Evaluating new livestock technology? Check these boxes.

This piece written by Kayla Jentz, Jentz Communications, freelancer for Performance Livestock Analytics

Evaluating new livestock technology? Check these boxes.

We’ve all got them: Tasks that seem harder than they should be. “There must be an easier way,” we think, so we start searching for that simpler way and often end up considering a new technology. 

The good news? There’s no shortage of new technology in the livestock industry. The bad news? Not all technology is worthy. Careful vetting can ensure new technology will deliver. 

Look for livestock technology that checks these boxes:

• Makes life easier. Technology should make your life easier. It could be automating a time-consuming task, removing a paper process or manual data entry, eliminating repetition or something else entirely. Great technology will reduce stress and add efficiency to your operation.
• User-friendly. Technology should be intuitive – easy to jump in and use without extensive instruction. If the technology requires constant use of a manual or takes hours to find what you need, it might not be worthwhile. Intuitive technology will be quick to understand and easy to navigate.
• Enhances profitability. Great technology will deliver data essential for unlocking market access, demanding higher premiums, getting a more accurate idea of input costs and more. It should add to your bottom line, not count against it.

• • Reduces variability. Consistency is key on farms and ranches, and great technology should be a source of consistent, accurate information. Sound technology will minimize risk of human error and increase confidence in data and insights.  

• • Quickly cost justified. Great technology will pay you back – sometimes quickly. Be sure you understand the cost of any technology you’re considering and the potential rewards of using it. The ROI should be obvious and tangible. 
  • Produces actionable data. Any tool can produce data. Not every tool delivers data in a way that empowers users to make decisions that measurably improve the bottom line. Before purchasing, ask how the data is packaged to make it most usable. Understand what actionable insights you can draw from the data. Great technology will produce usable data – charts, graphs, etc. – to uncover problems, inform decisions and confirm choices. 
  • Accessible. The best technology will go with you where you most need it – into a pen of cattle or chuteside at processing time – and can even be accessed from afar. Look for technology with mobile, tablet and desktop access, whatever best suits your daily needs.
  • Comes with reliable support. Great technology goes hand in hand with great customer service. You should get prompt assistance from a knowledgeable human being, preferably with real-life experience using the technology. 

If the livestock technology you’re considering checks all, or at least most, of these boxes, it’s likely worth a try. 

Considering cattle management software? Read why cattle producers like you trust Performance Beef to check all the boxes.