The impact of computer information systems on dairy farm management decisions

This study focuses on whether information systems improve farm management. Fifty New York dairy farms were selected based on their use of computerized information systems. Each computer user was matched with a non‐computer‐using farm. On‐farm interviews and business summaries were analyzed. Information systems provided the ability to do sensitivity analysis on planning decisions. Their speed of processing and accuracy contributed to control functions. Farmers with information systems spent more time on management tasks, but were more likely to delegate routine decisions. Farmer perceptions were that the systems had produced benefits that were equal to or exceeded costs.