Trac Software: a simple-to-use, pesticide record-keeping and reporting platform for fruit growers.
CALS Impact Statement
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Overview
abstract
The impact of Trac Software on spray record-keeping and reporting of fruit growers was evaluated with a 16 question phone survey conducted by The Survey Research Institute (SRI), Cornell University. The survey was completed with 226 people who had ordered Trac Software in 2006. Of those surveyed, 167 used the software. 61 percent of respondents agreed that Trac Software has helped their farm business bottom line: primarily through improved office staff efficiency, avoidance of fines for non-compliance, and estimating pesticide needs for bulk purchases. Fully 28 percent agreed that Trac Software had improved their access to new markets. The survey clearly found that Trac Software improves the pesticide spray record-keeping and reporting ability of farmers. Trac makes record-keeping easier – 70 percent agreed; improves accuracy – 76 percent agreed; streamlines reporting – 76 percent agreed; and helps meet reporting requirements – 84 percent agreed. The fact that 98 percent will continue using it underlines the positive impacts of Trac Software for farmers.
Fruit farmers face increasing need to produce crop protection and production records on demand. Accurate pesticide spray records are crucial to managing pests, are pivotal to IPM practices, and are included in the IPM Elements for crops. TracApple and TracGrape were created in 2003 and 2004, respectively, and have been updated each year since. Approximately 100 apple and 150 grape growers receive Trac Software yearly. In 2005, Trac Software was created for pear, stone fruit, cherry, and berry crops. Outcomes and impacts of Trac Software had not been effectively assessed. Therefore, people who have received Trac Software CDs were surveyed to determine the impact of Trac Software’s use on pesticide spray record-keeping, improved reporting, ease of creating reports, and improved market-access. The survey aimed to quantify Trac’s impact, plan for future improvements, and justify future funding.
response
Survey questions (yes/no; scaled; and multiple-choice) were developed covering the impact of Trac on pesticide spray record-keeping, improved reporting, ease of creating reports, and improved market-access. A few questions were devoted to Trac software design and use. The Survey Research Institute (SRI) assisted with development of the questions and flow of the survey. A total of 253 people who had ordered Trac Software CDs (TracApple and TracPear, TracGrape, TracStoneFruit and TracCherry, and TracBerry) was developed. Centerra Wine Company provided contact information for TracGrape recipients, since they distribute the majority of these software CDs. The SRI conducted a phone survey designed to last approximately 5 minutes and to help assure a high level of meaningful responses. The SRI collated the survey responses and Carroll analyzed the results.
impact assessment
The fact that 98 percent plan to continue using Trac Software points to very positive impacts for farmers. It was clear from the survey that Trac Software improves the pesticide spray record-keeping and reporting ability of farmers. Trac makes record-keeping easier – 70 percent agreed; Trac improves accuracy – 76 percent agreed; Trac streamlines reporting – 76 percent agreed; and Trac helps meet reporting requirements – 84 percent agreed. The survey identified 167 people who are using Trac Software or 76 percent of those surveyed. Carroll was aware that many who ordered the software did not use it. The main issues may relate to lack of computer expertise and a hesitancy to change from current record-keeping practices. Trac Software improved the net income of 8 percent of respondents by increasing revenue and reducing costs. When stated another way, 61 percent of respondents agreed that Trac Software has helped their farm business bottom line: primarily through improved office staff efficiency, avoidance of fines for non-compliance, and estimating pesticide needs for bulk purchases. Though thought to be a long-shot, fully 28 percent agreed that Trac Software had improved their access to new markets.
funding source description
New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
