Sarah and Roy Kingston have never been afraid of a change that makes life easier. When we spoke with them in 2020, they had gone from a handwritten cash book to a farm computer in 1991, from steep hill country to an easier 170 ha block about 15 minutes from Waipawa in Hawke’s Bay, and from Cash Manager RURAL to Farm Focus.
“Our second, but equally as successful move was also made to make life easier – this time by saving time.”
Sarah started out managing the farm finances in a manual cash book. It was slow, hard work, and with a background in accounting and economics she knew there had to be a better way.
“In 1991 computers cost $2000 – $3000 which was a major outlay at that time. I could see the opportunities this new way of working would provide but technology was not mainstream and getting a computer was a radical move. Roy and I had a ‘discussion’ and I offered him three options; he could manage the accounts, our accountant could manage the accounts, or we get a computer, and I would continue to manage them. Following a quick cost v efficiency evaluation, he quickly decided the computer was indeed the way to go and the rest is history!”
When the time came to move their books from Cash Manager RURAL to Farm Focus, Sarah had her doubts. They didn’t last. The support team (then known as CRS) was on hand if she needed it.
“I don’t know what I was concerned about now. The migration process was straight forward, and I knew, if there was a hitch, the CRS Support Team were there to help.”
The biggest change is how quickly the books stay up to date.
“To be honest I used to resent time spent in the office, but Farm Focus is much more user friendly than its predecessor. It’s faster and easier to navigate and I love that I can balance every day against our bank statements. I used to have to balance monthly but now every transaction is coded and immediately balanced. That’s so cool!”
Being able to use her own codes is another plus. But for Sarah, balancing is the business.
Sarah points out that farmers aren’t usually accountants, so the person doing the books often isn’t a financial expert. That’s why software built around farming matters.
“CRS understands farmers and farming, so their farm management packages are directly applicable to our business.”
“It’s my favorite thing now. Budgets used to frustrate me but with Farm Focus they are super easy and give a real time view of the bigger picture which is helpful. To be honest, it’s hard to mess it up and if something happens, there’s nothing that cannot be undone or tweaked to get you back on track again. There’s always bumps in the road when you’re farming and now you can plan for these because you can see them coming.”
Sarah and Roy can invite their bank or accountant in to take a look at the end of the year.
“We don’t need much interaction from our bank or accountant at our age and stage but it’s good to know our advisors are only a call away if needed.”
“We are really pleased with our easy to manage farm and Farm Focus – and easier is exactly what we wanted!”
