iLivestock

[Macsky]

Hi folks,

Is anyone using iLivestock? And if so how do you find it? Don’t currently have any management software, and looking to get going on that front with 700 breeding ewes to cover.

Thanks

 

[Macsky]

........tumbleweed.........

Anyone at all?

 

[clover]

I use it, but wouldn't recommend it ....

 

[Bury the Trash]

what about Farmworks by Shearwell data. one off payment means freedom once its paid surely.

 

[Macsky]

I honestly don’t know. Something in app form on your phone would be very handy tho, I invariably have it with me.

 

[sheepdip]

My advice would be to think about what you want the software to do. Will you just record the statutory stuff meds, movements tag changes etc, or do you want to link lambs to dams and sires, monitor growth rates, sale values and so on. When and where will you be entering data? The phone won't read tags so you will need a reader as well. A one off payment sounds attractive but it is in the nature of these things that they do need updating and improving, and you are very likely to run into some kind of problem you can't understand, so a support line is well worth having. Don't most companies offer a free download and trial for a month or so? I would try a few out and see how you like the interface and what works for you. Definitely helps if you know what you want to do, rather than just buying some software because its the thing to have and then expecting it to make your life easy. It takes a bit of effort to learn the system and enter the data.

For what its worth I have been using Farmworks for years. Very powerful program, very good support with updates and improvements always coming along. I bought a Psion because it was before I had a smartphone but I can see the attraction of using the power of a phone. My biggest issue with it is that if you don't tag lambs at birth and link them to dams at birth, its not so simple to do it later but I've lived with it so far. Wouldn't rule out moving to different software but I'm not actively looking very hard.

It would be interesting to know why @clover doesn't recommend iLivestock

 

[ffukedfarmer]

I stopped using it when my RS420 stick reader died prematurely and I wasn't going to buy another. At that time iLivestock only worked with the RS420 - not sure if that's still the case.

I am now using Sheepware select by TGM software together with an Agrident AWR300 stick reader. It is much easier to use the AWR300 out in the field than a stick reader plus ipad and also easier to use the office computer at the end of the day to do more in depth tasks / analysis than an ipad. In bright sunshine it is very hard to see the screen on an ipad.

 

[polk_farmer]

I honestly don’t know. Something in app form on your phone would be very handy tho, I invariably have it with me.

Far works have an app that can link up with the computer software

 

[emd]

Farmatters. Well worth a look. Very good to deal with and get help.

 

[Macsky]

My advice would be to think about what you want the software to do. Will you just record the statutory stuff meds, movements tag changes etc, or do you want to link lambs to dams and sires, monitor growth rates, sale values and so on. When and where will you be entering data? The phone won't read tags so you will need a reader as well. A one off payment sounds attractive but it is in the nature of these things that they do need updating and improving, and you are very likely to run into some kind of problem you can't understand, so a support line is well worth having. Don't most companies offer a free download and trial for a month or so? I would try a few out and see how you like the interface and what works for you. Definitely helps if you know what you want to do, rather than just buying some software because its the thing to have and then expecting it to make your life easy. It takes a bit of effort to learn the system and enter the data.

For what its worth I have been using Farmworks for years. Very powerful program, very good support with updates and improvements always coming along. I bought a Psion because it was before I had a smartphone but I can see the attraction of using the power of a phone. My biggest issue with it is that if you don't tag lambs at birth and link them to dams at birth, its not so simple to do it later but I've lived with it so far. Wouldn't rule out moving to different software but I'm not actively looking very hard.

It would be interesting to know why @clover doesn't recommend iLivestock

I’d like to start with the statutory stuff and be able to add notes that may affect the ewe’s future in the flock at casting, lambing problems/feet/other stuff that may not be obvious at the time. Long term I would like the option of increasing performance recording, parentage would be great but tagging and recording lambs at birth would not be easy, but dna parentage testing may become more viable/subsidised in the future, which would be great.

 

[milkloss]

Farmatters. Well worth a look. Very good to deal with and get help.

Is there a mobile application in the works for this software?

 

[Bury the Trash]

Far works have an app that can link up with the computer software

And if there was just a simple way of adding a bit of detail toa birth when recording it would be perfect..

Can add a bit of a comment about it on the stockmove express app. Dont see why they cant just add it to the farmworks mobile .. one.

 

[primmiemoo]

FarmIT is proving pretty handy

 

[milkloss]

I think it’s all academic anyhows: soon to be introduced LIvestock information programme will put them all on the back foot again.

 

[Macsky]

I think it’s all academic anyhows: soon to be introduced LIvestock information programme will put them all on the back foot again.

What’s that then?

 

[milkloss]

What’s that then?

Latest news on livestock EID proposals - is the majority of the industry "in complete agreement"?

I see the plans for combined, tied-in electro medicine records are now confirmed. It's all going to be so easy. So, when you cannot comply with the gold plated standards for some reason, what do you think the mainstream abattoirs will say to your fatstock? Even just a powercut the night...

thefarmingforum.co.uk

 

[Bury the Trash]

Whats that got to do with flock recording, weighing etc ?

Op , for your number of ewes why not get the shearwell stockrecorder and farmworks software comes with it ..you will get good support as well

 

[milkloss]

Whats that got to do with flock recording, weighing etc

Op , for your number of ewes why not get the shearwell stockrecorder and farmworks software comes with it ..you will good support as well

I think it involves changing ARAMS so I guess the systems for sheep movements etc will change,

 

[emd]

Is there a mobile application in the works for this software?

I was told they are doing something soon possibly an app. They are very good to deal with if u ring and ask. I spoke to him 8 o’clock one evening which is good service in my book. Esp if FA is coming next morning !!!

 

[iLivestock]

I use it, but wouldn't recommend it ....

Hi clover, we are always wanting to improve our iLivestock application! Could you let us know what your issues are with it?
Thanks
Ewen