For ranchers, record keeping is one of the most critical, yet most stressful, jobs they perform daily. Accurate records improve herd performance, EPD accuracy and aids in making herd management decisions. Lost records are a nightmare for any rancher. However, there are now multiple mobile apps available to ranchers that allow data entry via phone that can be accessed from anywhere, even the pasture. Each app offers something different but there is an app that will work well for anyone.
701x
701x Autonomous Rancher is a software management platform to record all basic and performance collection data for a rancher’s herd. The software integrates with breed associations so ranchers can import their current data and export their data from the 701x platform into the online platform of their specific breed association. 701x Autonomous Rancherfeatures a mobile app that works offline, allowing producers to record all their data in the field and sync it up to the cloud once connected back online.
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The platform allows any operation to have an unlimited number of users to keep data on every animal up to date. The platform has an optional ear tag that connects data to the app directly. The current xTpro model ear tag has GPS communication that records the location of the animal every 15 minutes. If the animal’s GPS location is outside of its assigned digital fence, an alert is sent immediately through the app with the animal’s current GPS coordinates.
This makes it quick and easy to find where fences need to be fixed. If the animal is inside the digital fence, the location will be reported once a day at a predetermined check-in time. The xTpro triggers a free fall alert if an animal loses its tag and an additional, no-movement alert to notify when an animal hasn’t moved for an extended period of time. The xTpro also features a transportation alert when an animal is moving at a high rate of speed. When any of these alerts are triggered, the associated GPS coordinates of the animal are sent immediately so users can find and save the animal.
“We will be releasing our xTlite tag in October with Bluetooth and RFID capabilities, as well as bluetooth capability. The tag’s Bluetooth provides longer read ranges of 50-100 feet versus wands, requiring a rancher to be super close to the animal. Essentially, the tag allows your mobile phone to become your wand for data collection,” explained Max Cossette, business developer of 701x.
The software features a roll call that creates a list of animals based on selected filters. Each animal meeting the criteria will be listed and allows users to check them off once the animals are located. With xTpro and xTlite tags, animals can autonomously be checked off when the mobile device is within Bluetooth range. Additionally, users can add any sick animals to a watchlist to monitor them more closely. Right now, bull data brings the most value for the tags. Tagging bulls allows users to know they are staying with the cow herd and promotes higher pregnancy rates. Users can also view their footstep report to see which bulls are doing the most work. 701x is planning to release a bull mounting feature to understand which bulls are being the most productive. Additionally, they plan to release estrous and calving detection, and health monitoring features in the future.
“We’re hoping ranchers will begin adjusting to our software and using the tags in their bulls. So once the estrous and calving detection features become available ranchers will start adopting it more in their cow herd. We want to promote the efficiency of the operation to save labor costs and drive more profitability,” said Cossette. Additionally, the 701x software program allows ranchers to easily input their recorded data into their REDSPro account.
Cattle ID
Cattle ID is an easy-to-use digital replacement for calving books. Nearly every rancher knows the frustration of having to drive back to the house to retrieve the left-behind calving book. It’s even worse trying to treat an animal, only to realize another family member or employee has the calving book in their truck miles away. Not having records available at their fingertips costs ranchers time and money, both of which are crucial to the bottom line.
With Cattle ID, ranchers can easily record their data digitally, capture it with their smartphone, and access it from anywhere. Cattle ID allows all members of the operation to be on the same page simply by accessing the app on the phone they are already carrying with them. Built for today’s cattleman, the Cattle ID mobile app works offline, allows users to prioritize data based on their operation needs and create custom herd groupings. Ranchers can also export their data and use their records however they need.
“We’ve learned from ranchers and allowed commercial and seedstock operators to show us what data points matter the most and what format they need to be presented in. Cattle ID users are helping us identify and build the features that matter most to today’s producer. Ranchers need tools that allow them to make better herd decisions no matter where they are,” said Alex Heine, senior associate of product development at the New Stockyard Group.
Cattle ID’s digital calving book enables multiple users to share their data across the operation. The data is secure and protected in the cloud, which allows ranchers to divide and conquer without fear of losing notes on which pastures, water tanks and minerals were checked, or which cows were treated.
“The app is straightforward and does not require a learning curve for complicated features. The app is designed to ease your record-keeping burdens, not add to them. Producers who want to replace their paper calving books with a digital one will be surprised how quickly and easily they can get onboard,” explained Heine.
Cattle ID is a non-invasive technology. It does not require ear tags or implants. Instead, Cattle ID Mobile has an image-based visual ID feature, making it affordable for ranchers from 10 to 10,000 head of cattle. Users will even show off photos of their favorite cattle to friends, neighbors and customers.
“The app works for producers of all technical abilities, getting ranchers out of clunky spreadsheets and crowded text message threads,” said Heine. “We’ve helped many different producers find success in using our app. It’s simple enough for new users and easily customizable for advanced users.”
As Cattle ID Mobile rolls out to ranches, it is currently available by invitation only. To request an invitation, please visit www.cattleidapp.com. No matter which option a producer chooses, there is an app for each operation. Each app offers something different helping producers find the best option for managing their ranch records. The apps are easy to use whether producers are tech savvy or not and will always keep data secure and private. Lower stress on the ranch is within reach, simply by downloading the app of choice. — Megan Underwood, Red Angus Association of America Communications intern
