The best farm accounting software comes down to choosing between two clear paths I identified in my evaluation. Some tools, like QuickBooks Online, focus on delivering complete accounting coverage with strong reporting, invoicing, and cash flow visibility. Others, like FarmBooks, EasyFarm, and Traction Ag, are built specifically for agriculture, with deeper support for tracking crops, livestock, inputs, and activity-level costs.
Your choice depends on what matters more in your operation. If you prioritize clean financials and efficient day-to-day bookkeeping, accounting-first tools perform better. If you need to understand profitability by enterprise and manage farm activities in detail, farm-specific systems provide a better fit.
Here are the six best accounting software for farmers:
Provider | Best for | Starting monthly price |
|---|---|---|
Flexible, full-featured accounting with farm adaptability | $115 | |
Schedule F–ready accounting built for farmers | $79 | |
Deep, farm-focused bookkeeping and enterprise tracking | $595 yearly | |
Simple with free and basic bookkeeping | Free | |
Detailed tracking across multiple farm enterprises | $800 | |
Advanced farm cost accounting and back-office control | Custom |
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I evaluated real estate accounting software using a weighted rubric that reflects the needs of landlords, real estate agents, investors, and property managers.
- Pricing (10%): I considered the cost for one, three, and five users, free trials or money-back guarantees, monthly plan availability, and discounts for new customers.
- Accounting features (25%): I reviewed whether each platform supports double-entry accounting, chart of accounts customization, multiple users, vendor and customer records, unpaid bill tracking, invoice creation, recurring invoices, check printing, bank connections, bank reconciliation, balance sheets, profit and loss statements, A/R and A/P aging, general ledger reports, trial balance reports, adjusting journal entries, and accountant access.
- Real estate-specific features (20%): I evaluated whether the software can separate profit and loss by property or sale, track vehicle mileage, allocate common area expenses, receive online payments, provide a tenant portal, and manage maintenance workflows.
- Customer support (15%): I considered overall support availability, formal training or onboarding, outbound phone support, inbound phone support, chatbot support, live chat, email support, user communities, self-help resources, and the availability of independent bookkeepers familiar with the platform.
- Ease of use (20%): I reviewed user feedback related to usability, dashboard readability, dashboard customization, interface design, whether users can open new transactions from the dashboard, overall ease of use, cloud-based access, and Mac compatibility.
Quick comparison of the best farm accounting software
Pricing | Free trial | Accounting features score | Farm-specific features score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$115 to $275 | 30 days | 4.47 ★ | 4.14 ★ | |
$79 to $319 monthly | 30 days | 3.67 ★ | 4.53 ★ | |
$595 + $100 yearly | 30 transactions | 4.03 ★ | 4.28 ★ | |
Free or $16 monthly | ✕ | 4.12 ★ | 1.50 ★ | |
$800 to $1,600 | ✕ | 3.63 ★ | 3.63 ★ | |
Custom | 30 days | 3.83 ★ | 4.25 ★ |
QuickBooks Online Plus: Best for full-featured accounting with flexible farm customization
Pros
- Is easy to use and accessible online — perfect for farmers managing their own bookkeeping
- Has a customizable chart of accounts designed to match your farm’s unique operations
- Has class and location tracking that helps measure profitability across specific farm activities
- Integrates with farm management tools to enhance budgeting and reporting
- Lets accountants and advisors access your financial data seamlessly through its real-time collaboration
Cons
- Is a bit expensive for small-scale and part-time farmers
- Lacks farm management features like pesticide application reporting
- Requires a separate subscription to keep separate books for multiple businesses
- Can’t be used to track personal income and expenses
Monthly pricing |
I recommend the Plus plan for most farmers to track income and expenses for separate cost centers by using the class and location tracking. However, the less expensive plans still have great accounting if you don’t need detailed tracking. To help you decide whether the Plus plan is right for you, see our QuickBooks Online plans comparison. |
|---|---|
Add-ons pricing | N/A |
Discount | 50% off for three months (can’t be combined with the free trial) |
Free trial | 30 days |
Customer support channels | Phone (callback only), live chat, chatbot, online resource guides |
Average user review rating | 4.3 out of 5; read what users have said via our QuickBooks Online review |
I evaluated QuickBooks Online as the strongest overall accounting system in this group because it offers the most comprehensive core accounting coverage, reliable workflows, and strong reporting. It scored highest in accounting features, reflecting consistent performance in invoicing, expense tracking, reconciliation, and financial reporting, all of which support everyday decision-making.
