6 best accounting software for agriculture in 2025

Agriculture accounting software is designed specifically for farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses to track income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Unlike generic accounting software, it considers the unique financial challenges of farming. This includes seasonal revenue fluctuations, equipment depreciation, government subsidies, and inventory valuation for crops and livestock.

Why farmers need specialized accounting software

Unlike general accounting platforms, agriculture-focused tools account for the unique realities of farm operations. These include seasonal cash flow cycles, asset depreciation on equipment and livestock, and the tracking of government subsidies or grants.

Unlike retail or service industries, agriculture operates on seasonal cycles, faces unpredictable market conditions, and requires careful financial planning. Managing farm finances with traditional accounting software often leads to income, expenses, and asset tracking gaps.

Accounting software for agriculture goes beyond basic bookkeeping by helping you forecast income during off-seasons, calculate depreciation on machinery and land improvements, and manage complex tax obligations tied to agricultural production.

What features should I look for in agriculture accounting software?

The best agriculture accounting software includes specialized tools that go beyond generic bookkeeping. Here’s a look at the key features of accounting software for farmers:

Managing seasonal cash flow and irregular income

Most farms don't generate revenue consistently throughout the year. You may rely on one or two major harvest periods for income, while expenses such as equipment maintenance, feed, and labor costs occur throughout the year. Cash shortages can arise during off-seasons without proper financial planning, making it difficult to cover operating expenses.

Agriculture accounting software helps you track seasonal income trends, create accurate cash flow forecasts, and develop long-term financial strategies. These tools analyze historical sales data and market conditions, allowing you to plan for off-season expenses and maintain enough liquidity to sustain operations.

Expense tracking for high-value assets

Farmers manage some of the most expensive assets in any industry, including tractors, irrigation systems, livestock, and land. Unlike traditional businesses that primarily deal with inventory and service costs, your farm must track asset depreciation, maintenance expenses, and operational costs that fluctuate with commodity prices.

Specialized accounting software automatically calculates depreciation expenses on machinery, helping you accurately report asset values and maximize business tax deductions. It also provides detailed business expense tracking for critical inputs such as fertilizer, seeds, and pesticides, ensuring that spending aligns with projected crop yields.

Simplifying tax compliance and government subsidy management

Agriculture is one of the most regulated industries, with complex tax laws and government subsidies directly impacting profitability. As a farmer, you can often qualify for federal programs such as USDA subsidies, disaster relief funds, and tax credits, but manually managing these programs increases the risk of errors.

Payroll and labor cost management

Farm labor is one of the largest expenses in agriculture, with a mix of full-time employees, seasonal workers, and family labor contributing to operations. Managing payroll manually can be complex, especially when accounting for varying wage rates, tax withholdings, and compliance with federal and state labor laws.

Agriculture accounting software streamlines payroll management by automating wage calculations, tax deductions, and compliance reporting. It also tracks labor costs by task, such as planting, harvesting, or equipment maintenance, providing you with insights into workforce efficiency.

Multi-entity and land parcel financial tracking

Many farms operate across multiple locations or manage different types of agricultural production, such as livestock, dairy, and crops. Standard accounting software lacks the flexibility needed to track financial data for multiple revenue streams or land parcels.

Agriculture accounting software lets you separate financial records by crop type, livestock group, or farm location to accurately measure each operation’s profitability. These tools integrate with farm management systems, aligning financial data with operational insights to help allocate resources efficiently.

The 6 best accounting software for agriculture

Farming businesses vary widely in size, structure, and financial complexity, which means a one-size-fits-all approach to accounting doesn’t work. You may only need simple bookkeeping software to track daily expenses if you own a small family farm. But if you’re a large-scale agribusiness, you may require advanced financial tools to manage payroll and multi-location operations.

Here are six options that stand out as the best accounting software for agriculture, each offering unique features to help you manage farm finances more effectively:

1. Xero: Best for extensive third-party integrations

Xero, founded in 2006, is a cloud-based accounting platform designed to simplify financial management for small businesses, including farms. With over 3 million users worldwide, it provides real-time financial insights, automation, and mobile access, making it a great tool for streamlining your operations.

Xero integrates with over 1,000 third-party apps, including farm-specific tools such as Figured, allowing farmers to track production costs, manage payroll, and forecast cash flow efficiently.

Key benefits

• Real-time financial monitoring for better cash flow management
• Automated invoicing, bank reconciliation, and payment reminders
• Mobile accessibility for managing finances from anywhere
• Seamless integration with farm management tools such as Figured
• User-friendly dashboard with visual reports and financial insights
• Affordable pricing with a 30-day free trial

Drawbacks

• Requires time to learn and navigate for new users
• Dependent on a stable internet connection for access

Xero is an ideal option if you have a small to medium-sized farm and want an affordable, cloud-based accounting solution with farm-specific integrations.

