Record Farm Data by Voice or Text

Speak or type lets you record what happened by writing it, or saying it, the way you would text a friend. The app works out the record type, batch and numbers, then saves it in the same place as records you add by hand.

Who it's for: anyone who records eggs, milk, feed, deaths, health, sales or tasks and would rather talk than fill in forms. Plan: all plans, with a daily limit (Starter 10 records, Growth 15, Scale and Enterprise no limit). Time: about 3 minutes.

What you need first

• A farm with at least one batch. Without one, Speak or type shows a "No batches yet" card that asks the assistant to help you create one.
• A role of Admin, Manager or Staff. Viewers do not see the button. Accountants and Vets see it, but the server refuses their records.
• An internet connection. The app does not work offline.
• For speaking: microphone permission for the app, and the latest app version.

Step-by-step

Step 1: Open Speak or type

Go to Home. Tap "Speak or type" at the bottom right. A small badge on the button shows how many records you have left today. A sheet opens titled "Speak or type a record". It asks "What can I help you record?" and lists what it can record: egg, milk and feed records, medicine and vaccination records, sales, harvests and expenses, and tasks, notes and farm supplies.

Under "Try saying:" you will find example lines. Tapping an example sends it straight away, so use it only if you want that record made.

Step 2: Type what happened

Tap the box that says "Type a message..." and write what happened in your own words, for example "We collected 9 trays of eggs today". Tap the send arrow. The app replies with a summary of what it saved, for example the number of eggs and the batch.

Step 3: Or say it with the microphone

When the box is empty, the button is a microphone. Tap it, say what happened, and tap again to stop ("Tap to stop"). You can also hold it while you talk, and slide away to cancel ("Slide to cancel"). You will see "Listening..." and then "Writing down what you said...".

Your words appear in the message box as text. They are never sent for you. The app may add "Check these words before you send them." Read them, correct any word it got wrong, then tap send. Nothing is saved until you do.

Step 4: Answer its questions

If you leave something out, the app asks. Say "Record deaths for today" and it will ask which batch and how many. For questions with a fixed set of answers, small answer buttons appear under the question. Tap one to add it to the box, or type your own answer in a few words. Then tap send.

Step 5: Check what it saved

After you send, the reply shows a green "Record Created" summary. There is no separate "Save?" screen, so the message box is your one chance to review, before you send. After sending, open the Records tab. The new records sit in the list like any record you add by hand. Check the numbers, such as trays, eggs, deaths and the batch. Tap a record to correct it.

Common mistakes

• Sending without reading. Speech can mishear a number or a batch name. Read the words in the box before you tap send.
• Tapping an example chip to try it. Example lines and the "No batches yet" card send immediately. With a single batch they can create a real record and use up part of your daily limit.
• Expecting a health record to update your medicine stock. Health records made this way do not deduct medicine stock and do not set a withdrawal date. Use the health record form when you need those.
• Leaving a conversation open. The app remembers a conversation for only 5 minutes, and closing the sheet clears it. Answer follow-up questions promptly.
• Long or vague messages. A message can be up to 1,000 characters and a voice clip up to 60 seconds. Short, specific lines work best.

For more on what to record and why, see the farm record keeping guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can I record eggs or deaths by talking to the app?

Yes. Tap Speak or type on Home, tap the microphone and say it, for example "We collected 5 trays of eggs today". Your words appear in the message box for you to check, and nothing is saved until you tap send.

Does the app save a record as soon as I finish speaking?

No. Your words are placed in the message box as text. You read them, fix any mistake and tap send yourself.

How many records can I make by voice or text each day?

The Starter plan allows 10 records a day and Growth allows 15. Scale and Enterprise have no daily limit. Speaking time is limited separately, and you can still type when it runs out.

Does a health record made this way use up my medicine stock?

No. Health records made through Speak or type do not take medicine out of your stock and do not set a withdrawal date. If you need either, add the health record with its form.