Managing farm finances demands more than basic bookkeeping – it requires tracking livestock movements, monitoring crop yields, managing GST obligations, and forecasting profitability through unpredictable seasons. The right farm accounting software transforms this complexity into clarity, helping Australian farmers make informed decisions whilst staying compliant with ATO requirements.
Why Farm Bookkeeping Software Is So Important
Australian farms face mounting compliance requirements. Business Activity Statements, GST calculations, Single Touch Payroll, and fuel tax rebates demand accurate record-keeping. Missing BAS deadlines or incorrectly claiming tax credits attracts penalties few farms can afford. Manual spreadsheets worked when operations were simpler, but modern farms juggle too many variables for Excel alone.
Beyond compliance, profit margins depend on understanding true costs. What does each hectare of wheat actually cost to produce? Which livestock mobs deliver the best returns? When should you sell grain versus storing it? Farm accounting software answers these questions by integrating production data with financial records, revealing insights buried in fragmented spreadsheets.
Mid-sized operations outgrow spreadsheets fastest. Once you’re managing multiple enterprises (sheep and cropping, or cattle and contractor work) tracking everything manually becomes unworkable. Data entry errors multiply, reconciling accounts consumes hours, and you’re always working with stale information. Cloud-based farm software delivers real-time visibility, automates repetitive tasks, and scales alongside your operation.
What to Look for in Farm Accounting Software
Integration with Bank Feeds and ATO Reporting
Direct bank feeds eliminate manual transaction entry. The software imports banking activity automatically, learns categorisation patterns, and flags unusual transactions. ATO integration ensures GST calculations align with current rates, BAS preparation becomes straightforward, and Single Touch Payroll reports submit correctly first time.
Livestock and Crop Tracking Features
Generic small business software can’t track lambing percentages or per-hectare yields. Farm-specific platforms record births, deaths, purchases, and sales by mob. Crop modules track planted areas, input costs, harvest volumes, and moisture content. This operational data feeds directly into financial reporting, showing true enterprise profitability.
Inventory, Equipment, and Depreciation Support
Farms carry substantial inventory; feed, chemicals, fuel, seed. Accounting software must track stock movements, alert when supplies run low, and value inventory accurately for tax purposes. Equipment depreciation calculations ensure you claim correct deductions whilst maintaining accurate asset registers for finance applications.
Mobile Access and Offline Functionality
You can’t always access the internet in paddocks or remote sheds. Farm software needs functional mobile apps that sync data when connectivity returns. Record expenses from the supplier, photograph receipts at the field, or check account balances from the ute, all without searching for Wi-Fi.
Subscription Costs and Scalability
Software pricing varies dramatically. Sole operators need different functionality than 5,000-hectare operations running multiple enterprises. Consider both current needs and three-year growth plans. Can you add users without multiplying costs? Does the platform accommodate growth? Scalability prevents costly platform changes mid-expansion.
Best Farm Bookkeeping Software in Australia (2025/26)
| Software | Core Features | Ideal For | Price Range (AUD/month) | Key Strengths | Limitations |
| Figured | Livestock tracking, cropping records, budgeting, forecasts, integrates with Xero | Medium-large commercial farms | From $50+ (requires Xero subscription) | Deep agricultural focus, powerful scenario modelling | Requires separate Xero subscription, learning curve |
| Xero + Figured | Complete accounting plus farm-specific budgeting and tracking | Commercial-scale farms | $85-150+ combined | Seamless integration, accountant-friendly, comprehensive | Higher total cost, requires managing two platforms |
| Xero | Bank feeds, invoicing, BAS/GST, payroll, inventory | Small to large farms | $35-115+ | Industry-standard, excellent integrations, accountant-preferred | Generic business focus unless paired with farm add-ons |
| QuickBooks Online | General accounting, payroll, BAS, bank feeds, basic inventory | Small farms, mixed operations | $26-70+ | User-friendly interface, strong payroll integration | Limited agricultural-specific tools, generic business focus |
| MYOB Business | Australian tax compliance, payroll, invoicing, reporting, bank feeds | Family and small farms | $31-58+ | Strong ATO integration, established support network | Steeper learning curve, dated interface |
| Agrimaster | Farm budgets, cashflow forecasts, enterprise analysis, fuel tax rebates | Established broadacre and mixed farms | From $99+ | Deep financial analysis, scenario planning | Dated interface, desktop-focused, higher entry cost |
| Reckon One | Basic bookkeeping, invoicing, payroll, bank reconciliation | Hobby farms, lifestyle blocks | $12-40 | Affordable entry point, straightforward features | Basic farm support, limited scalability |
Figured: Best for Integrated Farm Financial Planning
Figured transforms farm accounting from historical record-keeping into forward-looking management. The platform integrates production records (livestock numbers, crop areas, milk production) with financial data from Xero, creating a complete picture of farm performance. You’re not just tracking what happened last month; you’re modelling next season’s profitability under different scenarios.
