With the advent of the personal computer (micro computer) there is a need to develop software suitable for use by farmers. To gauge this requirement a postal survey of 1,500 farmers was conducted in early 1982 eliciting information on recording and planning practices as well as farmers' attitude to micro computers. The data collected suggest significant numbers of farmers do, in fact, keep detailed records particularly in the financial area, and make written plans in the form of documents such as a forecast budget. The responses also indicated a positive view of micro computers as an aid to management is held by many farmers. However, there is most unlikely to be a perfect correlation between recorded intentions and what eventually takes place.