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5 questions about farm management software answered

How modern tools are helping UK farmers stay efficient, compliant, and sustainable

UK farmers continue to adapt with resilience as shifting weather patterns, rising input costs, and evolving government policies reshape the agricultural landscape.

After one of the wettest years on record, this spring has brought the driest conditions in over a century—underscoring the need for flexible planning, smarter decision-making, and modern approaches to how farms are run.

As farming becomes more data-driven, managing information effectively—while also meeting compliance requirements—has become increasingly complex.

With so many systems to choose from, and mounting pressure to demonstrate sustainability and improve productivity, choosing the right farm management software is a key step in modernising day-to-day operations.

At TELUS Agriculture and Consumer Goods, we’re here to support that shift. Our UK-based team of over 250 specialists builds and supports digital tools designed specifically for British farmers.

From compliance to collaboration, we combine local know-how with forward-thinking technology to make modern farm management simpler, more connected, and more efficient.

Meet two of our experts

Jez Pile

Jez Pile began his agricultural journey working on a Herefordshire farm in 1994. Since then, he’s combined his passion for farming and technology to develop solutions that meet the needs of producers on the ground.

Now Director of Products & Services at TELUS Agriculture, Jez brings over three decades of experience in developing practical solutions for the farming sector and leads the development of tools that help UK growers stay ahead of evolving challenges.

Becky Smith

Becky Smith, our Customer Engagement and Strategy Manager, grew up around farming and  has been immersed in the agricultural community all her life.

With over 14 years of experience in the sector and qualifications in equine science and veterinary physiotherapy, Becky brings hands-on empathy to her role. Based near Herefordshire, she works directly with farmers to help them get the most from their software.

“Farming is hard enough,” she says. “Anything we can do to save people time and make their lives easier—it matters.”

We sat down with Jez and Becky to explore the most common questions they hear about farm management software—and what TELUS Crop Management software does differently.

1. What is farm management software?

“Farm management software is essentially a digital companion for your business,” says Jez. “It helps you track what’s happening across your farm—inputs, outputs, compliance, costs—so you can make informed decisions, not guesswork.”

We’ve developed TELUS Crop Management as a next-generation farm management platform. Built on the foundation of trusted UK systems like Farmplan Gatekeeper and TELUS Farm Management, it brings a fresh, user-friendly experience to managing everything from field records to financials.

Think of it as a central hub that connects your people, plans, and data—without the duplication.

2. How does farm management software help farmers and agronomists?

“Every farmer we speak to is trying to juggle compliance, cost control, and crop performance—often while wearing ten other hats,” Becky explains.

“And increasingly, that includes sustainability reporting and environmental stewardship. Software like this gives them one place to see everything, plan ahead, and meet those demands with less stress.”

The benefits of farm management software centre on maximising farm performance in three key areas:

  1. Simplifying operations: Real-time updates, mobile access, and intuitive workflows allow farmers and advisors to share data easily and act quickly.
  2. Optimising finances: Expense tracking and cost analysis help identify where money is being made—or lost.
  3. Data-driven decisions: From crop planning to nutrient management, the system provides actionable insights that can improve yield, reduce input waste, and support more sustainable farming.

Becky adds, “Our customers range from small holdings focused on compliance to large farms integrating with machinery and APIs, and working closely with a range of other business partners. No matter the size, they’re all looking to make smarter, faster decisions—and that’s where we help.”

3. How do I choose the right farm management software?

“It’s got to fit around your life,” says Becky. “Farmers don’t want to spend hours in the office—they want to be in the field. This software lets them do that.”

When evaluating systems, she recommends looking for features that support flexibility and growth:

  • Cloud-based access – work on the go without being tied to the office
  • Machinery and agronomist integration – keep your systems and team connected
  • Mobile-friendly interface – manage tasks easily, right from the field
  • Secure data sharing – share records confidently with advisors or inspectors
  • Automated compliance tracking – stay audit-ready with less admin
  • Decision support tools and label database – make informed choices quickly, with accurate information

We’ve brought all of these features in one streamlined, modern platform designed to evolve with your business.

4. What should I look for in a long-term ag-tech partner?

“Look beyond the software—look at the team behind it,” says Jez. “You want a partner that knows farming, supports you locally, and is in it for the long haul.”

It’s our people who make the difference. Our UK-based team brings decades of agricultural experience and a global perspective on innovation. Their strengths include:

  • Capability: Over 30 years of hands-on experience supporting UK growers
  • Connection: Deep industry knowledge to help you integrate tools and data seamlessly
  • Support: Local advisors with farming backgrounds who understand life on the land
  • Security: A trusted approach to data management, backed by people who value your independence as much as you do

“We understand that your farm isn’t just a business—it’s your legacy,” Jez says. “That’s why we build our tools with that responsibility in mind.”

5. Can farm management software support my whole farm business?

We’re more than a software provider—we’re a one-stop solution for the entire farm business. From crop planning and compliance to finance, payroll, and hardware support, we provide a unified ecosystem designed to make life easier.

“We offer the software—but we also offer the services that go with it,” Becky explains. “Payroll, farm accounts, hardware—it’s all under one roof, with one support team. That’s a big help when time and trust matter.”

We’re continuing to invest in greater connectivity, strong data standards, and more third-party integrations—including links to food platforms and sustainability tools.

“The industry is changing,” Jez adds. “Farmers need better access to data, smoother connections between systems, and a clear line of sight across the supply chain. Less duplication, more visibility from field to fork. That’s where we’re focused.”

The bottom line

After a spring like this one, farmers deserve a break—at the very least, from paperwork and guesswork. That’s where the right farm management software comes in. With TELUS Crop Management, you get decades of UK farming combined with modern technology—backed by a local team that’s here to help.

As Becky puts it: “There’s no off switch in farming. It’s 24/7. That’s why we design our software to work for you, not the other way around.”

Take the next step

As farming evolves, the tools you rely on should evolve too. Our TELUS Crop Management software combines modern, easy-to-use technology with decades of UK farming expertise—helping you plan ahead, save time, and make confident, sustainable decisions for the seasons ahead.

Ready to make your farm management smarter and simpler? Visit telus.com/cropmanagement to learn more or speak to a local advisor.

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TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods is a leading global provider of digital solutions and data insights that help connect food and consumer goods producers to consumers. With a global team, we serve customers in over 50 countries, offering integrated solutions for analytics, data, supply chain management, trade promotion, and farm and livestock production management.

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