When it comes to new technology, many farmers remain hesitant. It’s one thing to hear what a system can do; it’s something completely different to see and experience it for yourself. That’s why HerdTrack offers free on-farm demonstrations – practical tests of both the hardware and software that can take your herd management to the next level.
According to HerdTrack sales representative Benitta Erlank, the reason is simple: “Seeing is believing.”
What does a demonstration involve?
Once a date has been set, Erlank arrives on the farm with everything needed to show the system to the farmer: from the scanner and solar panel to test ear tags and additional products such as the water level sensor.
The first step? Determining the farmer’s unique needs. “HerdTrack can offer a lot, but every farm and every farmer’s reality is different, and that must be established first,” she explains. She then demonstrates practically what the scanner can do – not just how many animals it can handle or how far away it can read ear tags, but also how it can be installed and used on that specific farm.
During the demonstration, the scanner is mounted in a location of the farmer’s choice, and test tags are used to show how far and how accurately they are read. The farmer then gets the chance to test the software themselves, seeing how the data appears directly on a digital device. Erlank also shows how versatile the system is – where everything from livestock numbers to medication and pregnancy details can be recorded.
More than just a scanner
A demonstration also includes the so-called value-added products. For example, the water level sensor, which immediately sends an alert when water levels drop unusually low. Farmers can then see how this product provides extra peace of mind and saves time.
Demonstrations are also an opportunity to clear up concerns. Many farmers wonder if their technical skills will fall short, or if their data could be exposed. Erlank reassures them: HerdTrack operates on a closed cloud system, and not even HerdTrack itself has access to a farmer’s data entered into the system.
How far will HerdTrack travel for a demonstration?
“HerdTrack spends a lot of time on the road connecting with farmers on the ground,” says Erlank. Even if a farm is very remote, farmers can ask HerdTrack to attend a farmers’ association meeting or a production auction. These are often ideal opportunities, because farmers are already focused on traceability and the need for accurate data, for example, for a catalogue or auction.
To ensure safety – especially with foot-and-mouth disease spreading widely – Erlank always takes a strict disinfection process seriously. “I never drive onto a farm without first spraying the bakkie’s wheels and chassis with F10.”
Why is a demonstration worthwhile?
Every farm is unique, and that’s why a demonstration shows exactly how HerdTrack can work in that context. It’s also the best way for farmers to see how simple the system really is – from setting up the scanner to managing data on the software. Erlank says farmers are repeatedly surprised at how fast and user-friendly everything operates.
One example of a successful demonstration is a farmer in a stock theft–plagued area who now uses HerdTrack’s automatic livestock counts every morning and evening. After the demonstration, he purchased the system and was immediately able to manage his herd with greater peace of mind.
“Demonstrations give the farmer the chance to form a practical picture of how HerdTrack works on his farm, and that leads to success stories,” says Erlank.
How do you book your own demonstration?
If you want to stop wondering and start seeing, you can simply:
- Call HerdTrack on 018 523 0555, or
- Send an email to [email protected], or
- Fill in the form at https://herdtrack.co.za/contact-us/ (don’t forget to include your contact details).
HerdTrack will get in touch with you to arrange a suitable date and time.
The sooner you stop wondering, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of a system developed by farmers, for farmers.
~ Compiled by René van der Vyver