7 Best Workflow Automation Tools For Small Farm Owners

Introduction

Farm management is a demanding undertaking that combines traditional agriculture practices with modern business operations. Small farm owners can greatly benefit from workflow automation tools that streamline farm planning, crop management, livestock tracking, and record-keeping. These tools enable farmers to focus more on sustainable practices and less on administrative duties. Here are seven exceptional tools designed to facilitate farm management workflows.

1. Bizway

• What is it? A versatile business management platform that incorporates AI to offer an extensive suite of tools for small business operators, including farm owners.
• Key Features: AI Assistants, task automation, elaborate project tracking, KPI dashboards, and in-depth business analytics.
• Pros: Adaptable AI features for distinct operations, comprehensive tools for various business aspects, and an intuitive interface easing the management burden.
• Cons: AI functionalities may demand a learning period, chiefly oriented towards small to medium-scale operations.
• Pricing: Starter package available at $49/mo, with Scale at $99/mo and Portfolio at $199/mo.
• Best For: Small farm owners looking for AI-driven tools to enhance their agricultural and business workflows.

2. Granular

• What is it? An agriculture software that provides farm management solutions to optimize operations and financials for farm owners.
• Key Features: Field-level profitability analysis, inventory management, work orders, yield analysis, and team communication.
• Pros: Designed specifically for agricultural needs, detailed operations and financial tracking, supports precision farming.
• Cons: The depth of features may present a steep learning curve, pricing can be significant depending on farm size.
• Pricing: Custom pricing based on farm size and features needed.
• Best For: Farm owners in need of detailed operational management and financial planning tools integrated into one system.

3. Farmbrite

• What is it? An all-in-one farm and livestock management tool intended to help farmers organize and manage their agricultural activities.
• Key Features: Crop planning, livestock tracking, equipment maintenance records, sales and expense tracking, and customer management.
• Pros: User-friendly, comprehensive features for crop and livestock management, transparent pricing structure.
• Cons: More advanced accounting features may require integration with additional software.
• Pricing: Starts at $15/month with a free trial available.
• Best For: Small to mid-size farmers who want a straightforward platform for crop production, livestock, and business management.

4. Agworld

• What is it? A collaborative farm management app that enables farmers, advisors, and third-party stakeholders to work together effectively.
• Key Features: Planning and budgeting, field records, farm maps, agronomic insights, and reporting.
• Pros: Collaborative approach, integrates financial with agronomic planning, mobile access for in-field data entry.
• Cons: Primarily suited for crop farming, may not accommodate all types of specialty farming.
• Pricing: Custom pricing based on farm needs and operational scope.
• Best For: Crop producers seeking a collaborative platform for financial planning, field data management, and operational insights.

5. Trello

• What is it? A project management application ideal for organizing day-to-day tasks, farming activities, and team coordination using boards and lists.
• Key Features: Customizable boards, automation with Butler, app integrations, mobile access, and calendar view.
• Pros: Intuitive, flexible for a variety of tasks, facilitates organization and collaboration amongst farm staff.
• Cons: May lack some agricultural-specific features, requires additional tools for complete farm management.
• Pricing: Free basic plan; Business Class starts at $9.99 per user/month.
• Best For: Farm owners who want a visual and intuitive tool to manage daily operations and tasks within a team.

6. The Climate Corporation (Climate FieldView)

• What is it? A digital farming platform that helps farmers analyze field data, monitor crop health, and optimize inputs for better yield and efficiency.
• Key Features: Data visualization, yield analysis, satellite imagery, digital field mapping, and seamless data integration from many equipment types.
• Pros: Strengthens data-driven decision-making, remote field monitoring, supports precision farming techniques.
• Cons: Some features are region-specific, may require compatible farming equipment for full utilization.
• Pricing: Free to start; additional features may have associated costs.
• Best For: Farmers looking for advanced agricultural data analytics and remote monitoring of crops.

7. QuickBooks Online

• What is it? An online accounting software widely used by various businesses, including farms, to automate financial tasks and streamline bookkeeping.
• Key Features: Expense tracking, invoice creation, financial reporting, payroll integration, and mobile access.
• Pros: User-friendly, comprehensive financial tools, automated tax calculations, and real-time financial visibility.
• Cons: Farm-specific accounting features may require additional customization or third-party apps.
• Pricing: Starts at $25 per month for the Simple Start plan.
• Best For: Small farm owners in need of a reliable financial management system to handle bookkeeping, invoicing, and payroll.