I see its advantage in how it maintains full financial visibility, especially in cash flow tracking, reporting, and invoice management, which are more developed than the farm-specific tools in this comparison. The system gives you the flexibility to structure farm activities using classes and categories, allowing it to adapt across different farm setups without limiting how data is organized.
I also notice that it performs well in usability over time, with fast workflows and strong support once the system is set up. However, the initial setup and learning curve are less intuitive compared to simpler tools, which affects early usability scores despite strong long-term efficiency.
What holds it back in this rubric is the lack of built-in farm-specific features. Inventory tracking, labor tracking, and farm activity analysis require workarounds rather than native tools, which limits their depth compared to dedicated farm systems. This explains why it leads overall but does not top the farm-specific category.
- Direct payroll integration: QuickBooks Online integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks Workforce (formerly QuickBooks Payroll), making employee management, tax deductions, and form filings — like W-2s and 1099s — more efficient.
- Class and location tracking: QuickBooks enables you to track income and expenses by class and location, allowing you to see which of your herds, fields, or crops are the most profitable.
- ProAdvisor network: There is a large network of independent QuickBooks ProAdvisors that you can hire to help you with your bookkeeping.
- Farmers with multiple farm locations: QuickBooks Online’s location tracking lets you track which of your farms is the most profitable.
- Farmers needing remote access to their data: As cloud-based software, you can access your accounting files anytime and on any internet-connected device.
- Farmers managing different crop types: You can get detailed reports by using project tracking to track small parts of an enterprise, such as a particular breeding stock, field, or crop.
Traction Ag: Best for farmers who want built-in Schedule F and guided farm workflows
Pros
- Combines accounting and farm management tools for complete operational control
- Tracks real-time inventory for crops, inputs, and supplies to simplify resource management
- Monitors fixed assets like machinery, land, and equipment for accurate depreciation
- Generates cost analysis reports to help track expenses for crops, inputs, and other farm operations
- Offers multiyear financial tracking to compare performance across growing seasons
- Includes integrated payroll processing for managing farm employee wages and taxes
Cons
- Charges extra for optional priority onboarding, increasing upfront costs
- Lacks livestock management tools, limiting its use for ranches
- Has no monthly plans
- Has limited third-party integrations, reducing compatibility with other farm tools
- Lacks mobile app for on-the-go accounting and farm management
- Has higher pricing tiers that may be expensive for smaller farms or part-time farmers
Annual pricing |
All plans are billed annually. |
|---|---|
Add-ons pricing |
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Discount | N/A |
Free trial | 30 days |
Customer support channels | Phone support, live chat, knowledge base, and paid onboarding (additional fee) |
Average user review rating | 4.9 out of 5 based on around 50 reviews on Capterra |
I evaluated Traction Ag as a farm-focused system that scores well because it combines agriculture-specific workflows with solid accounting coverage. Its results are not driven by one dominant category alone. Instead, I see a balanced performance across pricing, accounting features, farm-specific tools, ease of use, and user feedback.
What stands out most is its farm alignment. I see strong support for Schedule F readiness, multi-entity farm records, and activity tracking that fits how farmers manage operations. The scoring also shows it performs better when the goal is a farm-specific organization rather than generic bookkeeping.
I also notice that usability supports its overall position. The scores and notes point to a system that is approachable for non-accountants, with strong support resources and a setup experience that feels guided, even if it still takes effort.
