Weather station software is a good tool to use with any aquaculture or agriculture management software suite. Many companies offer software programs that you can use in conjunction with a variety of other software programs. Some of the software available can integrate with financial records to allow you to see how the weather affects your finances. Additionally, some programs can be downloaded onto a cell phone or handheld GPS device so you can have up to the minute weather forecasts for your area.

In order to make the most of the weather software you purchase for your business, you should pick the one that fits all your needs. Keep these suggestions in mind to help you pick the software that best fits your business:

1. Try the weather station software before you buy it to make sure it is a good fit.

2. Keep track of how weather affects your finances by incorporating an accounting program into your software suite.

3. Get weather updates in the field with mobile weather monitoring software.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Download a free trial version of the weather tracking software

Every weather software program has different features. Downloading the program before you buy it allows you to try out the features to make sure that your needs are met. While some companies offer limited use free trials, many companies offer full version free trials. When you download a trial version, only input your information into the software if you think you will purchase the full version. This will save you a lot of time since you can upgrade most free trials to paid versions without losing any information.

I recommend: Storm Alert and Ambient Weather are both weather software providers. Storm Alert has two weather radar software programs that have trial versions. This company gives you detailed information about each program, including troubleshooting information. Ambient Weather has a large selection of weather software programs that offer free trial versions.

Use weather station software with alert capabilities

Having weather software that alerts you to weather predictions, warnings and watches that affect your acreage makes it easier for you to monitor your crop, regardless of your location. When you are searching for software, keep in mind that some software gives you information and alerts dependant upon the nearest large city. Other software provides information based on GPS sensors you place on your acreage.

I recommend: You can find a varied selection of agriculture weather software at Davis. This company offers software that monitors weather conditions as well as soil quality. Many of the programs feature email, text or voice alerts when conditions become unfavorable. Automata has an extensive weather software list that includes water sensor programs, water sensor programs and frost alerts. Some of these programs are provided free of charge.

Sign up for email forecasts in addition to weather software applications

Some weather software programs offer email forecasts and, in some cases, consultations with a meteorologist about how the forecast affects your crops. Keep in mind that some of these programs are region specific. As such, it is important for you to choose the correct region.

I recommend: Fox Weather offers all inclusive weather software that features email and text alerts, a once a month consultation with a meteorologist and active weather monitoring online. All of the products are sold at discounted prices online. Orange Enterprises has a full line of weather software available for immediate download. This includes Tiger Jill and Pocket Jill, which are industry leading crop and weather monitoring programs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure that all of your weather pattern tracking software can link together or integrate to avoid having to input information multiple times.