tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13865327319659242232024-03-12T22:24:16.537-05:00FarmSmartHelping agricultural producers and their advisers integrate and automate production and accounting data into an effective management information system.Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-36117264390379430322011-05-27T13:28:00.002-05:002011-05-27T13:36:07.940-05:00Best Practices?What practices, processes or shortcuts have you developed in FBS to:<br /><br />1. Increase effectiveness?<br />2. Improve effeciency?<br />3. Enhance internal control?<br />4. Better comply with statutes and policies?Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-36128292776977257722011-03-30T16:55:00.021-05:002011-05-03T08:35:57.347-05:00Optimizing Hardware for .NET Performance<p>All things being equal, .NET (Version 10.0) will run slower than Visual Basic (Version 8.11). We published the minimum requirements in <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs014/1103685264130/archive/1104622625552.html">February's newsletter</a>; however, I think what most people want to know is the hardware configuration that will at least equal, if not exceed the speed of reports in 8.11. A rule of thumb is that a 10.0 "long" report will take 60% longer on the same computer. Keep in mind there are a lot of other critical variables like network routers, cables, servers and drive RPMs and access speeds. </p><br /><p>Here are CPU ratings. Find your current CPUs (Computer/Properties), then compare the ratings of the high end CPUs. Just because a rating of one CPU is 2X that of another does not mean it will run a report 2X faster. In the benchmark below the first computer should have performed 1.846 X the second based on the ratings. In actuality it was around 1.25 X.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html">http://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html</a> <a href="http://www.cpubenchmark.net/mid_range_cpus.html">http://www.cpubenchmark.net/mid_range_cpus.html</a> <a href="http://www.cpubenchmark.net/midlow_range_cpus.html">http://www.cpubenchmark.net/midlow_range_cpus.html</a> <a href="http://www.cpubenchmark.net/low_end_cpus.html">http://www.cpubenchmark.net/low_end_cpus.html</a> </p><br /><p><strong>Benchmark: Trial Balance, Date Cash Exchanged, 60 month look-back, prior year display on, 38,000 records/year </strong></p><br /><br /><p><strong></strong><strong>AMD Athlon II X4 630 Processor, @ 2.8 Ghz, 6GB 64-Bit (3.250 rating) </strong></p><br /><br /><ul><br /><li><strong>8.11</strong> 3:34 (214 seconds) (1.266 x Lenovo) </li><br /><br /><li><strong>10.0</strong> 5:48 (348 seconds) (1.25 x Lenovo) (162% speed of 8.11) </li></ul><br /><br /><p><strong>Lenovo Intel Core2 Duo, </strong><strong>T400 @2.53 Ghz, 2GB, 32-Bit (1.76 rating)</strong></p><br /><ul><br /><li><strong>8.11</strong> 4:31, (271 seconds) </li><br /><br /><li><strong>10.0</strong> 7:15, (435 seconds) (160% speed of 8.11)</li></ul>Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-8824159656240948292011-03-30T16:25:00.010-05:002011-03-30T16:55:00.572-05:00Tablet Computers<p>For those of you who are experiementing with tablets: </p><br /><li>Are iPads and Androids the future of farm computing?</li><br /><li>Are they rugged enough?</li><br /><li>How reliable are your wireless connections?</li><br /><li>Which interface do you prefer (Web browser, Windows Terminal Server, customize to the device)?</li><br /><ul></ul>Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-7883924812392553792011-02-22T19:05:00.002-06:002011-02-22T19:14:13.129-06:00What Do You Want to Do Next?Most of our new product ideas and enhancements come from our most vocal users, who communicate directly with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">FBS</span> development team. Why not post your suggestions here and see if anyone thinks like you do?Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-68855417865293130682011-01-20T10:56:00.001-06:002011-01-20T10:58:03.812-06:00Timing is EverythingHave you experienced any of the accounting issues described in the "Timing is Everything" story in the January <em>FarmSmart</em> newsletter?Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-18639684303368509882010-12-20T12:33:00.003-06:002010-12-23T13:24:12.284-06:00The (Accounting) Golden RuleWhat do you think about <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs014/1103685264130/archive/1104042818232.html">this approach</a> to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">synchronizing</span> accounting and production data? Does it make a difference if dollar values don't tie out? How much work and effort would you save if everything was all in one spot?Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-37664842431010328042010-12-02T14:37:00.001-06:002010-12-02T14:38:55.132-06:00Responses to New Website?What do you like? What do we need to add or change?Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-31144135969699289542010-12-01T13:36:00.004-06:002010-12-02T16:58:23.593-06:00(How) Do You Manage Margins?The traditional marketing objective in agriculture is to maximize prices received. However, <strong>Moe Russell</strong> of <a href="http://www.russellconsultinggroup.net/">Russell Consulting Group</a> recommends the "crush margin" approach, locking in a target margin per head or acre by computing the spread between costs and revenues rather than focusing only on product market prices. <a href="http://www.cihedging.com/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Commodity</span> and Ingredient Hedging </a>(<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">CIH</span></span>) follows a similar <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">strategy</span> and compares potential margins against historical margin percentiles.<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">FBS</span></span> software is designed to 1) accurately compute your own historical margins, 2) project production input requirements, and 3) account for the complex marketing transactions and match them to the appropriate time period and product.<br /><br />Are any of you doing this, and if so, how? Are you interested in learning more?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.farms.com/FarmsPages/Commentary/DetailedCommentary/tabid/192/Default.aspx?NewsID=36059">Here's a recent article citing Dr. Steve Meyer's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">emphasizing</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">feed's</span> role in margins this winter.</a>Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-34221845590911936912010-11-30T17:04:00.004-06:002010-12-01T13:35:07.754-06:00World's Craziest Motorcycle CommuteRide along with Andy Brown as he circumvents <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">traffic</span> on the streets of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Nairobi</span>, Kenya, during a typical ride home from work. Definitely not for the faint of heart.<br /><br /><a href="http://brownsinafrica.com/">http://brownsinafrica.com/</a>Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-57622412629152405182010-10-28T10:08:00.007-05:002010-10-28T17:03:54.975-05:00When You Can't Count on Your Accounting ProgramLast month we compared the accounting power gleaned from <strong>management segments</strong> (usually called “cost/profit centers”) versus the <strong>“big bucket”</strong> accounting approach still used by many producers. This month we’ll switch to another, equally-important dimension: <strong>units of measure</strong>.<br /><strong><br />Accounting that counts dollars but not quantities can’t tell you much about your operation.</strong> Here’s why:<br /><br />• Most everything in farming is <strong>purchased, sold, used and valued in standardized units of measure</strong> (bushels, gallons, tons, etc.)<br /><br />• In order for accounting entries <strong>to drive inventories</strong>, quantities must be captured.<br /><br />• A “per-unit” approach allows <strong>meaningful comparisons</strong> between segments and operations of <strong>varying scales</strong>.<br /><br />• Units <strong>explain</strong> the source of <strong>variance from budgets</strong>.<br />Units of measure in the<strong> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ag</span> world are much more complex</strong> than most other businesses.<br /><br />• A single transaction can incorporate<strong> dual quantities</strong> (head-pounds, wet bushels-dry bushels, tons-bales).<br /><br />• Often the <strong>units of measure change</strong> between the point of <strong>purchase</strong> and <strong>application</strong> (bags-kernels of seed or gallons-ounces of chemicals).<br /><br />• In addition to these “direct units” associated with accounting transactions, agriculture relies on a wide variety of <strong>“indirect units”</strong> (acres, animal capacity, hours).<br /><br />While some of these indirect measurements can be “folded in” after-the-fact, <strong>direct units must be captured within the same transaction as dollars, accounts and centers</strong>. Numerous work-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">arounds</span> (recording quantities in notation fields or separate quantity accounts) have been attempted in Main Street accounting programs, but the <strong>results literally don’t add up</strong>.Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-70655820216082911212010-10-28T09:10:00.003-05:002010-10-28T19:21:38.173-05:00November Webinar ScheduleStart you work week off with instant and <strong>free</strong> training delivered right to your computer screen. Our Monday morning <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">webinars</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">run from</span> 10:00 am-11:00 am CST.<br /><br /><strong>Smart Feeder User-Defined Reports</strong>, November 1st.<br /><strong>Preparing your accounting records for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">year end</span></strong>, November 8<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>.<br /><strong>Integrating <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">FBS</span> with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">DTN</span> market data</strong>, November 15<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>.<br /><strong>Accounting for hedging transactions</strong>, November 22<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span>.<br /><strong>Advanced livestock budgeting and margin analysis</strong>, November 29<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>.<br /><br />To register, e-mail support@fbssystems.com by 9:00 am CST on the day of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">webinar</span>.Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-68071455441093150432010-10-28T08:57:00.004-05:002010-10-28T09:06:52.611-05:00Q&A of the Month--Backing Up On a CD<strong>Q.