What keeps it from ranking higher is that some features appear strong without fully proving top-tier depth. I do not see enough in the scoring to place it at the very top for invoicing, cash flow visibility, inventory detail, or labor analysis, so the overall result is a product that looks well-rounded for farmers but does not clearly lead in every category.
- Crop inventory: This lets you manage and track your crop inventory in real-time, ensuring accurate records of your farm’s produce.
- Land agreement management: You can manage agreements related to land, such as leases or contracts, helping you keep track of important land use terms and costs.
- Equipment cost tracking: This offers tools to track the costs associated with your farming equipment, from purchase to maintenance, giving you a clear picture of equipment-related expenses.
- Those looking for farm and accounting features: Traction Ag combines farm accounting and management. You can generate basic financial statements and track income and expenses while managing farm-specific aspects like crop inventory, field profits per acre, and supplies.
- Valuing agricultural produce at market value: In Traction Ag, you create a market-based balance sheet to see the market value of your produce. This report is very useful since market prices of agricultural produce change on a whim, and showing them at their market values will help you assess the net worth of your farming business.
FarmBooks: Best for deep, farm-specific bookkeeping and enterprise tracking
Pros
- Is the most affordable farm-specific accounting software on the list
- Tracks personal and farm income and expenses for complete financial management
- Has real-time inventory tracking for crops and livestock
- Has farm-specific reporting tools to simplify taxes and planning
- Has multiyear data tracking to monitor farm performance over time
Cons
- Supports only a single farm per license, limiting use for multifarm operations
- Lacks bank account integration, requiring manual entry of transactions
- Has an outdated user interface, which feels less intuitive compared with modern accounting software
- Has limited third-party integrations, making it harder to connect with other tools farmers might already use
- Lacks automated invoicing features, creating extra work for billing customers or vendors
Pricing |
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|---|---|
Add-ons pricing |
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Discount | N/A |
Free trial | Free demo version that lets you enter up to 30 transactions |
Customer support channels | Phone and email, paid live training, and self-help guides, such as blogs and FAQs |
Average user review rating | None as of this writing |
I evaluated FarmBooks as a system that performs well in farm-specific accounting but does not lead overall due to more moderate scores across categories. Its results show consistent performance rather than standout dominance, especially compared to the top-ranked option.
What stands out is how clearly it supports farm operations at the enterprise level. I see strong capability in separating crops, livestock, and activities, along with solid inventory and input tracking that align closely with how farms manage costs and profitability.
I also notice that its accounting coverage is dependable, with support for invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting that meets core bookkeeping needs. However, cash flow visibility appears less immediate, relying more on reports than quick summaries, which slightly limits day-to-day insight.
The overall score reflects a system that is strong in its niche but more moderate in usability and broader workflow efficiency, rather than one that consistently leads across all areas.
- Unique code system: FarmBooks uses a unique code system to record transactions, which can be tricky to master initially. However, professional bookkeepers can use these codes to generate detailed and accurate reports for better financial insights.
- DIY payroll module: The platform allows you to pay both hourly and salaried employees using its DIY payroll feature, simplifying payroll management for farm operations.
- Specialized chart of accounts: It comes with a chart of accounts and reports specifically tailored for farmers, ensuring that all transactions are categorized accurately for farm-specific accounting needs.
- Fixed asset management: FarmBooks lets you manage and track fixed assets, such as land and farming equipment, helping you maintain a clear overview of your valuable resources.
- Small-scale farmers: FarmBooks is the least expensive farm-specific accounting software we’ve reviewed.
- Farmers commingling personal and farm funds: The system uses a single checking account to manage both farm-related and personal funds.
