On a simpler note, he’d also welcome “The cows are out!” alerts.

For producers considering or already using eID tags, here are a few ideas to make sure you’re getting the most out of your tag investment.

Performance tracking through the chain

Many producers show interest in pairing performance tracking software with eID tag systems for better decision-making.

Iowa-based Ryan Brothers Inc. buys 700- to 800-pound calves and feeds them to finish.

“If I could share eID information with a cow-calf guy and continue the data to finishing and slaughter before it returns to them, it would be huge,” says co-owner Pat Ryan. “If there is enough good information on the tags to track performance, we’d know next year when they’re selling those calves again if they were a good or poor buy.”

He says this historical information, including accurate finishing weights, would guide purchasing and sorting strategies.

Nebraska rancher Paul Johnson says receiving data back on the steers, replacements and bred heifers he sells each year would be beneficial.

“We don’t get any data back as we don’t have the facilities to finish our cattle,” Johnson says. “It would be nice to know how they do. We see what they gained, but that’s it. With more information, we’d put extra value on carcass merit for our herd.”

Herd management software

Many cattle feeders have long relied on handwritten notes to manage feeding, inventory, health, marketing and more. Pen and paper have obvious limitations, including human error and physical degradation.

North Carolina feeder Brandon Pardue wanted to stop passing scraps of paper to the loader operator mixing ingredients, who then transferred them to the feedtruck driver.

Pardue picked Performance Beef from Performance Livestock Analytics to help him manage details that could otherwise get lost.

“I love the simplicity and handiness of it,” he says. “When tallying up a group, we aren’t worried about every number and date we wrote down. What went into the group is right in front of us.”

He says he loves how the software removes inventory automatically and puts it directly where it’s supposed to go.

“You know a group’s cost every day,” he says. “Having the accuracy of feeding, weights and inventory numbers has saved us time, improved efficiency and added profit. Plus, the detailed analytics and reports assure our clients.”

Feedbunk management

Reading and responding to feedbunk conditions is often considered an optional task. If done at all, it typically falls to a feedlot employee scribbling down a few notes while traveling past the bunks. This unofficial task can make or break profitability as bunk mismanagement leads to extra days on feed, bloat, average daily gain valleys and feed conversion pitfalls.

“I wanted to view remotely when bunks were going clean, as I’m often away,” says Lance Hamman, Iowa feedlot owner and new Precision Livestock Technologies user. “I needed 24-hour monitoring to eliminate the wild swings in feeding and stay ahead of the trend curve for what my pens were doing.”

Precision Livestock Technologies’ machine vision system tracks bunks and feeding behavior via 24/7 camera monitoring. Hamman believes this tool has increased average daily gain and improved feed efficiency.

“It provides enough information even the novice can use to make more accurate decisions, but there’s plenty to keep the experts busy,” he says.

Feed efficiency

“Feed efficiency is our next low-hanging fruit,” says Wisconsin beef producer Jared Geiser. “Days on feed and actual feed costs are the two biggest drivers of profitability. Getting a jump on selecting the most efficient animals for our environment sets us up for success.”

He says he appreciates that some companies measure feed intake through smart bunks weighing feed consumption. Startup costs can be high, though, which prevents most average producers from accessing this tool.

“Feed efficiency is the next logical step for selecting highly functional and profitable cattle,” Geiser says. “The industry is behind the rest of the world in traceability and advanced reproduction. We must step up and use advancing technologies when they become more available, practical and affordable.”

Genetic testing and selection

Genetic testing isn’t a new idea. However, more commercial cow-calf operators now want testing data for bulls they purchase.

“Historically, commercial buyers made purchases with limited information and minimal data. Genomics and genetic testing have instilled more confidence as large amounts of accurate data become available.” — Troy Rowan

Troy Rowan, assistant professor and beef genetics extension specialist at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, says widespread use of genetic tests is the largest technological leap of the last two decades.

“Historically, commercial buyers made purchases with limited information and minimal data,” he says. “Genomics and genetic testing have instilled more confidence as large amounts of accurate data become available. Integrating genomic evaluations to help reduce the risk associated with these large investments creates a major advancement.”

Shared concerns

Technological advances are exciting, but government interference and regulation worry many.

Poindexter says he is hesitant about mandated animal ID.

“I know there is demand for it, and when voluntary, then fine,” he says. “If enforced, then no. It needs to be our option.”

Ryan agrees, saying: “It’s a changing industry. We’re fighting rules and regulations we don’t necessarily like.”

Johnson adds: “The line we must walk is that it would be nice to do all these things, but I’m not a fan of government overreach. For my sake, I’d love GPS trackers on every cow, but the possible consequences scare me.”

Geiser says he is concerned about secondary selection pressure and missing the big picture when focusing too much on feed efficiency.

“Does relying on this technology cause an antagonistic relationship with marbling, milk, foot health, docility and more?” he asks. “Do we spend too much money and effort chasing technologies and miss opportunities to contract/hedge profitably in search of the next dollar down the road?”

Cost and ROI (return on investment) play major roles in how a technology is perceived.

“Either we adapt or die as an operation. It’s how it goes,” Johnson says. “If something specific becomes cost-effective, we need to take a long, hard look at it and not just automatically rule things out.”

“Dollars are the potential drawback with anything,” Howard says. “If it’s something I’m interested in, I’d try it if it’s financially feasible.”

Editor’s note: Bruce Derksen is a freelancer for  Performance Livestock Analytics. [Lead photo courtesy of Performance Livestock Analytics.]

Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA, Vol. 17, No. 4-B