Frequently Asked Questions

Also see our Tips page for tips on software and hardware.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. How do I access the Farm Works Tutorial?
A. Put the Farm Works Software Disk #2 in the drive and it will start up automatically. Click on the Tutorial button. Look down at the bottom of the first screen and you will see Tutorial and "How to operate CD." Read "How to operate CD" to learn how to move between your project and the tutorial.

Q. How is Farm Works different from other farm-related software programs?
A. INTEGRATION! Farm Works is the only company that does it all. Farm Works offers field record keeping, accounting, GPS yield mapping, layering (grid sampling, soil types, etc.), herd management and software for data collection and mapping for the pocket pc or handheld computers. The best part is that all of the Farm Works modules integrate together to provide just one software program. See our 10 Reasons to Buy Farm Works Software for more details on why Farm Works is a great choice.

Q. Why should I buy from Martens Farms?
A. We cater to your needs and not just a sale. We not only sell Farm Works (and related hardware and GPS equipment), we have used it on our own farm since 1994. We offer excellent value — great prices, outstanding customer service, and a true farmer's perspective. Our goal is your farming success and happy customers. See our client testimonials for examples of why others buy from us.

Q. Will this work on a Mac?
A. Yes, Farm Works software will work on a Mac running SoftWindows.

Q . How long will this take to learn?
A. That depends on your Microsoft Windows skills and how much you work with the program. If you're familiar with Windows and computers in general, you can quickly work through the tutuorials. If you're new to computers, it will take longer.

One way to get up and running quickly with Farm Works software is with Martens Farms' individual training (see Training page). We can even tutor you by phone or secure internet connection at your convenience and as needed.

Q. What comes with the programs when I buy them?
A. Farm Works Software comes with a CD that has manuals and an in-depth tutorial, including demonstrations of each of the programs. Farmworks Software support (from Farmworks Software) includes free faxing and E-mail, as well as 30 days of free phone support.

Q. Are there any books available on Farm Works software?
A. Farm Works Software includes electronic manuals on the software CD, with updated versions available for download.

Q. How did you get the FSA map onto your computer?
A. You may georeference your maps by using the free calibrate program included with Farm Works Software purchase. Keep in mind that Google maps and terraserver maps can be downloaded free of charge without using FSA..

Q. How do you get the aerial photos of your fields into Farm Works Software?
A. First, you need to be connected to the internet. Google maps and terraserver maps can be downloaded free of charge by right-clicking on the main layer and selecting Download Backgrounds.

Q. Can I invoice my customers using Farm Works software?
A. Yes. You can create invoices from either Trac or Funds. You can also customize the invoice to suit your particular product and business.

Q. Can I enter and save scale tickets?
A. Yes, you can enter scale tickets. Any tickets entered will be saved automatically and can be printed at any time. With Farm Trac Mate, scale tickets can be entered in your vehicle (while you wait in line to be processed), then quickly synced back to your desktop pc at your office, and printed out.

Q. Can Farm Funds keep track of my personal and farm related expenses if I'm only using only one checking account?
A. Yes, Farm Funds allows you to have an unlimited number of checking accounts and a family living category for non-farm related expenses that are kept separate. This way you can write one check for a bill and split the payment between farm and non-farm expenses.

Q. I've been using Quicken for my farm accounting. Is Funds similar to Quicken?
A. To a limited degree. Quicken was never designed for farm accounting, however, it is recommended by extension agents and universities due to it's user-friendly check register. This is the main reason Farm Funds operates similarly to Quicken on the data entry, so users can spend less time learning a new accounting program. Farm Funds offers the simplicity of Quicken, yet offers the enterprising and inventory options farmers need.

Q. What can Funds do that Quicken or Quickbooks cannot do?
A. What separates Farm Works accounting from other accounting software is the integration with the field records in Farm Trac, the field maps in Site, and the livestock records in Stock. This gives details and cost analysis not possible in Quicken or Quickbooks.

When field records are entered into Trac, an enterprise statement showing profitability is created simultaneously. Funds handles cash and accrual bookkeeping, inventories, payroll, budgeting and market value. The best aspect is that everything is farm specific.

Q. Can I invoice my landlords for supplies and/or custom hire expense on his fields?
A. Yes, Trac and/or Funds can create invoices that can be printed for any number of landlords.

Q. Can I keep track of different animal types with Stock?
A. Yes, Farm Stock has the ability to create an unlimited number of animal types (such as cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, dairy, horses, lamas, dogs and cats). You can add any custom fields desired.

Q. Can I keep track of any accounting in Stock?
A. No, Farm Stock is designed to keep track of individual animal records and lacks the general ledger area. Farm Funds integrates with Farm Stock to give you enterprising on the groups of animals, feed, profitability, and other accounting related subjects. Remember that Farm Works is the only program that integrates animal records with accouting. Note: To use the feed tab in Stock, you must own Funds.

Q. Does Farm Stock allow me to add attribues about each animal?
A. Yes, because there are many types of farmers wanting different things, Farm Stock allows the user to add attributes. Such attributes could be tattoo marks, hip width, calving ease, scrotum circumference, horn size, or any desired field of interest.

