Advancements in Producer Application
Production Record Software
Recordkeeping is made easy with new and emerging cow-calf production systems software.
by Kelli Fulkerson for Angus Production Inc.
HOUSTON, Texas (April 20, 2012) — Recordkeeping is a tedious and time-consuming task for cattle producers. It is, however, one of the most important tools a herdsman can use to succeed. David Lalman, professor at Oklahoma State University, presented some new recordkeeping technologies during the Producer Applications Committee breakout session at the 44th Annual Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Research Symposium and Annual Meeting in Houston April 18-21.
The challenge in recordkeeping is making the time for data collection, entry and analysis. If producers can find a product that will help minimize the effort, by using a product that is user-friendly and comfortable, they will be successful, Lalman said. “You have to find a product that you really enjoy working with and [that] the way it collects information fits your operation.”
Computer software offers a tremendous tool to take the stacks of record books out of the picture and create a stress-free electronic record book, Lalman said. Features of these electronic record books include storage information for cow, sire, calf and herd information.
Software programs can range in cost from $7 to $695. If you're hesitant to buy one of these programs before trying it out, Lalman noted that many of the available software companies offer demonstration copies for free. These software systems also have various computer requirements, so make sure before you buy that the software will run on your computer.
Many software programs are offered to seedstock and commercial cattle operations. Lalman recommended seedstock producers check with their breed association(s) for software packages that are available and recommended before purchasing a program. Also make sure that before you purchase software you know the level and cost of software support to ensure you don’t incur any additional fees while managing your software.
Data collection should be done frequently and consistently in order to collect honest economic data and values.
“If you treat this like a yearly report for your ranch or farm crew, everyone will be excited to see how they did this year and it will hold everyone involved in the data collection and entry process to a high standard,” Lalman said.
In Oklahoma State University's Current Report #3279 (CR-3279): Cow-Calf Production Record Software, Lalman; Damona Doye, extension economist and regents professor; and Carly Griffith Hotvedt, extension assistant, review various attributies of several software packages, including Wolf Creek Cow/Calf; Cow Calf 5; Farm Works™ Stock; Cow Sense®; CattleMax Online; THE Beef Cattle FIRM; Cattle Pro; Cattleworks LLC; and Simplicity Cattle Management. Access the CR-3279 in the Newsroom at www.bifconference.com.
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Editor’s Note: This summary was written under contract or by staff of Angus Productions Inc. (API). Through an agreement with the Beef Improvement Federation, we are encouraging reprinting of the articles to those who will adhere to the reprint guidelines available on this site. Please review those guidelines or contact Shauna Rose Hermel, editor, at 816-383-5270. PowerPoints are posted with permission of the presenter and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the presenter.
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