2. FarmRaise: Best for farmers seeking grant assistance

FarmRaise is a cloud-based platform founded to simplify farm finances for small to medium-sized agricultural businesses. Trusted by over 20,000 farmers, it offers tools for tracking income, expenses, and inventory and support for grant and USDA funding applications.

With seamless integration to over 12,000 banks and a user-friendly mobile app, FarmRaise helps you manage your finances from anywhere, even offline. Pricing starts at $36 per month with a yearly subscription, making it accessible for farms of all sizes.

Key benefits

• Automated income and expense tracking with IRS Schedule F categorization
• Real-time inventory management across devices
• Offline-capable mobile app for mileage logging and receipt digitization
• Access to a comprehensive library of grant and loan opportunities
• Affordable pricing with a one-week free trial

Drawbacks

• Reporting capabilities are currently basic, with enhancements in progress
• Limited customer support options compared to competitors

FarmRaise is best if you’re a small to medium-sized farm seeking an affordable, user-friendly accounting solution that offers specialized features such as grant tracking and offline functionality. FarmRaise's tailored platform can help you efficiently manage finances, secure essential funding, and focus on growing your agricultural enterprise.

3. Ambrook: Best for seamless bank integration

Founded in 2020, Ambrook is a cloud-based accounting software designed to address the unique financial challenges of the agricultural sector. With a mission to make sustainability profitable for natural resource industries, Ambrook offers tools that streamline bookkeeping, provide real-time financial insights, and facilitate access to funding opportunities.

Serving a diverse range of agricultural businesses, Ambrook integrates seamlessly with bank accounts, so you can manage your finances efficiently from any location.

Key benefits

• Automated tracking of farm income and expenses
• Simplified tax preparation with IRS Schedule F & C classifications
• Mobile app for on-the-go financial management
• Access to government programs and streamlined application processes
• Integration with bank accounts for real-time updates

Drawbacks

• Higher subscription costs compared to some competitors
• Limited offline functionality

Ambrook is a solid option if you're looking for an all-in-one financial management solution that provides both robust accounting features and assistance in securing government funding. Its comprehensive tools are particularly beneficial for streamlining bookkeeping, gaining financial clarity, and accessing financial assistance programs.

4. QuickBooks Online: Best for managing multiple revenue streams

While it's not exclusively designed for agriculture, QuickBooks is a popular choice among farmers and agricultural businesses for its robust and customizable feature set. Real-time access via mobile devices and seamless bank integration enable efficient financial management tailored to the unique needs of the farming industry.

Key benefits

• Real-time financial tracking accessible from any device
• Customizable categories to align with farm-specific accounting needs
• Integration with over 650 popular business apps, including farm management tools
• Automated bank transaction imports and expense categorization
• Comprehensive reporting features for informed decision-making

Drawbacks

• Requires customization to fit specific agricultural accounting needs
• Additional fees for payroll and advanced features
• May present a learning curve for users unfamiliar with accounting software

QuickBooks is ideal if you’re seeking a flexible, cloud-based accounting solution you can tailor to your specific needs. Its extensive features and integrations make it suitable for operations of varying sizes, whether you’re a small family farm or a larger agribusiness.

5. FarmBooks: Best desktop-based accounting software

FarmBooks, developed by Sanders Software Consulting Inc., is a desktop-based accounting software tailored for farmers and ranchers. Intended to simplify financial management, it offers tools for accounts payable and receivable, asset tracking, invoicing, payroll, and inventory management.

Priced at $595 for a single farm installation, with a $100 annual maintenance fee after the first year, FarmBooks provides a cost-effective solution for your agricultural business.

Key benefits

• Comprehensive financial management tailored for agricultural operations
• Supports multiple farms with additional licensing
• Inventory management for both crops and livestock
• Integrated payroll features
• One-time purchase with affordable annual maintenance

Drawbacks

• Not cloud-based and lacks mobile accessibility
• Requires additional fees for managing multiple farms
• Limited integration with other software platforms

If you run a small to medium-sized farm, FarmBooks is a cost-effective, desktop-based accounting solution with features tailored to agricultural operations. Its comprehensive tools make it ideal if you prefer a one-time purchase model and do not require cloud-based access.

6. Sage: Best for tax compliance

Sage is a versatile cloud-based accounting software designed for businesses of all sizes, including farms and agribusinesses. Founded in 1981, Sage has grown into a leading accounting solutions provider, serving over 3 million businesses worldwide.

While it’s not exclusively built for agriculture, its financial reporting, automated bookkeeping, and inventory management features make it a strong, reliable accounting system.

Key benefits

• Real-time financial reporting and cash flow forecasting
• Automated data entry and bank transaction reconciliation
• Inventory management with stock-level alerts
• Digital tax and VAT submission compliant with regulations
• Mobile app access for on-the-go financial management

Drawbacks

• May require customization to fit specific farm operations
• Potential learning curve for users unfamiliar with accounting software

Sage is ideal if you run a medium to large-scale agricultural enterprise and want a robust, scalable solution to manage complex financial processes and ensure tax compliance.