Wave: Best for simple, low-cost bookkeeping for very small or startup farms
Pros
- Offers free accounting and invoicing, making it perfect for part-time or small family farms
- Has a simple setup and an intuitive UI for farmers without accounting experience
- Supports recurring invoices for regular sales, such as livestock or produce subscriptions
- Tracks income and expenses with clear, easy-to-read financial reports
- Integrates with payment processors to simplify receiving payments from customers
Cons
- Limits access to one user on the free plan, restricting team collaboration
- Lacks farm-specific tools like crop or livestock inventory management
- Has no class tracking to separate income and expenses by farm activities
- Offers limited reporting features, with no options for customized farm reports
- Provides no live customer support unless you upgrade to a paid plan
Pricing |
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|---|---|
Add-ons pricing |
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Discount | N/A |
Free trial | N/A |
Customer support channels |
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Average user review rating | 4.4 out of 5; check out user comments in our Wave review |
I evaluated Wave as the most accessible option in this group, driven by its strong pricing and ease-of-use scores rather than depth in accounting or farm functionality. It ranks well overall because it keeps bookkeeping simple and affordable, but the scoring clearly shows limits in more advanced areas.
I see its strength in core accounting basics like invoicing and expense tracking, where it performs reliably for straightforward workflows. It also stands out for usability, with a fast setup and a clean interface that make it easy to get started without prior accounting experience.
Where it falls behind is in farm-specific functionality and deeper financial visibility. I do not see meaningful support for inventory, labor tracking, or detailed farm activity analysis, which limits how well it fits anything beyond very simple operations.
The overall result is a tool that works well for basic bookkeeping but does not scale with farm complexity, which is reflected in its lower scores across farm features and long-term usability.
- Free income and expense tracking: You can track your basic income and expenses without any cost, ideal for small businesses or freelancers looking to manage their finances without a paid subscription.
- Automated sales tax calculation: Wave makes it easy to add sales taxes to transactions and automatically calculates the totals, ensuring accuracy in your tax reporting.
- Branded invoices: Wave allows you to create professional, customizable invoices with your business logo and colors, helping you maintain a consistent brand image.
- Part-time farmers: Farmers who want to save money and only need a way to track income and expenses for tax purposes will find Wave Starter useful.
- Farmers wanting to simplify record keeping: Wave Starter’s receipt scanner for $8 per month with OCR capabilities allows you to extract information from your receipts and store them digitally easily, removing the need for paper files and filing cabinets.
EasyFarm: Best for multi-enterprise farms needing detailed operational tracking
Pros
- Is focused mostly on the needs of self-employed farmers, as the payroll module doesn’t meet IRS requirements
- Uses a unique “single-entry input” approach for entering transactions — ideal for farmers without an accounting background
- Includes farm-specific management features, like ag inventory tracking
- Supports crop and livestock management
- Allows you to manage both farm and personal funds
Cons
- Is a bit expensive compared with similar programs
- Needs the A/R add-on to send invoices
- Doesn’t allow you to connect to bank accounts
- Lacks fixed asset accounting features
- Has no mobile app for managing accounting on the go
- Has limited customization for farm-specific reports and categories
Pricing | EasyFarm is available in seven different editions with one-time fees.
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|---|---|
Add-ons pricing |
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Discount | N/A |
Free trial | N/A |
Customer support channels | Phone and email, reference and training manuals, and online self-help guides, like tutorial videos |
Average user review rating | 4.5 out of 5; see customer feedback in our EasyFarm review |
I evaluated EasyFarm as a farm-focused system that earns its score through strong operational tracking rather than all-around accounting polish. Its results show the clearest strength in farm-specific features, while its accounting and ease-of-use scores are more moderate.
What stands out most is how well it handles enterprise-level farm tracking. I see strong support for separating herds, enterprises, and projects, along with solid inventory capability and visibility across both individual units and the full operation. That gives it a clear advantage for diversified farms that need more than simple bookkeeping.
I also notice that the accounting side looks dependable for categorizing farm finances and producing useful reports, especially for long-term recordkeeping. At the same time, the scoring does not show the same level of strength in day-to-day accounting convenience, especially around modern invoicing depth, bill workflows, and clearer cash flow interpretation.
The overall picture is a product that fits farms needing detailed internal tracking, but not one that leads this group in modern workflow design or broad accounting flexibility.
- Cost center tracking: You can create cost centers to monitor profitability for specific areas like fields or herds, giving you a detailed view of which segments of your farm are most profitable.
