Brian Bartholomew can plug a few variables into a computer and quickly evaluate which enterprise is the best option for his ranch.
"We've used the software to analyze whether holding steers or holding heifers will give better gross margins," says this cattleman from Willits, Calif. "It can tell us the difference in returns between buying cull cows to put out on grass and keeping our steers longer. Or in my cow herd, it helps me analyze which way I'm better off, saving grain cost or feeding more and getting a 5% increase in conception rates."
The program Bartholomew uses, called Ranch Vision, is a new one designed by Dr. Richard Brazil, veterinarian and president of Advanced Veterinary Services of Potter Valley, Calif. It is one of many sets of software available to livestock operators.
"What can you do now to make things better? -that's what Ranch Vision helps you figure out," says Brazil. "Instead of spending your time trying to do things right, spend time doing the right things."
Brazil says Ranch Vision doesn't involve historical record keeping. Instead it's a simulation program that lets you "manage outside reality" to help you see where you're going. It compares enterprises directly, and it shows results of changing components in one enterprise.
"If I use this vaccine, is it cost effective, considering my calf numbers, conception rates and mortality rates?" Brazil asks. "Or if the market goes down a certain amount, how will it change every aspect of my business? You're in the business of taking grass and converting it to something you can market. What's the most profitable way to do that?"
Ranch Vision may be the newest and most unique software program available, but it may or may not fit what you're doing. After all, Ranch Vision is an enterprise analysis tool, not a detailed record keeper. If you want simple or specialized record keeping, some economist say all you may really need is a basic spreadsheet program that comes free on many computers.
"When I was deciding on software, there wasn't anything on the market that did everything I wanted it to do," says James Fuqua of the Lazy U Ranch at Quanah, Texas. "So I use Excel and Lotus to keep cow/calf records."
Stan Bevers says, "When you're deciding on a software package, first outline what you want it to do." Bevers is an Extension Ag Economist at Vernon, Texas who has compiled a list of software for cattlepersons.
"Do you need production records, culling history? Some programs just keep date of birth, and some software is so detailed that it keeps details right down to color of tongue." Chances are you can find a program to do what you want, but why pay for extras? he asks. Prices can range from $150 to $1000.
Or as Fuqua points out, "No computer program can help you if you don't know what you're looking for."
BY KARL WOLFSHOHL
Western Livestock Journal, Nov. issue
Progressive Farmer Magazine, Feb. issue