Resources and funding for farmers

Running a farm often requires taking advantage of the funding opportunities designed to support agricultural operations. Federal subsidies and state and local grants can provide crucial cash flow during difficult seasons or help finance new equipment and expansion projects.

USDA subsidies and grants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers a range of financial programs, including conservation incentives, disaster relief payments, and direct subsidies for certain crops and livestock. These programs can help stabilize your farm’s income when commodity prices fall or weather conditions disrupt production.

State and local funding programs

Beyond federal programs, many states and counties offer grants, low-interest loans, or cost-sharing programs for farmers. These might fund sustainable practices, new equipment purchases, or workforce development. Checking your state’s department of agriculture website is often the best place to start.

How accounting software can help

Tracking subsidies, grants, and loan income manually can quickly become overwhelming. Agriculture-specific accounting platforms like FarmRaise and Ambrook simplify this by categorizing grant income, syncing with bank accounts, and generating reports that make it easier to comply with IRS Schedule F and other requirements.

Some platforms even provide grant discovery tools to help you identify funding opportunities you may qualify for.

How to choose the right agriculture accounting software

Keep these factors in mind when choosing the right platform for your farm:

• Assess your farm’s needs: Match software features to your size, complexity, and operations
• Ease of use and support: Look for user-friendly dashboards, training resources, and reliable customer service
• Integration: Make sure it connects with your bank accounts, credit cards, and farm management tools to save time
• Budget considerations: Balance features with cost, and decide between one-time desktop purchases or ongoing cloud subscriptions
• Test before committing: Take advantage of free trials or demos to see if the software fits your workflow

How to implement agriculture accounting software

Proper implementation typically takes a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of your farm’s financial operations. If you run a small farm, your software may be up and running in a few days. If you have a larger farm with multiple revenue streams and payroll systems, it may require a few weeks for full integration and staff training.

1. Assess financial priorities and operational needs

Before installing the software, clearly define your farm’s financial management priorities. This includes tracking income and expenses, payroll, invoicing, and tax reporting. Understanding these priorities helps you configure the software with the right features from the start.

2. Migrate existing financial data accurately

A smooth transition requires transferring past income records, expense data, tax documents, and outstanding invoices into the new system. Most accounting software offers import options from spreadsheets or other financial platforms to prevent data loss and inconsistencies. Verifying accuracy during this stage ensures clean financial records moving forward.

3. Connect the software with banking and farm management tools

Integrating bank accounts, credit cards, and farm-specific management systems automates transaction tracking and eliminates manual data entry. This connection enables real-time expense updates, ensuring you properly record and categorize all financial activities.

4. Customize expense categories and reporting features

Agriculture businesses have unique financial structures, including costs related to livestock, feed, equipment maintenance, seed purchases, and fuel expenses.

Setting up custom expense categories enables precise tracking and enhanced financial analysis. You can also generate reports tailored to farm-specific activities for deeper insights into profit margins and operational costs.

5. Establish user roles and workflows for financial tasks

If your farm has multiple stakeholders, defining roles and access levels within your software is important. This ensures users can input data, approve transactions, and generate reports without compromising financial security. Further, setting up automated workflows for recurring payments, payroll, and invoicing streamlines day-to-day financial operations.

6. Train users on key features and best practices

Proper training ensures that those handling your farm’s finances understand how to navigate the software, enter transactions correctly, and generate reports. Many accounting platforms offer customer support and setup guides to assist users. Ensuring that all key users are proficient in the system reduces errors and improves efficiency.

7. Monitor usage and optimize the system over time

After implementation, regularly review your financial reports and system performance to fine-tune your operations. Adjusting budgeting strategies, adding automation features, and refining cost-tracking methods improve long-term efficiency. You can then scale your accounting setup as operations grow.

Why investing in accounting software is essential for farmers

When it comes to farming, input costs fluctuate, market prices shift, and revenue depends on seasonal cycles. Farmers risk losing control over cash flow, overspending, and missing out on tax benefits without a structured financial system.

Ramp’s accounting automation software reduces manual work, speeds up your monthly close, and ensures accuracy at every step. With our software, you can:

• Speed up monthly close: Save hours each month by automating reconciliations and syncing data directly to your enterprise resource planning (ERP) system or accounting platform
• Keep accurate records: Collect receipts automatically while coding and categorizing expenses accurately
• Save time on repetitive tasks: Leverage AI-powered suggestions to categorize expenses based on thousands of past transactions and spending patterns
• Expedite final review: Automatically flag errors and exceptions so you can focus only on items that need attention, supporting compliance without line-by-line reviews
• Scale as your farm grows: Whether you run a single-family farm or manage multiple entities, we securely sync your financial data in real time through integrations and APIs

Ready to get started? Try an interactive demo to learn more.