There’s something significant about a solution that’s not only built for farmers but also developed with farmers – and tested at farm-level. HerdTrack is exactly that kind of solution, and Malan le Roux, Operational Manager at the ALS Group, knows this first-hand.
On their farm outside Potchefstroom, they manage around 500 head of cattle, as well as small stock. They currently use the HerdTrack system on the farm, but their involvement began back in January 2025, when they were one of the farms where the system was tested. “Because HerdTrack was developed here in Potchefstroom at CFAM Agritech, we could give feedback quickly and find solutions during the testing phase. That ensured we now have a system truly shaped by farmers, for farmers,” Malan says.
According to Malan, the transition to the HerdTrack system was quick and easy. The scanners for the cattle were set up in strategic spots without any hassle. “Plus, we can move them easily to where they’re needed,” he says. HerdTrack’s ear tags are made from the same material as regular tags, which meant they could simply use their existing applicators to apply them. Even the small stock was successfully integrated. “In that case, we had to adjust the scanner height to ensure accurate tag reading – but since we could work that out during the test phase, it wasn’t a problem at all.”
What makes the biggest difference on the farm is that HerdTrack doesn’t just collect data – it gives insights. The team no longer has to count every animal daily. The system does it for them, and if something unusual happens (like an animal not coming to drink water) a warning is triggered immediately. “You save time and manpower, because you follow up where needed, and you know when something’s not right,” Malan explains. It’s especially noticeable with the sheep flock. “The sheep must leave the kraal every morning and return every evening. With HerdTrack, we can easily confirm the sheep count down to the individual number.”
But the system offers much more than just counting. At the ALS Group, HerdTrack is used for record-keeping: dosages, calvings, medication – everything is logged to ensure traceability. There’s even a clever additional use for the ear tags: workers can carry one in their pocket, allowing the management team to verify whether key areas – like water troughs – have been visited. It’s a simple but clever way to maintain oversight without extra admin.
As for technical issues, they experience very few. The farm isn’t remote, so signal isn’t a problem. The solar panel battery lasts long enough, and the system operates reliably in their environment.
And the big question: Was it worth the investment? “Definitely,” says Malan without hesitation. “It’s not an excessive expense, and it quickly starts paying for itself. You save on labour and prevent losses thanks to early warnings about behaviour that may indicate illness or a difficult calving.” His advice to other farmers is simple: give it a try. Malan concludes by explaining that it’s easy to integrate HerdTrack into your current livestock management model, helping you manage your animals more effectively.
When a solution is developed with farmers, it results in a system that’s truly practical, effective, and useful at farm level. HerdTrack is not just a tech tool – it’s a solution that empowers farmers to approach livestock management and traceability with greater confidence and insight.
~ Compiled by René van der Vyver