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

In Short

This Farmers' Bulletin serves as a foundational manual for agricultural professionals navigating the nascent computer revolution. Published by the USDA in 1984, it demystifies the transition from analog record-keeping to digital management. The book provides a structured roadmap for selecting hardware, identifying appropriate software, and accessing online agricultural databases. It has remained a historical touchstone because it documents a specific, pivotal moment when the "third revolution"—the shift from manual management to computer-aided efficiency—was just beginning to reshape the daily operations of family farms across the United States.

The Story

The narrative begins with a clear objective: to help the farmer answer the question of how a machine can legitimately improve a business operation. It positions the microcomputer not as a replacement for the farmer's intuition, but as a tool for "the third revolution." This revolution follows the transition from human-and-animal power to the tractor, representing a new era where management, rather than just physical labor, becomes the primary lever for productivity.

The argument unfolds by first deconstructing the fear of the unknown. It offers a measured look at what a computer can actually do—from calculating feed rations for dairy cows to scheduling complex irrigation based on soil moisture and local weather. The author emphasizes that this is not about "computerizing" the entire farm overnight, but about starting small, perhaps with simple financial records, and learning as the system proves its worth.

As the reader moves deeper into the decision-making process, the tone shifts toward the practical realities of the marketplace. The book offers a sobering "buyer beware" warning, urging farmers to identify their specific needs—what information do they need to track?—before purchasing a single piece of hardware. It argues for the primacy of software over hardware; if the software doesn’t do the job, the most expensive computer is merely a high-tech paperweight. It guides the reader through the treacherous landscape of compatibility, explaining why a computer must be able to "talk" to its peripherals and why the "documentation" (the user manual) is just as important as the silicon brain inside the box.

The latter half of the book expands the horizon from the individual farm to the global network. It details an impressive, sprawling array of online databases and information services, such as AGNET, AgriData, and various USDA-led initiatives. These sections portray the farm as a node in a vast, interconnected information network, where a farmer can access daily market news, commodity prices, and even conduct electronic auctions.

The story concludes by looking toward the future, acknowledging the inevitability of change. It provides a comprehensive glossary for the novice and a list of resources for staying current in a field that moves faster than the agricultural seasons. By the end, the reader is left with a vision of a "farm of the future" that might host multiple, specialized computers, ensuring that the farm remains resilient even if one system fails. It is a pragmatic, cautious, and ultimately optimistic account of how to bring the digital world into the field, barn, and office.

How It Unfolds

The promise of management The opening chapters define the microcomputer as a tool for efficiency, focusing on its ability to handle labor-intensive calculations and store vast amounts of production data. The text frames the computer as a logical successor to the tractor, shifting the focus from physical power to informational power.

The strategic approach The middle section establishes a rigorous methodology for the hesitant buyer. It dictates a sequence: identify operational needs, find the software that addresses them, and only then choose the hardware that supports that software.

The network of information The book transitions from stand-alone machines to the power of telecommunications. It catalogs the various public and private networks that allow farmers to dial into everything from commodity markets to federal research databases.

The final checklist The closing chapters emphasize the importance of support networks, such as local Extension offices, and provide a detailed glossary to ensure the reader is not overwhelmed by technical jargon. It leaves the reader with a final, practical view of how to maintain a system, troubleshoot "downtime," and adapt to future upgrades.

The People

The central figure is the American farmer, whom the book treats as a sophisticated manager needing better tools for an increasingly complex economy. This farmer is portrayed as someone who is deeply practical, wary of marketing hype, and grounded in the realities of weather, market volatility, and seasonal cycles.

The "experts"—ranging from USDA historians like Wayne Rasmussen to local County Extension agents—act as the primary guides. These agents are the bridge between technical jargon and the barn floor. They are the ones who encourage the farmer to "start on a small scale," tempering the excitement of the "computer revolution" with necessary caution. They want the farmer to succeed without falling victim to the pitfalls of "garbage" data or incompatible hardware.

Finally, the vendors and software developers are presented as necessary partners, though the reader is advised to maintain a healthy distance. The book encourages the farmer to seek out these entities only after clearly defining their own needs. The dynamic is one of a savvy consumer looking to gain an edge in a competitive market, moving from a position of reliance on traditional information to one of technological independence.

In Its Own Voice

The book’s pragmatic advice for evaluating whether a digital tool is worth the cost:

"The best time to buy is when you find you can profitably make use of a computer."

The author’s stern warning regarding the importance of the relationship between different computer parts:

"Computers and marriages should share one thing in common: Compatibility."

The fundamental reality check for any farmer considering this investment:

"If the records you use in making a computation are incomplete, for example, the computer cannot fill in the gaps for you nor overcome inaccuracies in the data."

What It's Really About

At its core, this book is about the necessity of information management in modern agriculture. It argues that the "third revolution" in farming is not one of raw power, but of data processing. The central question is how to translate the messy, unpredictable nature of farming into a structured, digital format that can be analyzed and optimized. It touches on themes of technological autonomy, the danger of over-reliance on untested systems, and the shift from "farming by feel" to "farming by data." Ultimately, it asks whether the farmer can retain control over their operation in an era where market and climate information is instantaneous and overwhelming.

Why Read It Today

Readers today will find a curious, charming, and surprisingly relevant time capsule. Those interested in the history of technology or agricultural development will appreciate the sheer ambition of the 1984 "computer revolution," where a floppy disk was a cutting-edge storage device and a modem was a gateway to a mysterious "online" world. It feels like reading the blueprint for the modern precision farming we see today.

The book is not without its difficulties; it is dry, instructional, and deeply embedded in the specific hardware and software landscape of the mid-1980s. Many of the companies mentioned—like The Source or AGNET—have long since vanished into the ether of technological history. However, its core advice—that software must drive hardware, and that a tool is only as good as the data fed into it—remains as sound today as it was forty years ago. For a reader, the experience is one of watching the dawn of a new age; it is a reminder that every massive technological shift begins with a simple, humble attempt to keep better records. The sincerity of the author's desire to empower farmers, rather than sell them products, gives the book a warmth that modern technical manuals often lack.