</strong> I’m trying to make a backup of my data onto a CD through <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">FBS</span> and keep getting an <strong>error 280</strong>. What am I doing wrong?<br /><br /><strong>A.</strong> Error 280 indicates a faulty “disk.” If you’re trying to save to a floppy disk or a memory stick (thumb drive) this could mean that device is damaged, so try another. If you’re attempting to save data directly to a CD or DVD the issue is that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">FBS</span> cannot write or save directly to an “optical drive.” You can still backup <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">FBS</span> data to a CD, but you’ll need to follow these steps:<br /><br />1. Under <strong>Utilities Save Data</strong>, choose a destination location on your local drive (such as C:\My Documents, or even better, make a new folder called, “<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">FBS</span> Backup.”)<br />2. Through <strong>My Computer</strong> or <strong>Windows Explorer</strong> navigate to the location where you just made the backup. The file will be named with your company’s three initials and the date (for example, xxx_101110.zip).<br />3. Insert a <strong>writable </strong>CD or DVD in your computer.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 178px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533097537463081410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCmK5WrCytm4HSZlWEA68eN7q0Cpnt2M7U1E6SghadcGn_Dx-Ab6U2ZS4RM5YQP6SwQEhoUUVm33tZXDRoq9JUnRBHk3RBlHVVziq7YtM6lGVo0fMasiABlKzweyVU9__dKeUYYnikWLK/s320/Backup+to+CD.jpg" /><br />4. Right-click on the backup file and choose <strong>Send To</strong> and then select the CD/DVD drive. The built-in Microsoft writer will then copy the backup file to the optical drive.<br />5. To verify that the file as been copied successfully, view the CD/DVD through <strong>Window</strong>s <strong>Explorer</strong> or <strong>My Computer</strong>.<br /><br />We recommend that you leave the original backup file on your hard drive. While internal backups won't protect you from a hard drive crash, they’re readily accessible in the event one or more data files are corrupted.Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-48997796446594231562010-10-14T13:32:00.004-05:002010-10-28T09:09:39.381-05:00FBS Users in the NewsIowa farmer <strong>Ron Swanson</strong> describes his business plan as a "living document" in <strong>The Life of a Business Plan</strong> in the October 2010 edition of <strong>Farm Journal Top Producer</strong>. While most producers have never even seen a business plan, Swanson reviews his entire plan annually and some pieces--like the marketing plan--much more frequently. Read Ron's comments and advice from experts from Purdue and Texas A&M by clicking on this link:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.agweb.com/topproducer/article/the_life_of_a__business_plan/">http://www.agweb.com/topproducer/article/the_life_of_a__business_plan/</a>Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-38313527417856060162010-10-05T15:17:00.004-05:002010-10-05T15:49:39.980-05:00Indiana Pork Producer Still Isn't SmilingWith U.S. livestock producers under assault from multiple branches of government, it's encouraging to hear spirited and logical defense from folks we know in the industry. Indiana pork producer, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">NPPC</span> Chair of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Competitive</span> Markets Committee and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">FBS</span> User, <strong>Mark <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Legan</span></strong> has been at the forefront in opposing the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">USDA's</span> new <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">GIPSA</span> (Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyard Administration) sweeping new regulations that he believes will stifle <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">competition</span> in the name of fairness.<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Legan</span> has already testified on behalf of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">NPPC</span> at the USDA/<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">DOJ</span> workshop in Ft. Collins, Colorado and now adds his voice to the pages of the Indianapolis Star. Read it here: <a href="http://www.indystar.com/article/20101002/OPINION01/10020323/-1/7daysarchives/Livestock-farmers-uneasy">http//www.indystar.com/article/20101002/OPINION01/10020323/-1/7daysarchives/Livestock-farmers-uneasy</a>, and post your comments on what you think of these proposed regulations.Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-11861572945438659702010-09-29T15:52:00.013-05:002010-09-29T16:06:26.179-05:00Are You a "Big Bucket" Accountant?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12-ESYBYZLd4W4ngcPeR4LgJq2mQawC2ngafQuZK1scw7WwzUj1EVpOYhyTlvrQ7MAKmeNiE9GZ5GSSbMDIB-IlSp18QVWDokdHg_b5zixdC7HwaF5f3wKyKYDXJZpxC1s85nRVvDbhxO/s1600/Big+Bucket+Accounting.