Q. What types of yield monitors are compatible with Farm Site?
A. Caterpillar, Case, Mico-Trak, Harvestmaster, Field Star, RDS, Ag Leader, John Deere and many others.

Q. What kind of data can be imported into Farm Site other than yield data?
A. Farm Site offers many import options such as ArcView Shape Files. If importing lines, points, or polygons from another program (such as SST Toolbox, Ag-Link-Agris or ArcView), the shape file option will be a common file type for exchanging data. Also, Farm Site offers the ability to import ASCII delimited files, which is very handy when importing grid sample results from a soil lab. Farm Works also imports Digital Orthoquads (.doq) and USGS maps (.dlg). If using Ag Leader or Ashtech products, importing points and boundary files is easy. Many other kinds of data can be imported into Farm Site; call us for an up-to-date listing.

Q. What export formats does Farm Site offer?
A. The most common export option is ArcView Shape File. If a person is creating variable rate application maps in Farm Site, the program will export them as a shape file (.shp), Ag Leader PF3000 file (.tgt), Flexi-coil file (.pre) or a WAG prescription file (.rxf). Also, Farm Works will export to Ashtech and Springhill technology.

You can export many reports and lists as xls (Excel), or txt files. You can also print reports and lists to Acrobat pdf files.

Q. What can I use Farm Site for if I do not own a GPS receiver?
A. Many farmers who purchase Farm Site do not own a GPS receiver, however, they can still take advantage of the mapping, layering and importing capabilities. There are many websites and soil laboratories that offer GPS information (such as soil types and grid sample locations) that can be imported into Farm Site. Also, many crop consultants and cooperatives have GPS data available if you ask. After all, what good is a yield map without something to compare it to?

Q. Can I use Site Mate with another GIS program (such as SST Toolbox or Ag Link) or do I have to use Farm Site for my GIS?
A. Site Mate will import and export data as an ArcView Shape,MIF, KML, FODM XML,FGP, GPL and ASCII delimited files. The popular Shape file type works well with virtually any mapping software. This is true for logging data sa well as background maps and variable rate prescription maps.

Q. What kind of hardware works with Site Mate?
A. Site Mate runs on handheld PC's running Windows CE or Pocket PC or Windows Mobile operating systems, as well as laptops and other computers using Windows XP or higher. If you are shopping for a GPS receiver, Site Mate will work with any receiver outputting a NMEA0183.

Q. Will Trac Mate or Site Mate work on the Palm Pilot?
A. No. Farm Works Software programs do not work on Palm PDAs. Trac Mate, Site Mate, Stock Mate and Guide Mate will work on any handheld computer running Windows CE or Pocket PC.

Q. With all the different styles of Pocket PCs, which style is the best one for using Trac Mate, Site Mate, or Guide Mate?
A. First, the PDA must be using the Windows CE or Pocket PC operating system so that you will be able to run the software. Second, if you want a color display be sure to test it outside. Many color units do not look good in direct sunlight. An exception is the HP Pocket PCs (iPAQs), which have a TFT reflective screen technology that does very well even in bright sunlight. Third, it should come with at least one rechargeable battery pack. Most batteries are rated to last for approximately 3 hours of use but that will vary depending on what's running and what's attached to your PDA. Finally, if you will be using Site Mate to do a lot of mapping you may want a compact flash card to add to the unit's RAM storage. Most GPS receivers require a special cable to connect to PDA. One of our favorites is HP 2790.

We carry Juno, Nomad and Yuma mobile computers. Give us a call.

Q. How does Site Mate attach to my GPS receiver? Are there any special attachments needed?
A. You need a cable, and those are getting harder to find all the time. That is part of the reason we now sell the Juno, Nomad, Yuma, and SMS Mobile Field Kit, which have available parts and accessories.

Q. Can I map and identify weed types with Site Mate Basic?
A. No. The Site Mate Basic does give you the ability to map a point, areas or path, however, the program does not give you the capability to add attibutes to those points, areas or paths. In order to identify the type of weed, height, intensity, or other details, you will need Site Mate Scouting.

Q. What is the return policy?
A. On Farm Works Software you have 30 days from the day you purchase to return the product for a refund. Shipping is not included, and there is a $50 re-stocking fee per module from Farm Works Software. On hardware items the restocking fee is 15% the first 30 days on unused, undamaged, items in original packaging. At 30 to 60 days, the fee goes up to 25% on normally stocked items. No refunds on special orders, closeouts, or items after 60 days. Shipping will not be refunded.

Q. What if I have questions and want more in-depth answers?
A. For quick answers, search the Farmworks Discussion Groups. You will find thousands of previously asked questions and responses. Chances are you will find a question very similar to your own. Post a new question and receive answers from Farm Works staff or other Farm Works users.

We are also available for hands-on help with your own Farm Works project file. Call us and we can help you with Remote On-Site Assistance over secured internet connection direct to your PC, or by a phone training session.

Q. Do I have to purchase every update?
A. NO! You choose when you purchase your next update.

Q. Will you send out brochures on the products?
A. Yes! Call and we will try to get them out as soon as possible and usually next business day.

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More questions?
Call 877.585.6761
or Email: info@123farmworks.com