- Data export: You can easily export your farm data to Excel or FINPACK, enabling further analysis and reporting to enhance your decision-making process.
- Track inventory by quantity and weight: EasyFarm lets you manage both the quantity and weight of your inventory, giving you greater control over tracking valuable resources.
- Customized chart of accounts: Tailored for the agricultural industry, EasyFarm includes a specialized chart of accounts that helps categorize transactions to align with farming operations.
- Farmers managing livestock: EasyFarm has a livestock manager that allows you to manage and track the growth of any livestock species.
- Farmers mixing personal and farm funds: As with FarmBooks, EasyFarm uses a single bank account for managing both farm funds and nonfarm family living expenses.
The Farmer’s Office: Best for advanced farm cost accounting and back-office control
Pros
- Provides detailed cost accounting features to track profitability
- Includes an A/R module for sending and tracking invoices
- Allows you to track income and expenses by cost centers
- Comes with a chemical inventory management and a pesticide application reporting system
- Has a built-in payroll for agriculture
Cons
- Can’t be used to track personal income and expenses
- Lacks upfront pricing; can be an issue for farmers with serious budget considerations
- Requires bookkeeping knowledge; unideal for farmers managing their own books
- Has no mobile accounting app
Plans Pricing | Prices aren’t publicly disclosed. Contact sales. |
|---|---|
Add-ons pricing | N/A |
Discount | N/A |
Free trial | Offers an evaluation copy that you can try for free for 30 days |
Customer support channels | Phone and email, blogs, and training videos |
Average user review rating | No significant user reviews as of this writing |
I evaluated The Farmer’s Office as a system that leans toward deeper back-office accounting and cost tracking rather than simplicity or modern usability. Its scores reflect solid performance in farm-specific features, with more moderate results in accounting convenience and ease of use.
What stands out is its strength in farm cost accounting. I see detailed tracking by cost center and crop year, along with support for inventory, payroll, and activity-level profitability. This gives it a clear advantage for farms that need tighter financial control and more structured cost analysis.
I also notice that core accounting coverage appears reliable, especially for managing payables, receivables, and general ledger activity. However, the scoring and notes do not show the same level of clarity regarding modern workflows such as bank feeds, reconciliation flows, or real-time cash visibility, suggesting a more traditional setup.
The overall result is a system that fits operations needing detailed financial control, but not one designed for quick setup, mobile use, or streamlined day-to-day workflows.
- Enhanced cost accounting module: This allows you to track detailed farm-related costs, helping you understand and manage the financial aspects of various farming activities.
- Budgeting module: With this, you can monitor expenses and apply for loans, providing a structured way to manage your finances and plan for future needs.
- Inventory and fixed asset management: You can manage and track your agricultural inventory, as well as fixed assets like equipment and land, keeping a clear overview of your resources.
- Customized payroll for Form 943 reporting: The payroll system is designed specifically for agricultural employees, allowing you to manage wages and comply with Form 943 reporting requirements for farm laborers.
- Farmers needing detailed cost accounting: The program is ideal for farmers and ranch managers wanting to rely on detailed cost accounting to see which of their crops, farms, and livestock are profitable.
- Ag firms with multiple employees: The Farmer’s Office has built-in payroll features for firms that pay wages to agricultural employees.
- Farmers looking to track pesticide activities: A unique feature is the pesticide application reporting module that helps you manage your tank mixes, pesticide usage, and chemical inventories easily.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
In addition to general bookkeeping features, accounting software for farmers includes specialized features, such as tracking inventory by crop type, managing livestock, and creating cost centers to track farm-related expenses.
Yes, you can — as long as you require only general accounting features. As an example, you can use QuickBooks to track unpaid bills, send invoices, track expenses, and reconcile bank accounts.
No, as some software has a user-friendly interface that’s easy to learn and navigate. For instance, EasyFarm uses farm-specific language and preset calculations and reports, making it easy to use even for farmers with no accounting background.