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 193px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522442434486281458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12-ESYBYZLd4W4ngcPeR4LgJq2mQawC2ngafQuZK1scw7WwzUj1EVpOYhyTlvrQ7MAKmeNiE9GZ5GSSbMDIB-IlSp18QVWDokdHg_b5zixdC7HwaF5f3wKyKYDXJZpxC1s85nRVvDbhxO/s200/Big+Bucket+Accounting.jpg" /></a> In recent years we’<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ve</span> observed two divergent trends inside many leading-edge operations: <div><br />1) <strong>Business scale and complexity are increasing exponentially</strong>. </div><div><br /></div><div>2) Rather than recalibrating their accounting system to match this new level of detail, <strong>managers often turn to stand-alone, production-oriented record systems as their primary, if not exclusive, management platform</strong>. For example, crop growers use mapping programs while livestock producers either subscribe to an online record service or specialized production software.</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>As a result, even as the production view of the business achieves greater sophistication and granularity, the accounting process is relegated to a generic, “Big Bucket.” </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div>The potentially-fatal flaw in this strategy is that <strong>accounting is the core control process</strong> in any business.</div><div><br />1) Planning, action and performance monitoring must ultimately <strong>be valued in actual dollars</strong>. By necessity, stand-alone production programs use “plugged” cost and revenue assumptions. </div><div><br />2) <strong>If a segment can be managed</strong> it should also be <strong>evaluated as a cost or profit center</strong> within the accounting system. Big Bucket accounting can’t effectively track or roll-up costs for the number of centers in most operations nor can it allocate costs to other centers. </div><div><br /> </div><div>3) In order for an accounting system to be in control, there must be a true <strong>tie-out between the balance sheet, income statement and actual inventories</strong>. “Big bucket” accounting generally relies on “plugged” or standard work-in-process inventories disconnected from real production data.</div><div><br />This deficiency is not a concern for most production software developers. After all, their expertise is in the agronomic/physiological worlds, not the accounting field. However, without meaningful segmentation and tie-out between accounting and production numbers your big, generic, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">un</span>-integrated accounting bucket most certainly will be leaking. </div><div><br />What do you think? </div>Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-86401955777848816392010-09-28T16:31:00.013-05:002010-09-29T16:15:02.725-05:00What's Just Around the Corner?Here's an inside look at what's happening deep inside the super-secret <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">FBS</span></span></span> Bunker:<br /><ul><li><strong>Version 10</strong> (.NET), our biggest upgrade in years, is currently consuming 90% of our R&D efforts (on quiet days, anyway). Switching to .NET will keep your software compatible with the Microsoft and web worlds for years to come, but it also takes a lot more programming time and testing than our usual upgrades. As a result, we're certain that we won't hit the normal VIP/Corporate October shipment target this year. Meanwhile...</li><li>We will be releasing an interface with <strong><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">DTN</span></span></span> market prices</strong> this Fall. You can see a preview of this exciting technology through our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">webinar</span></span></span> on Monday, October 4<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span></span></span>. (See <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Webinar</span></span></span> Schedule below.)</li><li>By this time next month we plan to "cut-over" to a brand-new Website and e-newsletter format that will knock your socks off! Stay tuned (as if you have a choice with the Internet).</li></ul>Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-39425958722915449142010-09-28T16:11:00.007-05:002010-10-12T15:07:52.756-05:00October Webinar ScheduleOur Monday morning webinars are back with all-new content. All run from 10:00 am-11:00 am CDT.<br /><br /><strong>Integrating FBS with DTN market data</strong>, October 4th.<br /><strong>Accounting for hedging transactions</strong>, October 11th.<br /><strong>Advanced livestock budgeting and margin analysis</strong>, October 18th.<br /><strong>Smart Feeder User-Defined Reports</strong>, October 25th.<br /><br />To register, e-mail <a href="mailto:support@fbssystems.com">support@fbssystems.com</a> by 9:00 am CDT on the day of the webinar.Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-80438552288742315372010-09-27T17:05:00.006-05:002010-09-27T17:16:11.904-05:00Q&A of the Month--Hot Keys<strong>Q.</strong> Are there any shortcuts to make data entry in FBS faster and easier?<br /><br /><strong>A.</strong> Yes, there are <strong>over 40</strong> “Hot Keys” built into FBS that make input and navigation faster and easier. To learn what these keys are and what they do, go to the <strong>Help</strong> menu from the FBS main screen, then click on <strong>FBS Hot Keys</strong> to display, print or export this list.<br /><br />Here are a few examples for TransAction Plus data entry hot keys:<br /><br />Press the <strong>F12</strong> key after you select the vendor to scroll through all previous entries made to this vendor during this calendar year. This hot key acts much like an input macro (or “template”) in that you can save any of these prior entries as new entries (with, of course, a new date and necessary changes to amounts, accounts and centers).