The budgeting tools prove exceptionally powerful. Create detailed enterprise budgets in minutes, adjust assumptions as conditions change, and forecast cashflow up to ten years ahead. Banks appreciate the professional reporting, making finance applications smoother. Your accountant works within the same system, eliminating the usual back-and-forth sharing spreadsheets.
Pros:
- Purpose-built for agricultural operations (livestock, cropping, horticulture)
- Seamless Xero integration maintains data consistency
- Powerful scenario modelling for strategic planning
- Collaborative platform for farmers, accountants, and advisers
- Professional reporting impresses lenders and investors
- Strong support network of Figured Certified advisers across Australia
Cons:
- Requires Xero subscription (additional $35-115+/month depending on plan)
- Higher total monthly cost than standalone options
- Learning curve to maximise sophisticated features
- Overkill for simple hobby farm operations
- Limited value without consistent data entry discipline
Xero + Figured: Best Combined Solution
Combining Xero’s accounting capabilities with Figured’s agricultural focus delivers the most comprehensive solution for commercial farms. Xero handles invoicing, bank reconciliation, payroll, and ATO compliance. Figured takes that financial data and adds production context, creating farm-specific insights generic accounting software cannot provide.
This combination suits operations where farming is the primary business, not a side activity. Your accountant almost certainly already uses Xero, simplifying year-end processes. The investment in two platforms pays for itself through time saved and better financial decision-making.
Pros:
- Best-in-class accounting (Xero) plus best farm-specific tools (Figured)
- Accountants prefer Xero, easing professional relationship
- Unlimited users on most Xero plans
- Comprehensive reporting for all stakeholders
- Cloud-based accessibility from anywhere
- Strong ecosystem of integrated apps (including AgriWebb, Mobble)
Cons:
- Highest monthly cost ($85-165+ combined depending on Xero plan)
- Managing two subscriptions and learning two platforms
- Overkill for part-time or hobby farming operations
- Requires discipline to maintain data consistency across systems
- Setup investment substantial (time and potentially consultant fees)
Xero: Best All-Round Accounting Platform
Xero dominates Australian farm accounting for good reason. The platform delivers reliable bank feeds, straightforward invoicing, and automated BAS preparation – core requirements for any farm business. Over 65% of Australian accountants use Xero, meaning your year-end process flows smoothly without file conversions or data exports.
The software scales from lifestyle blocks to large commercial operations. Start with the Ignite plan at $35 monthly for basic needs, then upgrade as operations expand. Integration with farm-specific tools like Figured (budgeting), AgriWebb (livestock management), and Mobble (operational records) transforms Xero into a complete farm business platform.
Pros:
- Industry-standard platform used by most Australian farm accountants
- Excellent bank feed reliability across all major banks
- Unlimited users on most plans (no per-user fees)
- Strong third-party app ecosystem (700+ integrations)
- Automatic updates for tax changes and compliance
- Multi-currency support for export-focused operations
- Robust mobile app with offline functionality
Cons:
- Limited agricultural-specific features in base product
- Requires add-ons (Figured) for detailed farm management
- Learning curve for users unfamiliar with accounting software
- Higher cost than some competitors at similar feature levels
- Payroll add-on costs extra on entry-level plans
QuickBooks Online: Best for Small Farms
QuickBooks offers straightforward accounting for smaller operations not requiring extensive agricultural features. The interface prioritises simplicity; you’ll find invoice creation, bank reconciliation, and expense tracking within minutes of logging in. Payroll integration handles casual workers and permanent staff with minimal fuss.
