An app, short for application, is a software program for mobile devices like phones and tablets, computers, and online use. Most commonly, apps are referred to as being used on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Some apps are free and some cost; they can be purchased or downloaded from several “app stores” that are device specific- google play store has android-based apps and apple has the iTunes store for apple devices. Some apps are also available from the developer, and many times you can download the app after searching for it online. Apps are based either on the device or in the cloud- in the cloud means the device is being stored on the internet, where it can be accessed and used.
Many apps have been developed specifically for farmers and people who work in agriculture. Some are more easy to use and intuitive than others, and they range from simple device-based field notes to complete farm management tools with predictive capabilities. Many apps have been developed by companies and manufacturers that are specific to their products, and others are not product specific.
FarmFan is an app developed to help farmers and vendors at farmer’s markets get word to customers when various fresh produce is available or coming into season. Customers opt in, and receive text messages from farmers and vendors when produce is available. This app is especially popular with CSA farmers and those who sell fresh produce and products at the farmer’s market.
Connected Farm, Trimble’s Agriculture software, is a full farm management system that includes field record keeping, crop planning, and field mapping. Incorporated budget and financial record keeping from the smart phone eases the paperwork burden.
The Cropalyser is an easy to use app that allows quick identification of pests and disease in produce, along with solutions.
Farm Logs is a high tech app that uses nitrogen monitoring and soil maps, rainfall tracking, and crop health monitoring tools.
Farming with Apps has a number of general, field notes, and task-specific apps for farmers. Farm at Hand is a complete, easy to use management app that contains traditional field notes, as well as inventory, spray schedules, equipment management, and delivery data.
Ranch Records is an app developed by University of Wyoming extension for cattle ranching record keeping.
Farms.com has a detailed list of apps specifically for livestock management, including dairy, feed management apps, horse management, swine and poultry. These apps include ratings from users and country of origin.