<br /><br />Speaking of macros, the <strong>F8</strong> key will bring up your macro or vendor list depending on what field you are in and <strong>F9</strong> will toggle the vendor list on and off.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 175px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521719470883076514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZCapyAtyUZh7GLA8fhbWJi6YYQyDnIyzM-0X1-9av_Ou6i1qxgP1HQiOdJZDIP6kPGeOt0bO4UJdo41fRGckP5vVodj_k2uNzpx93CuxAk13rcE8BbsUCLVkWGP4mZkLlYo6gxH1gySh/s200/Calculator.jpg" />Click<strong> F4</strong> (or “<strong>+</strong>,” “<strong>*</strong>,” or “<strong>/</strong>”) in any numeric field to bring up a <strong>calculator</strong> from which you can paste the calculated value back into TransAction Plus by pressing Enter two times (same as the <strong>Return Value</strong> button).<br /><br />Keep reading this column for more handy hot keys and tips!Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-51028406074608081262010-09-10T10:00:00.003-05:002010-09-10T10:59:14.427-05:00FBS Users in the News<strong>Kerry Knuth</strong>, Mead, Nebraska describes how he takes advantage of basis moves and uses FBS E.CLIPSE management accounting to track transportation costs in the September 2010 <strong>Farm Futures</strong> cover story, <strong>"The Joy of Marketing."</strong> To illustrate Knuth's cost-tracking prowess, F.F. photographed him in front of is JD 9430 48-row planter. Click on this link and select the September issue: <a href="http://www.farmfutures.com//customPage.aspx?p=168">http://www.farmfutures.com//customPage.aspx?p=168</a>Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-64614040975558283382010-09-03T15:43:00.015-05:002010-09-03T16:21:46.366-05:00More User Conference MomentsThanks to Paul Hey for these candid shots from the 2010 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">FBS</span> User Conference.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWikmUETMconbS0098ZpsL7AEMpUF4Yg8JH2LEHpPafUmLzbzbed2QqdUYe7X6YAJINdmH_lNM-mAYbb0ChqXXXXxTYwAfFFyozGa-NF4aaxId6lf6TuaYC9vaH2Dre_fIFxLet-Qmc0Lj/s1600/FBS+UC+2010+Day+1+FM+-+05.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512797613174830946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWikmUETMconbS0098ZpsL7AEMpUF4Yg8JH2LEHpPafUmLzbzbed2QqdUYe7X6YAJINdmH_lNM-mAYbb0ChqXXXXxTYwAfFFyozGa-NF4aaxId6lf6TuaYC9vaH2Dre_fIFxLet-Qmc0Lj/s320/FBS+UC+2010+Day+1+FM+-+05.jpg" /></a> The User Conference began with special training for professional farm managers.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXygkdebKX3OHw1AuLmH6uvIkG_A_nj4Dn2V_Pt9etcR1D6ELD2DNbqK2ajop-SSsIMQ5GhaRpD_HPkvhdL8ta0kt6OfNcTkX7gZV1MEKHor62m6xtQlO6zR5mR7pUN3UqMB6I18WAfMH/s1600/FBS+UC+2010+8-25+-+05.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512797117875356114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXygkdebKX3OHw1AuLmH6uvIkG_A_nj4Dn2V_Pt9etcR1D6ELD2DNbqK2ajop-SSsIMQ5GhaRpD_HPkvhdL8ta0kt6OfNcTkX7gZV1MEKHor62m6xtQlO6zR5mR7pUN3UqMB6I18WAfMH/s320/FBS+UC+2010+8-25+-+05.jpg" /></a> John <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">McNutt</span> explains the process of hiring controller/CFO services.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbZadVkbWzn9kFFlJMbBR_Fp_cI0PGqEGe_L7GOXGAbR8y9vGe-sW2px6m6e4p7LgnIWA32d4Iep6LY8J3FpDKFMNLlqHQeUlSZ-xvqkdxjE0GYF-9v7SZZMBK8OmwnLt92Xx3j8OKrnx/s1600/FBS+UC+2010+8-25+-+04.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512795676680523762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbZadVkbWzn9kFFlJMbBR_Fp_cI0PGqEGe_L7GOXGAbR8y9vGe-sW2px6m6e4p7LgnIWA32d4Iep6LY8J3FpDKFMNLlqHQeUlSZ-xvqkdxjE0GYF-9v7SZZMBK8OmwnLt92Xx3j8OKrnx/s320/FBS+UC+2010+8-25+-+04.jpg" /></a>Jim <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Marzolf</span> presents the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">LarsonAllen</span> perspective on the function of controllers and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">CFOs</span>.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Wr1b3riKUWEz9E01ZKqgNXd2DxuiiwdiIaq26Ih4oQOD3HRW71OnH6ogQ0kfBEJEXMDf2ugJTSOW2iR5JKxeTpVK4zeG-1iI8idHQmcw_-sI7w_0UE1a8vSaLUgIHs6WHeRi4nKGOrTl/s1600/FBS+UC+2010+8-25+-+03.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512794053586113970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Wr1b3riKUWEz9E01ZKqgNXd2DxuiiwdiIaq26Ih4oQOD3HRW71OnH6ogQ0kfBEJEXMDf2ugJTSOW2iR5JKxeTpVK4zeG-1iI8idHQmcw_-sI7w_0UE1a8vSaLUgIHs6WHeRi4nKGOrTl/s320/FBS+UC+2010+8-25+-+03.jpg" /></a> Steve <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">McWilliams</span> compares the pros and cons of out-sourcing CFO services.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOnb-RS58rZGNCiu3vG1plbNWMt0js4YLMWBbbUrKaF350uU5Xk1Pdw3qNdYcEmIV-q78jhII4VqpLP0nTjLvZeQURB2vAffNpQpDdLQMyX5SqFocHNuscyLOFrCK0g4FE6AqiaQowaTu/s1600/FBS+UC+2010+8-25+-+01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512793409439687906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOnb-RS58rZGNCiu3vG1plbNWMt0js4YLMWBbbUrKaF350uU5Xk1Pdw3qNdYcEmIV-q78jhII4VqpLP0nTjLvZeQURB2vAffNpQpDdLQMyX5SqFocHNuscyLOFrCK0g4FE6AqiaQowaTu/s320/FBS+UC+2010+8-25+-+01.jpg" /></a> Bill <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Stangel</span> offers his insight on farm management technology.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCX-IV8OvzDWS1lYz7Z5ZqpJRYrI7WUhujex4UWq3c3cvLpF2BcH9_Xno4Z5816G5i5YI3BvxGftqbrTNZxZ3rMVWepYenWNyqM7wfhLFB7dY0HajiHkYAMlmkz9SNpan_pKrfmpoMm9yc/s1600/FBS+UC+2010+8-25+-+02.