Farm management software NZ is changing the game for Kiwi farmers. Tired of chasing paperwork, guessing your numbers, or scrambling for compliance reports? You’re not alone. Whether you’re running a dairy farm in Taranaki or managing livestock in Southland, having the right tools can save time, reduce stress, and help you make smarter decisions.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best farm management software NZ has to offer. You’ll discover how platforms focused on farm record keeping, livestock management, and farm budgeting can streamline your operations. We’ll compare features, highlight local-friendly tools, and help you figure out which option fits your farm setup.
The goal? To give you a no-fluff, practical look at how agricultural software can actually make your life easier. Because running a farm is hard enough. Let’s simplify what we can.
Why New Zealand farmers are switching to digital tools
Running a farm today involves more than just early mornings and muddy boots. Farmers are expected to manage finances, meet environmental standards, and track stock movements with precision. That’s why more are turning to farm management software NZ to stay on top of it all.
Here’s why this shift is happening:
- Manual methods are time-consuming and prone to errors
- Regulations around compliance, emissions, and animal welfare are increasing
- Remote access and mobile tools make data entry easy from anywhere
To learn more about how this shift supports long-term profitability, check out our article on buying a dairy farm in NZ.
Top farm management software options in NZ (2025 update)
Choosing the right tool can feel overwhelming. Let’s look at some of the most popular agricultural software used by Kiwi farmers, each offering something slightly different depending on your needs.
1. Farm Focus
NZ-designed and farmer-owned, Farm Focus is built specifically for New Zealand farms. It focuses on financial clarity, forecasting, and compliance reporting.
- Clean interface with strong budgeting tools
- Great for farmers who want to work closely with their accountant
More on Xero-compatible tools here
2. Agrimap
Agrimap offers real-time task management and mapping. It’s ideal for farms with teams or contractors, offering shared visibility across paddocks and jobs.
- Live tracking of jobs across the farm
- Visual planning tool with drag-and-drop layout
3. Trev
Trev is all about livestock management software NZ. It helps farmers capture and report on stock movements, weights, and treatments.
- Detailed animal records and grazing history
- Useful for reporting to MPI and veterinarians
4. Figured
A powerful farm budgeting software integrated with Xero, Figured gives farmers and advisors access to real-time forecasts, reporting, and financial insights.
- Ideal for planning scenarios and monitoring cashflow
- Links to your accountant’s system for smoother collaboration
5. OverseerFM
For those focused on compliance and environmental planning, OverseerFM helps with nitrogen reporting, farm environment plans, and scenario testing.
- Essential for nitrate monitoring in sensitive zones
- Used for many regional council requirements
| Software | Best For | Xero Integration | Compliance Tools | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farm Focus | Budgeting + Planning | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Agrimap | Task Management | No | Limited | Yes |
| Trev | Livestock Tracking | No | Yes | Yes |
| Figured | Financial Forecasts | Yes | No | Yes |
| OverseerFM | Environmental Plans | No | Strong | No |
How to choose the right agricultural software for your farm
Not all tools are built the same. The best farm management software NZ depends on what you’re managing: livestock, crops, staff, or compliance.
Here’s what to consider before subscribing:
- What type of farm are you running (dairy, sheep, cropping)?
- Do you need offline access due to poor connectivity?
- Is Xero integration important for your accounting setup?
- Do you want reports for MPI, FEP, or carbon tracking?
Must-have features for most Kiwi farms
- Ability to sync with your financial software
- Mobile access for real-time updates in the paddock
- Tools that support compliance (Fonterra, council, or MPI)
- Reliable NZ-based support
If you’re running a dairy business, you’ll also want to check out our post on dairy farm profitability.
Benefits of using livestock and crop management software
Switching from notebooks to software does more than save time. It gives you clearer insights, helps reduce mistakes, and improves how you manage staff, animals, and inputs.
Table: Before vs after using digital farm tools
| Task | Without Software | With Software |
|---|---|---|
| Livestock tracking | Manual notebooks | RFID + app syncing |
| Fertiliser records | Memory or guesswork | GPS and calendar alerts |
| Budget forecasting | Static spreadsheets | Live, adjustable dashboards |
| Audit trail (MPI/FEP) | Scattered or missing | Exportable in one click |
According to this industry report, farms using digital tools report a 30% reduction in admin time and fewer errors during audits.
Real-life success stories from NZ farmers
Let’s hear how actual Kiwi farmers are using software to grow their operations and reduce mental load.
Case study 1 – Taranaki dairy farm
James, a fourth-generation farmer near Stratford, switched to Farm Focus last year. He now spends 40% less time on paperwork and shares his budget with his accountant in real time. “It’s like having a business partner who doesn’t sleep,” he jokes.
Case study 2 – Canterbury cropping farm
Emma and her partner manage 600 hectares of mixed cropping. After adopting Agrimap, their staff productivity increased thanks to clear task lists and real-time updates. “We now start the day with everyone already knowing what to do.”
Bonus for farm management software NZ users
Already using software or thinking about it? Here are some tips to get more out of your subscription.
Quick wins to maximise your farm software
- Use automation features like recurring tasks or stock alerts
- Join free webinars from software providers to level up
- Connect your software with your Xero account
- Set up end-of-month reporting routines for better oversight
- Back up critical farm data monthly and store offsite
Learn more about tech funding via MPI’s support schemes
Conclusion
If you’re running a dairy operation, managing livestock, or tracking crops, the right farm management software NZ can help you save time, reduce errors, and make smarter business decisions. From tools like Farm Focus and Trev to financial software like Figured, there’s a solution for every type of farm and every budget.
The goal isn’t to overcomplicate your workflow — it’s to give you better visibility, more accurate data, and easier compliance. If you’re still relying on paper systems or juggling spreadsheets, it might be time to take the leap.
Start with a free trial or talk to your accountant about what tools fit your farm. You’ll thank yourself next tax season.
FAQ about farm management software NZ
What is farm management software used for?
It helps farmers manage operations like stock tracking, budgeting, and compliance through one central platform.
Is there a free farm management software option in NZ?
Some tools offer free trials or basic versions, but most fully featured software is paid.
Can farm software help with financial forecasting?
Yes, tools like Figured are designed specifically for budgeting, cash flow monitoring, and forecasting.
Does farm management software integrate with Xero?
Many top tools in NZ, like Figured and Farm Focus, offer direct integration with Xero for smoother accounting.
What’s the best farm management software for dairy farms?
For dairy farms, Farm Focus and Trev are popular choices thanks to their NZ-specific features and ease of use.