Choosing new software

After receiving numerous phone calls inquiring about herd record software, OSU researchers compiled data on eight commercially available software programs to aid producers in selecting a herd management program right for them. The report provides extensive detail on each software program in regard to: cow, sire, calf and herd information, along with computer requirements and additional considerations. To view the March 2007 report, visit: http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-1926/CR-3279web.pdf.

Most software programs studied need a Windows 95 Operating System or newer, with the exception of Red Wing Cow/Calf and Cow Sense programs, which require Windows 98 or newer versions. Minimum RAM (random access memory, or data storage space) needed for programs is 16 megabytes (MB), with 10 MB of hard disk space available. (For a complete listing, see Table 1: Computer requirements, p. 52.)

Software costs range from $75 on the low end, to $695 on the high end, varying among commercial, seedstock and herd size. Ringwall notes that the CHAPS program has a one-time cost range of $30-$80.

“If available, start with the simple version of the software,” Lalman suggests, noting that most companies allow upgrades to more complex versions.

It's also important to consider support availability and cost of each software program. This acts as a users' helpline in terms of understanding how the software works. Help is offered in a variety of ways, including phone, e-mail, Web-based and workshops.

OSU researchers conclude that every cow-calf producer must determine how much time to devote to practical recordkeeping and weigh this commitment against software costs, data entry features and desired summary reports.

Once software is chosen, producers should identify who will be responsible to operate it. Lalman says the best candidate is someone who is detail-orientated and comfortable with a computer.

“It's not going to be the guy who rushes from one project to the next,” Lalman says. “It won't get done. And it won't get done accurately.

“If it isn't accurate, it isn't useful, and can actually be misleading,” Lalman says.

Data also needs to be consistent, such as recording cow weights at the same time each year for year-to-year comparisons.

Ringwall suggests producers take their time compiling data.

“Check for errors and make sure everything's right, because data that isn't checked isn't worth anything,” Ringwall says. Most producers utilizing the CHAPS program will wait until the winter months to analyze their cowherd records because the information isn't meant for chute-side decision making.

Once everything is properly entered in the database, it's important to keep a backup, just in case of computer crashes or glitches. Ringwall encourages producers to keep hard copy records as well.

“You've got to be realistic with your time expectations, because records shouldn't take that much time,” and when producers are overzealous, other things get forgotten, Ringwall says. Bottom line, he says, “Quit procrastinating and just do it.”