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512792951005528482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCX-IV8OvzDWS1lYz7Z5ZqpJRYrI7WUhujex4UWq3c3cvLpF2BcH9_Xno4Z5816G5i5YI3BvxGftqbrTNZxZ3rMVWepYenWNyqM7wfhLFB7dY0HajiHkYAMlmkz9SNpan_pKrfmpoMm9yc/s320/FBS+UC+2010+8-25+-+02.jpg" /></a> Norm explains how users can take controll of their data.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WuqNhsfE3B7iObFg25FhvdClgRHV_PRI0ldTh79J6WX7TjhHKtFQeWLzRqXR3jF37iEfQQYZ6I8CAk3zs8w2RHUzPzOyB-wCPz_9dThEegQI2SzkT8pp2W8uAL207n8ygz1qv1LOJcgx/s1600/FBS+UC+2010+8-25+-+10.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512792035418276530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WuqNhsfE3B7iObFg25FhvdClgRHV_PRI0ldTh79J6WX7TjhHKtFQeWLzRqXR3jF37iEfQQYZ6I8CAk3zs8w2RHUzPzOyB-wCPz_9dThEegQI2SzkT8pp2W8uAL207n8ygz1qv1LOJcgx/s320/FBS+UC+2010+8-25+-+10.jpg" /></a> Don <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Konz</span> describes some of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">DTN's </span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">ag</span> professional solutions. <div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-9918225153222045822010-08-30T20:36:00.011-05:002010-08-30T21:00:19.673-05:00Photo Highlights from the 2010 User Conference<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMi6g7OvNx6cGjLWlZSKTj2IbwbDt6j5pbwk1hH91YXqvup4sk49xSnmdU_9tryHdK0_1TsGJqwZa-yS-hImTdQleZaqMBLMqncKgbFed1HI2eo2IJJPeLfEUXyPru37sFSYVcIfM5SVIm/s1600/Sarah+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 193px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511383969737504114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMi6g7OvNx6cGjLWlZSKTj2IbwbDt6j5pbwk1hH91YXqvup4sk49xSnmdU_9tryHdK0_1TsGJqwZa-yS-hImTdQleZaqMBLMqncKgbFed1HI2eo2IJJPeLfEUXyPru37sFSYVcIfM5SVIm/s320/Sarah+1.jpg" /></a>"Accounting? Crop Records? We can help anyone do them successfully," according to FBS Technical Services Manager Sarah Dixon.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3_x5qWWsfRNTwjWXbRpKjrPecjtzL4soIy5DJMhyphenhyphenDZq_T-pMD-HquEoZ5hpqGc42xHm2p9IpUTCCBlNtQcS45IdPf9SaSUc3GMdB90Xi4kky7NjhWOen0uzhPeld12UlGF6aksoA31_0/s1600/Lunch+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 221px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511383508113976546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3_x5qWWsfRNTwjWXbRpKjrPecjtzL4soIy5DJMhyphenhyphenDZq_T-pMD-HquEoZ5hpqGc42xHm2p9IpUTCCBlNtQcS45IdPf9SaSUc3GMdB90Xi4kky7NjhWOen0uzhPeld12UlGF6aksoA31_0/s320/Lunch+1.jpg" /></a> Networking with "neighbors" from around the nation.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmWBHA7Udla06tGliacV4ASQyyR-4o_kbh4NhIxbLmzY3mPCg8sBbR0FqNirBAkKTG8okMzlko8vKTO63shyQpN9bIKahTGxxq1mQs4glPGP4OLYvFDseBv-lvvCGnkOC0qsrVcUOUlzx/s1600/IPad.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 232px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511383242348474114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmWBHA7Udla06tGliacV4ASQyyR-4o_kbh4NhIxbLmzY3mPCg8sBbR0FqNirBAkKTG8okMzlko8vKTO63shyQpN9bIKahTGxxq1mQs4glPGP4OLYvFDseBv-lvvCGnkOC0qsrVcUOUlzx/s320/IPad.jpg" /></a> Gary Davis displays the "must-have" gadget of 2010.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBU6WYLCuk8jz9HygI3ame7X2oFKq7oHwr4co_M_lgresYfP89bCozdu6IxRGCEwV6b71-tGQnaCmraEy3uhxzh0rpobKA_RzImGxzjpJ-0OBmlphyab_XU1GQYgaS29WcV-GbsWsrepS/s1600/Paul+Hey-User+Interface.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 285px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511383018059494466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBU6WYLCuk8jz9HygI3ame7X2oFKq7oHwr4co_M_lgresYfP89bCozdu6IxRGCEwV6b71-tGQnaCmraEy3uhxzh0rpobKA_RzImGxzjpJ-0OBmlphyab_XU1GQYgaS29WcV-GbsWsrepS/s320/Paul+Hey-User+Interface.jpg" /></a> Paul Hey provides a "sneak preview" of the Version 10 user interface.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvSs6Ox1bMoGVMo3qlhHf_gRcSksET3B6wiw_lDYxQc8xPeMGPshC2k74SpJYZf-2N_Kq7O-E7tEnE8nnBWQVv10puJdGVQNY18i-Xx0DVWvpLB8nkxQ_9fJWmMyvbH9omIjROVHF0hP2/s1600/John-Gary-Jim.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 172px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511382749208746066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvSs6Ox1bMoGVMo3qlhHf_gRcSksET3B6wiw_lDYxQc8xPeMGPshC2k74SpJYZf-2N_Kq7O-E7tEnE8nnBWQVv10puJdGVQNY18i-Xx0DVWvpLB8nkxQ_9fJWmMyvbH9omIjROVHF0hP2/s320/John-Gary-Jim.jpg" /></a>Gary Donley from Carthage Veterinary Service (center) confers with conference speakers John McNutt and Jim Marzolf.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi991wcCXJ6qEXnuhl0JlSWKLgPYEnPGUjvKWWxhB__2R-_Stk0qEaihOYhzIvj9-A9JnAdqbMKVh_yL01e31sIhXdex6zL9LrLbHGSQzOD20qNsytipkCvogugVC6LtusDdH5lNvujuvQ_/s1600/Don+Konz+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 204px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511382512624238434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi991wcCXJ6qEXnuhl0JlSWKLgPYEnPGUjvKWWxhB__2R-_Stk0qEaihOYhzIvj9-A9JnAdqbMKVh_yL01e31sIhXdex6zL9LrLbHGSQzOD20qNsytipkCvogugVC6LtusDdH5lNvujuvQ_/s320/Don+Konz+1.jpg" /></a> Don Konz conducts a technology tour of the latest offerings from DTN/Progressive Farmer, which also sponsored the Awards Banquet.