The platform works well when farming supplements other income or you’re running a diversified operation needing general business accounting. Track contracting work, agritourism income, and farm sales through the same system. GST and BAS preparation remain simple, and the mobile app handles basic on-the-go tasks.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface requires minimal training
- Strong payroll solution included in higher plans
- Excellent bank feed reliability and reconciliation tools
- Proven ATO compliance and reporting
- Regular updates include the latest tax changes
- Affordable entry point with promotional pricing common
- Good mobile app for basic tasks
Cons:
- Limited agricultural-specific features (no livestock tracking)
- Basic inventory management unsuitable for complex operations
- No enterprise-level profit analysis
- Doesn’t integrate production data with financial reporting
- Outgrown quickly by expanding commercial farms
- Per-user pricing can become expensive
MYOB Business: Best for ATO Compliance
MYOB’s Australian heritage shows in its deep ATO integration. Tax table updates happen automatically, superannuation calculations stay current with legislation, and BAS preparation follows Australian accounting conventions perfectly. For farmers prioritising compliance over fancy features, MYOB delivers reliability.
The platform suits established family farms comfortable with traditional accounting approaches. It handles multiple entities well which is useful when farming companies, trusts, and super funds require separate accounts. Accountants familiar with MYOB appreciate the continuity, though the software’s market share has declined versus Xero.
Pros:
- Comprehensive Australian tax and compliance features
- Automatic legislative updates (GST, payroll, super)
- Multi-currency support for export-focused operations
- Can manage multiple business entities
- Established support network, though shrinking
- Good payroll features for permanent staff
Cons:
- Interface feels dated compared to newer platforms
- Steeper learning curve than Xero or QuickBooks
- Limited agricultural-specific functionality
- Fewer third-party integrations than competitors
- Accountant preference trending away from MYOB
- Higher per-user costs than Xero
Agrimaster: Best for Financial Analysis and Forecasting
Agrimaster targets serious farm businesses needing detailed financial analysis. The enterprise reporting breaks down profitability by paddock, livestock class, or crop type, revealing which parts of your operation actually make money. Cashflow forecasting tools help navigate seasonal borrowing, while fuel tax rebate calculations ensure you claim every dollar owed.
Built specifically for broadacre farming, Agrimaster speaks the language of Australian agriculture. The software understands meat and livestock reporting formats, grain marketing, and seasonal finance requirements. However, the interface hasn’t kept pace with cloud-first competitors, and the learning curve deters casual users.
Pros:
- Sophisticated enterprise-level financial analysis
- Excellent cashflow forecasting and budgeting tools
- Built-in fuel tax rebate calculations
- Designed specifically for Australian broadacre farming
- Comprehensive payroll for agricultural workers (Wagemaster)
- Strong scenario planning for strategic decisions
Cons:
- Dated interface compared to modern cloud platforms
- Higher entry cost ($99+/month)
- Steeper learning curve requires investment in training
- Desktop-focused (though cloud version available)
- Overkill for small or diversified operations
- Less accountant adoption than Xero/QuickBooks
Reckon One: Best Budget Option
Reckon One targets sole operators and small farms needing basic bookkeeping without extensive features. At $12-40 monthly, it’s the most affordable option reviewed. The platform handles invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and simple payroll – enough for lifestyle blocks or part-time farming operations supplementing other income.
The software suits operations where accounting requirements remain straightforward. If you’re sending fewer than 20 invoices monthly, tracking basic income and expenses, and filing quarterly BAS, Reckon One delivers adequate functionality at minimal cost.
