When a new year begins, farmers do not think in terms of resolutions and plans that stay on paper. You think about your herd, practical systems that must work, and partners you can call when something does not make sense. The choice of a livestock management system is therefore defined by a long-term partnership.
That is exactly why people speak of the “HerdTrack herd”… When farmers purchase the system, we do not see it as “task completed”, but rather as the starting point of the road we will walk together.
Our sales representative, Benitta Erlank, shares on behalf of the HerdTrack team how we support our farmers…
When a new farmer joins, what does the setup and onboarding process look like?
We follow a structured onboarding process that preferably starts with a farm visit and practical demonstration. If a visit is not possible, we discuss the farm’s unique needs in detail and determine together what role HerdTrack will play in the operation. We explain the purpose of the system, the ideal location for installation, and how the data can be integrated into the farmer’s day-to-day management.
During installation, all hardware is installed and the HerdTrack software is activated. The farmer receives written instructions, a step-by-step video, a test ear tag and a contact number for immediate assistance.
After setup, we focus on practical training, where we show the farmer step by step how to use the scanner, how data flows in real time to his private HerdTrack profile, and which functions can add the most value to his operation.
During the first two to four weeks, we follow up with the farmer telephonically on a regular basis and monitor the scanner’s performance. After approximately 30 days, we conduct a formal follow-up to confirm that everything is working optimally, answer new questions and make any further adjustments.
How would you describe the idea of the “HerdTrack herd” and what it means for farmers?
The HerdTrack herd is a network of farmers who follow a reliable and practical approach to livestock management. It is about a partnership where HerdTrack continuously delivers accurate data that farmers can rely on daily. The herd is built on strong relationships: HerdTrack works alongside farmers by providing support, training and tailored solutions to ensure the successful application of the system. As a result, farmers gain ongoing visibility of animals’ location, behaviour, movement and performance, even when they are not on the farm.
What does your availability look like when a farmer needs assistance?
HerdTrack has a dedicated work cell phone that is manned by the entire team, including administration, technical support and operational staff. During weekdays, we are available from 08:00 to 17:00 for enquiries, technical assistance and general support. Outside of these hours, we monitor WhatsApp for urgent matters, and over weekends the team is on standby for critical issues or pre-arranged installation appointments.
Were you on standby during the festive season?
We were fully on standby over the festive season, because farming does not come to a halt when the rest of the country takes a break. The few incidents where farmers required assistance were resolved quickly and efficiently, allowing operations to continue as normal.
Can you share an example of where you went the extra mile to solve a farmer’s problem?
Our team regularly goes the extra mile to ensure that farmers are not left in the lurch.
One such example is when we travel to farms to be 100% sure that the scanner is set up in the correct position, where it can optimally receive signal and operate without interruption. We have also, on several occasions, accessed a farmer’s private profile remotely, using his login details, to fix something he requested.
What is your vision for 2026 to further strengthen the HerdTrack herd?
We plan to expand the support team, ensure even faster response times and communicate route planning for potential farm visits more clearly. Our presence at farmer days and agricultural events will continue to grow, with community building as a core focus. Above all, we want to make an even stronger contribution to farmers’ success by offering practical solutions to everyday challenges, unlocking data-driven insights and maintaining a partnership mindset.
HerdTrack goes the extra mile – literally and figuratively – to ensure that setup runs smoothly, that everything works as it should, and that no farmer is left in the dark after installation. From day one, we walk the road together, with practical support and a team that understands how urgent a farmer’s reality can be. That is what it means to be part of the HerdTrack herd.
~ Compiled by René van der Vyver