enterprise and field expenditures, with The typical computer keyboard used to previously constructed budgets, and enter data and instructions resembles a therefore, is able to determine at any point standard typewriter. Keyboards can be in time where the business is relative to the ' purchased that also have a 10-key budget plan. numerical pad constructed like an adding machine keyboard to aid in inputting The main inputs for these systems are ac­ numerical informatjon. curate records on the amount and cost of materials, labor, and equipment use time on a field-by-field basis . This requires keeping records on each worker indicating how much equipment time is spent on each enterprise and field. One farmer ac­ complishes this by placing a tape recorder in the cab of his tractors and combines. EB 0953- Page 11

These farmers indicate that their computer Deciding on a Microcomputer systems give them the capability to spot or Other System areas where they are making or losing money. Armed with this information, they There are several different microcomputers have been able to make changes that have on the market today. The main problem is increased profitability. Moreover, their that farm management related software computer programs have been helpful in (the computer instructions) for many of preparing tax returns, documenting loan these computers is currently not available. requests, and keeping lenders and land­ In addition, most software available is writ­ owners informed. Additional programs ten for a particular make of computer and developed by one farmer check invoices not usable by other brands. Therefore, for arithmetic errors and double billing and many purchasers of microcomputers have compare current grain prices with those found that unless they are willing to learn for the next 30 and 60 day markets to help to program or to invest in hiring a pro­ determine the best time to sell. grammer, they have little more than an ex­ pensive instrument for electric ping pong. While the ability of computers to assist in record keeping is important for all types of Of the three Washington farmers inter­ farms, the more intensive operations will viewed, two have learned to program their find the greatest benefit from using com­ own computers and have developed their puters to analyze day-to-day problems. For own package of programs. The third hired example, a dairy operation can use a a programmer, and to date has invested microcomputer to keep track of milk pro­ slightly more in program development than duction, breeding, and feeding data for in­ he paid for the computer. dividual cows, groups of cows, and/ or the entire herd. Such information is very val­ Therefore, if you are a farmer interested in uable in determining how much to feed investing in a microcomputer and are not cows, when to breed them, and when willing to develop your own programs, they should be dried off or culled. there are certain guidelines to follow in determining the best microcomputer for Microcomputers costing $3,000-$5,000 your business. These same guidelines also have the capacity to use programs written apply if you are considering purchasing a for programmable calculators, as well as programmable calculator or joining a re­ the majority of the programs in the mote terminal-centralized computer libraries of terminal-accessed central com­ system. puters. However, because of computer language incompatibility problems, these Determine what you want the com­ programs will have to be rewritten. The puter to accomplish for you. If you are expense and time of rewriting programs in primarily interested in an accounting pro­ centralized computer libraries (for example gram, be able to specify the exact type of AGNET, TELPLAN, CMN) can be over­ accounting system you desire. General ac­ come by purchasing an acoustic coupler counting packages that are currently wide­ for the microcomputer for around $300. ly available may not be of much value to This would give the farmer the ability to you. Likewise, be able to specify the addi­ use the microcomputer in the same man­ tional functions you desire your computer ner as previously described for the remot~ to perform. terminal. EB 0953- Page 12

Search the market for software pro­ grams that do what you desire. The Joint Personal Computer Task Force of the Southern Extension Farm Manage­ ment Marketing Committee recently surveyed land-grant universities concern­ ing software availability. Results of this survey can be obtained by contacting J. Robert Strain, Cooperative Extension Ser­ vice, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611. This survey lists over 200 programs that have been developed at various land-grant universities, the type of computer they operate on, and who to contact for more information. Another good place to begin searching for desired software is within your own community. Microcomputers have been around long enough that generally within each com­ munity at least one enterprising farmer has purchased a computer and has obtained his own package of programs. By virtue of being from the same area, it is quite likely that this program package could easily be adapted to your farm business.

Identify needed microcomputer equip­ ment. After you have accomplished the above two steps, you should be able to determine the type of microcomputer needed to accomplish what is desired and the cost of purchasing needed software and equipment. With this information, you can then determine if the returns gained from purchasing the computer equipment justify the necessary investment.

Issued by Washington State University Cooperative Extension, J. 0. Young, Director, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in furtherance of the . Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Trade names have been used to simplify information; no endorse­ ment is intended. Cooperative Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Published September 1981.