Pros:
- Lowest cost option ($12-40/month)
- Straightforward interface, minimal learning required
- Adequate for simple farming operations
- Australian-focused with proper GST and tax handling
- Unlimited users on all plans
- Local support team based in Australia
Cons:
- Very limited agricultural-specific features
- Basic reporting unsuitable for complex operations
- Fewer integrations than major competitors
- Not scalable for growing commercial farms
- Accountants less familiar with platform
- Outgrown quickly as operations expand
Farm Management Software vs Accounting Software
It’s important to distinguish between farm accounting software and farm management software. Many farmers need both:
Accounting Software (Xero, QuickBooks, MYOB, Reckon):
- Bank reconciliation and cashflow
- Invoicing and accounts receivable
- BAS/GST preparation and ATO compliance
- Payroll and superannuation
- Financial statements (P&L, balance sheets)
- Tax reporting
Farm Management Software (AgriWebb, Mobble, Agworld):
- Livestock tracking and mob movements
- Paddock and grazing management
- Treatment records and compliance
- Task management and team communication
- Operational performance analysis
- Weather and inventory tracking
Ideal Setup: Accounting software (Xero/QuickBooks) + Farm management tools (AgriWebb for livestock, Mobble for operations) OR Integrated solution (Xero + Figured for complete financial and production management)
AgriWebb: Leading Livestock Management Platform
Whilst not accounting software, AgriWebb deserves mention as Australia’s leading livestock management platform, tracking over 25% of the nation’s grazing animals. It integrates with Xero and other accounting platforms to connect operational data with financial records.
AgriWebb excels at mob tracking, treatment records, weight gain monitoring, and compliance reporting. The mobile-first design with offline capability suits remote properties perfectly. For livestock operations, pairing AgriWebb (operational management) with Xero (accounting) creates a powerful combination.
Pricing: Contact AgriWebb for current pricing (typically starts around $30-60+/month for basic plans, scaling with animal numbers)
Mobble: Operational Farm Management
Mobble focuses on day-to-day operational management for livestock farms. Record mob movements, paddock activities, rainfall, and communicate with staff through the mobile platform. Integration with Agworld supports mixed cropping-livestock operations.
Like AgriWebb, Mobble isn’t accounting software; it manages operational data that drives financial performance. Pair with Xero or QuickBooks for complete farm business management.
Pricing: $30-340+/month depending on operation size
Best Options for Farm Accounting Software by Farm Type
Livestock Farms
Primary recommendation: Xero + AgriWebb integration Xero handles all accounting needs (invoicing, BAS, bank reconciliation, payroll), whilst AgriWebb manages livestock operations (mob tracking, treatments, compliance). This combination provides complete visibility of both financial and operational performance.
Budget alternative: QuickBooks Online + basic livestock spreadsheets For smaller livestock operations, QuickBooks covers accounting requirements, with simple spreadsheets supplementing operational tracking.
Cropping Farms
Primary recommendation: Xero + Figured Figured’s modern interface and cropping modules integrate seamlessly with Xero’s accounting capabilities. Track per-hectare profitability, model different crop rotations, and forecast cashflow based on production estimates.
Alternative: Agrimaster for deep analysis Established cropping operations prioritising detailed financial forecasting may prefer Agrimaster’s analytical depth despite the dated interface.
Mixed Operations (Cropping and Livestock)
Primary recommendation: Xero + Figured for combined insights The Figured-Xero combination excels for mixed enterprises. Track both livestock and cropping profitability within one integrated system, compare enterprise returns accurately, and make informed decisions about resource allocation.
Alternative: Xero + AgriWebb (livestock) + Mobble/Agworld (cropping) For operations wanting specialist tools for each enterprise, combine Xero accounting with purpose-built operational management platforms. More complex but offers maximum functionality per enterprise type.
Hobby or Lifestyle Blocks
Primary recommendation: QuickBooks Online or Reckon One Lifestyle properties don’t need sophisticated farm management software. QuickBooks or Reckon One handle basic invoicing, expense tracking, and tax compliance adequately. Save money and complexity by matching software to actual needs.
Alternative: Xero Ignite plan ($35/month) Xero’s entry plan suits lifestyle blocks perfectly – enough functionality for tax compliance, excellent bank feeds, and your accountant probably already uses it.
Cloud vs Desktop Farm Accounting Software
Cloud-based platforms dominate modern farm software for good reasons. Access accounts from your phone in the paddock, your accountant works in the same system remotely, and automatic backups protect against computer failures. Updates happen automatically – no installing patches or worrying about compatibility.
However, remote properties with unreliable internet face genuine challenges. Cloud software demands connectivity for full functionality. Look for platforms offering robust offline modes or consider hybrid approaches combining cloud accounting with desktop-based farm management spreadsheets.
