4wd paper works with a calculater and an eraser.
A good spreadsheet will save a lot of time and allows you to 'what if'.
I started farming with cash flows for each year done on paper, in pencil, with a calculater and an eraser.
It took some time and a lot of eraser work until I came up with something the bank manager might like. When I got to that I quit and gave the sheets to the banker.
When we got a computer I built a spreadsheet for my cashflow first (using Visicalc in those days I think). And I was able to keep a copy on machine for me and input the actual income and expenses each month which allowed me to see a cash problem or surplus as it was developing instead of when problems began.
It allowed me to tweek numbers quicker and easier and so I presented my Banker with my best guess AND what it might look like if weather was not good or prices fell or a worst case look at what my loan needs might be.
I also gave him a copy of my best case and a list of things I would do IF I had the additional income.
Interest was automatically calculated so I was able to see what differing interest rates would do too with differing amounts on loan.
Great way to spend a couple of afternoons to see what things could impact the bottom line.
Crop budgets were the same as 3 different yield levels were built into mine so I could quickly see what the difference was to bottom line of average, good or bad yields.
I now have a 35 year old daughter who can improve my spreadsheets in a few minutes as she uses them all the time in her job.
Now they work well and look better too.
Wouldn't be without a spreadsheet for decision making except maybe at a sale, where as you say, you have to think on your feet but I seldom attend a sale except local ones to have a visit with the neighbours.