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgrn8dPJR3LzUdtVYhx7OujoaO1Yx4GZpE3AOvFiReSTWfbgL4W0vE-TzxDHI9mtxBn9Dkb0vso2y2XI2R1O6WsM_cXvquMa-Dak3ogmsmYeQRRKrXTu2EavMvfVwgD_ITaI-0ary549X/s1600/Classroom+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 198px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511382326891739474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgrn8dPJR3LzUdtVYhx7OujoaO1Yx4GZpE3AOvFiReSTWfbgL4W0vE-TzxDHI9mtxBn9Dkb0vso2y2XI2R1O6WsM_cXvquMa-Dak3ogmsmYeQRRKrXTu2EavMvfVwgD_ITaI-0ary549X/s320/Classroom+2.jpg" /></a>Back at work in the Blackhawk classroom. </div></div></div></div></div></div>Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-22070000947837764432010-08-30T19:12:00.009-05:002010-08-30T21:03:09.390-05:00Incorporating FBS Data Into Risk Management Decisions<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVET8odHj1rDR8C9u4EOpu7wvR6p2XaQtnKkvKCDUv7HHciiybMmZA3PnxLH6CwSKDnO8AsaIZgSxRr6DgjYl8Id2C2wLsOaxN3IdZn7jc0e_ru8iosDRtjuVzKAjTqWZ35aUYER0PkH8A/s1600/Moe+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 255px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511380802590820386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVET8odHj1rDR8C9u4EOpu7wvR6p2XaQtnKkvKCDUv7HHciiybMmZA3PnxLH6CwSKDnO8AsaIZgSxRr6DgjYl8Id2C2wLsOaxN3IdZn7jc0e_ru8iosDRtjuVzKAjTqWZ35aUYER0PkH8A/s320/Moe+3.jpg" /></a> This year's U.C. keynote was delivered by <strong>Moe Russell</strong>, president of Russell Consulting Group. Moe is bullish on agriculture, yet points out that "the attitude, skills knowledge and profit gap among producers is getting farther apart, by the day. Everyone is downloading risk to the farmer."<br /><br />Many of Russell's clients are experiencing better <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ROAs</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">ROEs</span> than leading Fortune 500 companies through such strategies as win-win relationships with suppliers and neighbors, better utilization of technical and human resources and establishing and executing business and marketing plans.<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">FBS</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">SeRVware</span> is now available through the Russell Consulting Group's network of 34 Associates, who can help incorporate <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">FBS's</span> cost accounting data into profitable risk <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">management</span> decisions. For more information on the Russell Consulting Group, go to their website: <a href="http://www.russellconsultinggroup.net/">http://www.russellconsultinggroup.net</a> or call 1-877-333-6135.Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-73796574774533461122010-08-30T15:45:00.007-05:002010-08-30T17:37:06.213-05:00Q&A of the Month--Selling Grain Out of the Field<strong>Q.</strong> How do I record an accounting grain sale directly from a field?<br /><br /><strong>A.</strong> This has to do with the <strong>Integration Sub Type</strong>, which is accessed through <strong>Setup Accounting Ledger Accounts</strong> and clicking on a crop sale account.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511310112992140146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzjzOrWsRRak0ewJvWvdnP4pbdRxbcRCs0WOBsAVBqAA_2yXSu4zpV0zsHXiKbR9NFcYoSuQc7Sv5wZR1G2wnXgM-hHifEq4VQN4RIxss0kON5ym1rwi9XfKREpUcZtSFgQ0BNhH2jTKM/s320/Integration+Sub+Type.jpg" /> <strong>1= Always No</strong> = Sales out of storage bin, which affects storage bin inventory but does not record a field as harvested.<br /><br /><strong>2= Always Yes</strong> = Creates a field harvest record that matches the sale record but will not affect storage bin inventory.<br /><br /><strong>3= Default to No</strong>= Normally is sale only but can select harvest record by selecting "Yes" during data entry.<br /><br /><strong>4= Default to Yes</strong> = Normally sale includes a harvest but can be changed to a "straight" sale by selecting "No" during data entry<br /><br />So if you might be either selling from a field or the bin choose option 3 or 4 (depending on what you will be doing the majority of the time). If you know you sell exclusively out of the field or exclusively out of storage bin, choose option 1 or 2.<br /><br />You can also create two crop sale ledger accounts: one that's "Always No" for bin sales and a second that's "Always Yes" for field sales.<br /><br />Special note for E.<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">CLIPSE</span> users: Because your crop sales are required to go through marketing centers, you cannot record a simultaneous harvest and sale so use the "Always No" option.Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-87109520200921269172010-08-30T14:31:00.023-05:002010-08-30T21:11:54.550-05:002010 User Conference Financial PanelThe 2010 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">FBS</span> User Conference drew a record number of participants to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Moline</span>, Illinois, to hear financial and technology experts describe how to leverage data generated by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">FBS</span> into effective and profitable management decisions.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 168px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511299748878301026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwZbwE-Rp2zO-VLOOAKw52Nx1_DGUabA1PI2XnGTFO1SWOYXPP6s0CYXbepOv_AIjtqqep6Tjqwijz1e9ebNipJ2t0L8-PUsCPUpkzVLJWv_PS3OL6m9aPYE_ZL3H_r4wdj1VqV5OlH_o/s320/CFO+Panel+2.jpg" /><br /><em>Panel members Jim <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Marzolf</span>, John <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">McNutt</span> and Steve <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">McWilliams</span> offering financial guidelines.