farmdoc - FAST Tool

Crop Budgeting Tool
Computes budget per-acre returns from different crops to help determine crops to plant and cash rent prices.

Compare Channels for Grain Marketing
(June 2008) Read the column...

Read all the articles on using FAST Tools published regularly in Prarie Farmer click here.

About FAST

FAST (Farm Analysis Solution Tools) are a suite of Microsoft Excel spreadsheets designed to assist those in agriculture make better decisions via user-friendly computer programs. FAST aids users in performing financial analysis, assessing investment decisions, and evaluating the impacts of various management decisions.

Subscribe to FAST

FAST spreadsheets can be accessed by either downloading programs from this site (free of charge) or through the subscription service.

Please Read: FAST Macro Security Settings

FAST spreadsheets require minor adjustments to Microsoft Excel's default security levels. Please see the FAST Important Security Settings Information document here for more information.



Complete list of FAST Tools: Click here

Recent FAST Tools Updates

	Spreadsheets titles from two latest updates are shown. For more comprehensive lists, see the Full List of Tools above or section lists below.

	To Download Spreadsheets: Check the box next to the spreadsheet, then scroll down to the bottom of the page and click "Download."

Download

Tool

Size

Date

User Guide

Demo

Marketing and Crop Insurance Risk Model

1902k

10/28/2009

Demo

With this program, the user can estimate the impact alternative risk management strategies have on gross revenue distributions.

New Company Simulator

1454k

10/28/2009

With this program, the user can project earnings, financial conditions, and break even levels and prices

Specialty Commodity Breakeven Analysis

1162k

10/28/2009

With this program, the user can enter budgets and calculate break even levels for a set of specialty commodities.

Cost of Feedstuffs Calculator

1313k

10/6/2009

With this program, the user can calculate the per unit cost of energy and crude protein with the cost of the feed ingredients on an as-fed basis.

ACRE Comparison Program

2541k

7/30/2009

This program compares payments under ACRE and Traditional commodity program options available in the 2008 Farm Bill.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Click here


The FAST spreadsheets are divided into seven areas of farm business analysis. Click on category title to see available tools:
	Financial Analysis Tools aid in financial statement preparation, cash flow budgeting, and assessing the financial performance of a farm operation. Investment AnalysisTools evaluate the economic impacts of investments in capital and financial assets. Loan Analysis Tools assess various loan decisions and products. Farm Management Tools aid in making farm production and management decisions. Livestock Management Tools aid in making livestock production and management decisions. Grain Marketing and Management Tools assist in tracking crop inventories from harvest to sale and evaluating grain storage decisions and marketing strategies. Risk Management Tools help users make decisions to manage risk exposure. Yield and Land Database Tools report state yield data and estimate soil productivity ratings.


FAST Training Workshops

	FAST Training: Fall 2009 A three-day workshop for educators and agribusiness professionals who teach and use FAST with farmers, clients, and students. Registration information: Download the brochure PDF Sessions: November 11, 2009 - 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM November 12, 2009 - 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM November 13, 2009 - 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM Location: All sessions held at University of Illinois, ACES Library, Urbana, IL

Subscribe to FAST Tools and Resources CD

	Click here for information regarding the FAST CD subscription service and to complete the subscription form. You can type your information directly into the form or print it to fill out by hand.

	Click here to subscribe online (Visa or MasterCard accepted)

Contact Us

	If you have any questions or comments regarding the FAST spreadsheets, FAST training workshops, or anything else relating to FAST Tools and Resources, please contact: Ryan Batts 300B Mumford Hall 1301 West Gregory Drive Urbana , IL 61801 Ph: (217) 333-1817 Fax: (217) 333-2312 Email: batts@illinois.edu

Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics

College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences