Ranch Smart: Digitalising Livestock Records in Minnesota
Erin Wildman is a first-generation producer with a unique background in veterinary medicine, and she’s on a mission to inspire and educate others through her YouTube channel, WildAss Farms. Her journey as both a producer and a mother exemplifies the strength and resilience of women in agriculture, making her a role model for aspiring farmers everywhere.
A Journey Rooted in Determination
From a young age, Erin demonstrated that age was merely a number. Following in her father’s footsteps, she launched her own farrier business at just thirteen, finding rides to her clients before she even had a driver’s license. After becoming a certified professional farrier, she traveled extensively for work, breeding and training show horses. Eventually, Erin returned to Morris, Minnesota, where she met her husband, Greg, and began building their life and ranch together.
Greg brings a wealth of experience from his family’s beef cattle and sheep operation, along with time spent at local dairy farms in Villard, Minnesota. After serving in the army and completing a degree in auto and diesel mechanics, Greg now works as a mobile diesel mechanic while also taking on the role of “on-farm” mechanic. The couple aspires for him to work full-time at WildAss Farms, but like many agricultural families, they balance his town job with their farm duties.
Balancing Family and Farming
For Erin, farming is a passion, but her most important role is being a dedicated mother to her two daughters, Shae and Averi. Shae, affectionately called the “chicken lady,” has bilateral pleural pulmonary stenosis and supravalvular aortic stenosis, which present various challenges, yet she delights in caring for chickens and baby animals during calving and lambing seasons. Averi, diagnosed with Down syndrome just three days after birth, is Erin’s little helper, eager to mix feed and join in tractor rides. As she recently started walking, Erin finds herself balancing the joys of motherhood with the responsibilities of managing the ranch.
With a commitment to instilling a love for agriculture, Erin spends countless hours teaching her daughters about agriculture and its vital role in today’s world.
Showcasing the Farm Life
On her YouTube channel, WildAss Farms, Erin shares the day-to-day life of their small family operation. The channel features everything from footage of their beef and dairy cattle, sheep, heritage breed pigs, chickens, and even a few beloved pets. Since purchasing their property in 2015, Erin and Greg have transformed their initial shed and a few cows from Greg’s father’s herd into a thriving farm with multiple livestock sheds and healthy animals.
Producing high-quality beef, lamb, and pork is central to Erin’s mission. WildAss Farms focuses on maintaining a small business approach, supporting local producers, and keeping detailed records of each animal while developing tailored health and nutrition plans for their herd.
Advocacy and Empowerment
Erin is more than just a producer; she’s an advocate for agriculture. Through her online platform, she shares her wealth of knowledge and experiences, aiming to counteract misinformation prevalent in the industry.
“I love sharing information that may help others. I’ve learned that many channels spread incorrect information, and I want to provide accurate resources that educate and inspire. Women in agriculture are strong, driven, and capable of excelling in all facets of farming,” Erin emphasizes.
With her passion for agriculture, her dedication to her family, and her commitment to education, Erin Wildman is a shining example of what it means to thrive in the world of farming.
Utilizing Technology for a more Efficient Operation
Balancing the roles of wife and mother can be an overwhelming task, especially when combined with the responsibility of keeping livestock fed and healthy. To navigate this complexity, Erin has embraced herd management software like Herdwatch, transforming the way she organizes and accesses her animal records.
“I have not found anything like Herdwatch. I’ve been searching for a long time for a tool that can help manage my farm and animals efficiently. Notebooks tend to grow legs and walk away in my house,” Erin shares with a laugh. The app has become an invaluable asset, particularly during critical tasks like chute work for their cattle. Although the Wildman farm has been fortunate with low mortality rates, Erin uses Herdwatch to track historical data on any past incidents, such as the status of a heifer’s mother, ensuring she has all relevant information at her fingertips.
When it comes to administering treatments, Erin appreciates how intuitive and user-friendly the app is. She can enter new data within seconds, allowing her to focus on what matters most, her animals. A standout feature that Erin frequently highlights is the ability to add personalized notes for each animal or task. Whether it’s monitoring specific behaviors or keeping track of health concerns, these notes are effortlessly documented and easily retrievable.
As a strong advocate for maintaining comprehensive herd records, Erin understands the critical importance of having this information readily accessible. With Herdwatch, all vital data is housed within one reliable and user-friendly digital platform, empowering her to make informed decisions for the welfare of her farm and its inhabitants.
By leveraging technology, Erin is not only enhancing the efficiency of WildAss Farms but also setting a positive example for fellow producers looking to modernize their operations.
Look to modernise your ranch livestock records? Download the Herdwatch app FREE today by clicking the button below & start revolutinizing your ranch!