<br /></em><br />The featured panel--<strong>Do You Need a Controller/Are You Ready for a CFO?</strong>--brought together three financial professionals with in-depth experience in production agricultural and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">FBS</span> software.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtXaJmDKfwFESRRh4Dl6ZpDguB3GAj0q235zXqkxUaxuG6ga_jmG6_P3G7K6MewacC8cqPWuJau_lNa4rnWF7LdnrTiypQT6p2x5icRNkg1CcM5Q5m0PP5Q4AHlB6hV7C_3tL9JIn8xKz/s1600/Jim+Marzolf+2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 198px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511303953433218818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtXaJmDKfwFESRRh4Dl6ZpDguB3GAj0q235zXqkxUaxuG6ga_jmG6_P3G7K6MewacC8cqPWuJau_lNa4rnWF7LdnrTiypQT6p2x5icRNkg1CcM5Q5m0PP5Q4AHlB6hV7C_3tL9JIn8xKz/s200/Jim+Marzolf+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /><br /><br /><em></em><br /><em>Jim Marzolf, M.B.A., </em><br /><em>LarsonAllen, New Ulm, Minnesota</em> </p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JYukjOsZApi5IwbI9uWMojKmnagOZSdcJBUuHVLrLA519bO-i7oOU7l0u5XXPZHV1UWr56kWnbtAX93Ax40_VvewlGQUWSBATyYvtzE5eJy0XB7lVtJj4VUpOyf2frpSJuj0urTrXVIw/s1600/John+McNutt+1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 193px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511303495149667842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JYukjOsZApi5IwbI9uWMojKmnagOZSdcJBUuHVLrLA519bO-i7oOU7l0u5XXPZHV1UWr56kWnbtAX93Ax40_VvewlGQUWSBATyYvtzE5eJy0XB7lVtJj4VUpOyf2frpSJuj0urTrXVIw/s200/John+McNutt+1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>John McNutt, M.B.A., </em><br /><em>Latta, Harris, Hanon & Penningroth, Tipton, Iowa</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWio74LKCtbTKaieHYi37_Vy3kQXyDyS5PEBMGa_SK3VKo64gKBFZpkbGFPtViF8CbvZWhyzQtQJY5pyh2AaUGKg6NYTG7F870KGjaM4nIasvWrLqlXZ0iw5ZRS1sqYfk0Q9xS9DPZ1CWX/s1600/Steve+McWilliams-CFO+Panel+1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 196px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511302724219121154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWio74LKCtbTKaieHYi37_Vy3kQXyDyS5PEBMGa_SK3VKo64gKBFZpkbGFPtViF8CbvZWhyzQtQJY5pyh2AaUGKg6NYTG7F870KGjaM4nIasvWrLqlXZ0iw5ZRS1sqYfk0Q9xS9DPZ1CWX/s200/Steve+McWilliams-CFO+Panel+1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Steve McWilliams, M.S.,</em><br /><em>McWilliams Agribusiness, Inc.</em><br /><br />More and more farming operations have grown to the scale where they need the services of either a controller or a chief financial officer, but most are hesitant to commit to full-time positions. It was estimated that operations with $3-5 million in sales could justify a controller, while $15-20 million in sales would be required to put a CFO on staff.<br /><br />The practical alternative, then, is to outsource these services, which not only reduces employment risks, but also enables a more objective view and relationship with management. As panelist John <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">McNutt</span> cautions, "Sometimes the CFO has got to deliver bad news."<br /><br />Jim <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Marzolf</span> adds, "The big decisions is not whether to hire or outsource, but whether to do anything."</p>Norm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1386532731965924223.post-77545589819590036222010-08-04T14:46:00.013-05:002010-08-30T19:12:21.592-05:00FBS Users in the News<strong>Kevin <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Huguson</span></strong>, Granada, Minnesota, appears on the cover of the July 15, 2010 <strong>National Hog Farmer</strong> and throughout the magazine as a member of the <strong>World Pork Expo New Product Review Pane</strong>l. The four-person panel critiqued new products introduced to the pork industry within the past year.<br /><br />Ohio corn and soybean grower <strong>Ken Davis</strong> describes how he spreads sales and risks "Day by day, bit by bit" in the August 2010 issue of <strong>Corn and Soybean Digest</strong>.<br /><br />Farm manager <strong>Ryan <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Aupperle</span></strong>, <strong>Heartland Ag Group of Decatur</strong>, reports that "landowners can boost revenue by 20% to 40% with a single wind turbine" in the August 2010 <strong><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Praire</span> Farmer</strong> cover story, "Blown away."<br /><br />South Charleston, Ohio pork producer <strong>Chuck <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wildman</span></span></strong> was pictured in the July 26, 2010 edition of <strong>Feedstuffs</strong> accompanying the story, "Ohio <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">ag</span></span> urged to give compromise a chance." The headline refers to compromise agreement made between the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board and The Humane Society of the United States (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">HSUS</span></span>) regarding sow gestation stalls, veal crates and cage housing for hens. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wildman</span></span>, an Ohio Pork Producer Council director, believes the compromise is "probably a good thing" by going through the board room rather the expense of a costly ballot initiative. FBS users <strong>Jean Bell</strong> and <strong>Dave Heisler</strong> also serve as directors on the OPPCNorm Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04191869816460641392noreply@blogger.com0