Cowherd Management Software?

[zim]

I'm looking for a good software program to help in record keeping our cowherd. Does anyone have experience with some that are out there, good or bad. I'm considering Herdlink from BIO.

[jlamb]

You may want to check the Computers and Internet room several people have posted information on Cow Calf software. Jory Lamb

[chalmers]

Alberta Agriculture also has a computer program called cowchips that has herd records, trouble shooting, cow lifetime productivity, herd nutrition, and breakevens. It costs $350 plus GST and shipping and can be ordered through Alberta Agriculture Offices or viewed at any of the offices that have a Beef Specialist in Alberta.

[rrmoon]

Hi! I am replying to your query 'wearing two hats'. I am both a user, and a dealer for two such programs. I have used the Red Wing Cow/Calf program in my commercial herd since the mid- or late- 80's, and have been quite happy with it. It is fairly complete and quite powerful. The program is now in a windows format, and is available in a commercial version and a purebred version. The other program I would recommend is Cow Sense. It is in Windows format and available in commercial and purebred versions. It is a very powerful piece of software backed with excellent support from Gordon Wells of Tradex in Calgary. Contact me if you wish more details.

[rrmoon]

I'm looking for a program that will work well with our feedlot and cow calf operation. We are a family operated farm, and I am tring to put our operation all on the computer. Any in sight you may have will be welcomed.

[rrmoon]

Hi myranda! I guess something you've noticed by now is that most software packages are stand-alone and not integrated. Thus, you will need a separate program for your feedlot and for your cow/calf operation ( and for crops or other enterprises, and for bookkeeping - accounting records ). The common thread is the farm accounting/ bookkeeping/ GST function. I would recommend Settler's software for the general recordkeeping for your farm operation. It presently has Quick Links to Cow Sense (for Cow/calf herd management) and to Field-Master for field crop records and planning. Future plans are to have some level of integration with the accounting and field record functions. I have personally used this software since 1983. Please contact me for more information about it. Unfortunately, feedlot software is quite scarce, and often quite pricey.