With smartphones, beef producers can tackle all kinds of tasks — from keeping inventory of the semen tank, to watching the markets, to accessing EPDs on breed association websites. Chances are, if there’s something you want to keep close track of, there’s an app for it.

The tricky part is finding the right app for the job and not paying a ton for ones that won’t prove useful.

Ignacio Ciampitti, Kansas State University Extension crop production and technology specialist, has compiled lists of agricultural mobile apps for producers. Ciampitti releases a new list of apps each week in the areas of crops, economics, livestock, machinery and more.

Photo Credit: iSimpleType

He recommends producers download apps that are free with the chance to pay for a premium version if the free trial works well for the desired application. He says the app should be easy to use or it’s not worth your time. It’s important to read other user reviews online before download to determine whether other users have had success with the app.

If you’re ready to try some new apps on your smartphone that may make your life easier, here are six apps from Ciampitti’s livestock app list: 

1. ThermalAid by University of Missouri

This free app provides a decision-making tool to identify, monitor, and reduce heat stress in cattle to improve animal performance. Also available in this space is the Purina Cool Cow App, which you can check out here.

2. iHerd by MANDRA Ltd

This free app provides a design to simplify the herd management process for station owners and managers.

3. Angus Mobile by American Angus Association

This free app provides information and updates for anyone with interest in Angus cattle.

4. Cattle Market Mobile by Michael Whitt

This app helps cattle producers monitor current auction prices and various reports.

5. CropCents by Penn State University

This free app helps calculate the cost of raised feed to calculate income over feed costs.

6. iCattleMgrPro & iLivestock Mgr by iSimpleType

These two apps provides tools for management, including information on animal health.

For additional apps, check out these eight apps for ranchers recommended by ranchers. Be sure to check out the comments this blog post for more suggestions for great apps from BEEF readers.

The opinions of Amanda Radke are not necessarily those of beefmagazine.com or Penton Agriculture.

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