Data backup and security actually favour cloud platforms. Your laptop dying doesn’t delete years of records stored on professional servers. Multi-factor authentication, encryption, and professional security monitoring exceed most farm office setups. Concerns about “losing control” of data are largely unfounded as you can export data anytime.
The hybrid approach works well for many: cloud accounting software (Xero/QuickBooks) for financial data accessed from anywhere, plus desktop-based farm management spreadsheets for detailed production records when internet fails. Sync periodically when connectivity allows.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Farm Accounting Software
Ignoring integration with accountants’ systems
Your accountant’s software preference matters enormously. If they work exclusively in Xero, choosing MYOB creates friction – duplicate data entry, file conversions, or expensive switching fees. Ask your accountant what they prefer before committing. Most Australian agricultural accountants now favour Xero, though some established practices maintain MYOB expertise.
Overpaying for enterprise features not used
Sophisticated forecasting tools and multi-entity management sound impressive but sit unused if you’re running 200 ewes as a side operation. Match software capability to actual usage. You can upgrade later far more easily than extracting yourself from expensive contracts.
Confusing farm management with farm accounting
Livestock tracking software (AgriWebb, Mobble) is not accounting software. You still need proper bookkeeping platforms (Xero, QuickBooks) for BAS, bank reconciliation, and financial statements. Budget for both types of software if you need comprehensive farm business management.
Poor data migration from spreadsheets
Ten years of Excel data rarely imports cleanly into new software. Budget time for data cleaning, historical reconciliation, and initial setup. Many operators underestimate this work, becoming frustrated when “easy” migrations expose messy underlying data. Consider professional setup assistance for complex operations.
Choosing based on features rather than usability
That impressive feature list means nothing if nobody uses the software. The platform used consistently but missing some features outperforms the sophisticated system gathering digital dust. Trial periods exist for good reason – you should test actual daily workflows, not demo presentations.
Underestimating training and change management requirements
New software changes established workflows. Staff need training, processes require documenting, and initial productivity drops temporarily. Factor realistic implementation time into your decision. Busy seeding or harvest periods prove terrible times for software changes.
Summary: The Best Farm Bookkeeping Tools for 2025/26
Best Overall: Xero + Figured
For commercial farming operations, the Figured-Xero combination delivers unmatched capability. Comprehensive accounting meets agricultural-specific management, satisfying farmers, accountants, and bankers simultaneously. The $85-165+ monthly investment seems substantial until you calculate the value of better financial decisions and reduced accountant hours.
Best for Small Farms: QuickBooks Online
Smaller operations benefit from QuickBooks’ simplicity and affordable pricing ($26-70/month). Adequate accounting features, reliable ATO compliance, and straightforward operation suit farms where accounting supports the business without dominating management time. Promotional pricing often reduces entry costs significantly.
Best for Budget-Conscious: Reckon One
Hobby farms and lifestyle blocks needing basic bookkeeping should consider Reckon One ($12-40/month). It won’t win awards for features, but it handles essential accounting tasks affordably. Pair with simple spreadsheets for operational tracking.
Best for Financial Analysis: Agrimaster
Established farms prioritising detailed forecasting and enterprise analysis benefit from Agrimaster’s depth ($99+/month). The software’s cashflow forecasting and scenario planning support sophisticated decision-making. Accept the dated interface and learning curve as tradeoffs for analytical power.
Before You Buy Checklist:
- Confirm your accountant’s preferred platform (usually Xero or QuickBooks in Australia)
- Distinguish between accounting and farm management software – you may need both
- Trial the software during actual farm work, not just office administration
- Verify mobile app functionality matches your requirements
- Test offline capability if internet reliability concerns you
- Calculate total monthly cost including add-ons (payroll, extra users, modules)
- Check Australian-specific features (GST, BAS, Single Touch Payroll, fuel tax rebates)
- Confirm integration with existing tools (banking, inventory, livestock systems)
- Assess scalability if you anticipate expanding operations
- Budget for implementation time – especially during non-critical periods
Prices and features current as of October 2025. Software providers regularly update pricing and functionality. Always verify current offerings directly with vendors before purchasing. This comparison provides general guidance only, individual farm requirements vary significantly.
