Many producers still keep livestock records in a notepad or an Excel sheet. However, cattle record-keeping has drastically evolved. Ranchers no longer need to flip through old, blemished pages to find breeding, treatment, or calving information; they can now store all this data digitally in their back pockets. So, what’s the first step to transitioning to an electronic record-keeping system?

The Limitations of Excel Sheets for Herd Management

Excel sheets are flexible for entering and organizing data, creating formulas, and tracking various aspects of herd management. However, as operations grow, the limitations of Excel sheets become clear:

1. Manual Data Entry: Manually entering data into Excel sheets is time-consuming and prone to errors. Simple mistakes can lead to a significant headache.
2. Data Security: Excel files are vulnerable to deletion or loss, especially if not backed up regularly.
3. Lack of Integration: Excel sheets do not easily integrate with other tools and technologies producers use, such as EID readers, livestock tracking devices, and weigh heads.
4. Limited Categories: Excel sheets often lack additional categories that producers might not think to record, leading to missed opportunities for deeper understanding.

The Benefits of Digital Record-Keeping with Herdwatch

Recognizing the need for a smarter solution, many producers are transitioning from Excel sheets to a digital record-keeping software like Herdwatch. Herdwatch offers an easy-to-use platform that addresses the limitations of traditional Excel sheets and turns them into benefits:

1. Automatic Data Input: Herdwatch automates data entry, significantly reducing the risk of human error. Producers can quickly log activities such as calving, feeding, and treatments through a user-friendly interface. Integration with devices like scanners and mobile apps allows for real-time data capture, ensuring records are always up-to-date.
2. Access Your Records Without Wifi: Herdwatch stores data securely in the cloud, protecting it from loss or damage. Regular backups ensure that information is never lost.
3. Simultaneous Data Entry: With Herdwatch, multiple teams or family members can access and update records simultaneously from any device without an internet connection. This feature ensures everyone on the ranch has access to the latest information.
4. Analytics, Reports, and Insights: Herdwatch provides valuable insights through data analytics, helping producers make informed decisions. Producers can track trends, monitor animal health, and analyze financial performance, leading to better management and profitability. Herdwatch makes it easy to understand every aspect of your business by tracking every detail in real-time. 
5. All Your Records in One Spot: Herdwatch consolidates all your records in one place, making it easy to manage new calves, treatments, pregnancies, weights, and more. Want a physical representation? Easily share your records with a vet or team member by exporting reports as a PDF or Excel sheet. 

Herdwatch: Transform Your Excel Sheets into Herd Management

Send us all of your records. There’s no hassle on your end, we’ll get it done and input into our software at no charge. We understand how stressful piles of papers and rows of Excel sheets can be, so we’ve created an easy-to-use interface. Once those records are uploaded, Herdwatch can be your one-stop shop for recording new calves, treatments, pregnancy, weights, and much more!