The two most commonly available programs are Microsoft Money and Intuit Quicken. Both programs are computerized checkbook registers that are popular because of their simplicity. But these programs have a broad range of software packages that range from very simple checkbook-like systems to more sophisticated accounting programs. You should read the product information carefully and select the program that will do what you need. Keep in mind that, as you become more familiar with the software, you may well want many of the features that come with the business-level programs even if it seems a bit more than you need initially. The most time-consuming part of computerized record keeping is setting up the system with your categories and information. Because most accounting software was not designed for agriculture, you might find the following resources helpful: Comupterized Farm Record Keeping with Quicken - Ohio State University or Quicken for Farm and Ranch Records. Neither Quicken nor Money can track production with the expenses. The farm operation also needs to keep a good record of the depreciable assets, the method of depreciation used, and the amount of yearly depreciation taken. For producers looking for an inexpensive program to just keep track of income and expenses and categorize the entries so income tax preparation is easy, Quicken and Money offer affordable options. For larger or more complex operations that want to keep more detailed records and use more of double-entry accounting procedures, you might consider using a version of QuickBooks or similar software. An excellent guide to adapting QuickBooks to farming and ranching is available from the Quicken University of Missouri. There also are a number of programs available from commercial agriculture software suppliers that cost from $300 to $1,000. Considerably more choices are available at Agricultural Software Directory.

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