Abstract
We are developing planning and management support software to reduce the farm-management administrative load on farmers who need to manage a lot of fields. The software uses a Geographic Information System (GIS)-compatible field map and performs fundamental management of a database that stores miscellaneous data derived from farm operations, such as crop assignment to fields, successive fieldwork, post-harvest processes, and shipments. One of the strengths of this software is the visual user interface with a field map, which facilitates data management. Although this same function is available with the use of other GIS software, our software performs these functions by using software components that handle the database and map without any runtime license fees, thus allowing the software to be distributed for free. The software has been released for free distribution on the Web. As we receive feedback from users following the Web release, we will add new functions and make improvements that will make the software even more useful to farmers. This in turn will encourage wider use.
