Quick Overview
- 1#1: CattleMax - Cloud-based cattle record-keeping software for tracking pedigrees, performance, breeding, and ranch operations.
- 2#2: Herdwatch - Mobile-first livestock management app for health records, treatments, movements, and regulatory compliance.
- 3#3: AgriWebb - Enterprise platform for livestock production tracking, paddock mapping, inventory, and farm analytics.
- 4#4: Livestocked - Simple online livestock record-keeping tool for inventory, sales, purchases, and performance data.
- 5#5: RanchBoss - Integrated farm and ranch software combining accounting, production records, and livestock management.
- 6#6: Ranch Manager - Desktop and cloud-based software for livestock records, expenses, contacts, and farm planning.
- 7#7: Stockbook - Robust livestock recording system with advanced reporting, genetics, and performance benchmarking.
- 8#8: Farmbrite - All-in-one farm management platform with livestock tracking, scheduling, and inventory tools.
- 9#9: CowManager - Sensor-driven software for real-time monitoring of dairy cattle health, fertility, and nutrition.
- 10#10: PastureMap - Grazing management app for logging pastures, livestock rotations, and regenerative ranch planning.
Tools were ranked based on key metrics including feature depth (e.g., breeding tracking, regulatory compliance), user interface intuitiveness, data reliability, and overall value for money, ensuring practicality for both small and large operations.
Comparison Table
Effective cattle management relies on specialized software, with tools like CattleMax, Herdwatch, AgriWebb, Livestocked, and RanchBoss offering diverse features to streamline operations. This comparison table explores key functionalities, strengths, and suitability for various herd sizes, helping readers identify the best fit for their specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CattleMax Cloud-based cattle record-keeping software for tracking pedigrees, performance, breeding, and ranch operations. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Herdwatch Mobile-first livestock management app for health records, treatments, movements, and regulatory compliance. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 3 | AgriWebb Enterprise platform for livestock production tracking, paddock mapping, inventory, and farm analytics. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Livestocked Simple online livestock record-keeping tool for inventory, sales, purchases, and performance data. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | RanchBoss Integrated farm and ranch software combining accounting, production records, and livestock management. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | Ranch Manager Desktop and cloud-based software for livestock records, expenses, contacts, and farm planning. | specialized | 7.3/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 7 | Stockbook Robust livestock recording system with advanced reporting, genetics, and performance benchmarking. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Farmbrite All-in-one farm management platform with livestock tracking, scheduling, and inventory tools. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | CowManager Sensor-driven software for real-time monitoring of dairy cattle health, fertility, and nutrition. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | PastureMap Grazing management app for logging pastures, livestock rotations, and regenerative ranch planning. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
Cloud-based cattle record-keeping software for tracking pedigrees, performance, breeding, and ranch operations.
Mobile-first livestock management app for health records, treatments, movements, and regulatory compliance.
Enterprise platform for livestock production tracking, paddock mapping, inventory, and farm analytics.
Simple online livestock record-keeping tool for inventory, sales, purchases, and performance data.
Integrated farm and ranch software combining accounting, production records, and livestock management.
Desktop and cloud-based software for livestock records, expenses, contacts, and farm planning.
Robust livestock recording system with advanced reporting, genetics, and performance benchmarking.
All-in-one farm management platform with livestock tracking, scheduling, and inventory tools.
Sensor-driven software for real-time monitoring of dairy cattle health, fertility, and nutrition.
Grazing management app for logging pastures, livestock rotations, and regenerative ranch planning.
CattleMax
specializedCloud-based cattle record-keeping software for tracking pedigrees, performance, breeding, and ranch operations.
Advanced cow profitability calculator that ties production data directly to financial outcomes for each animal
CattleMax is a cloud-based cattle management software tailored for ranchers and cattle producers, enabling comprehensive tracking of individual animals from birth to sale. It handles pedigrees, health records, breeding schedules, weaning data, genomics, and financials including costs and profitability per head. The platform offers mobile apps for fieldwork, customizable reports, and integrations with scales, RFID readers, and accounting software, making it a full-spectrum solution for herd management.
Pros
- Extremely detailed individual animal tracking with genomics and EPD support
- Robust mobile apps for on-the-go weaning, pregnancy checks, and data entry
- Powerful reporting and financial tools that calculate true profitability per cow
Cons
- Steep initial learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Pricing scales with herd size, which can be costly for very large operations
- Limited third-party integrations compared to some competitors
Best For
Commercial cattle ranchers and seedstock producers managing mid-to-large herds who need integrated production and financial insights.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $125/month for up to 200 head, scaling to $0.20-$0.25 per head/month for larger herds; custom enterprise pricing available.
Herdwatch
specializedMobile-first livestock management app for health records, treatments, movements, and regulatory compliance.
Direct integration with the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) for real-time animal registry updates, tag allocation, and movement notifications.
Herdwatch is a cloud-based, mobile-first cattle management software tailored for beef and dairy farmers, particularly in Ireland and the UK. It enables comprehensive herd record-keeping, including animal identification, health events, breeding tracking, and calving management. The platform automates compliance reporting for government bodies like the Department of Agriculture, streamlining TB testing, animal movements, and passport issuance.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for on-farm data entry and scanning
- Seamless automated compliance submissions to ICBF and government databases
- Robust reporting tools for breeding, health, and performance analytics
Cons
- Limited functionality on desktop/web version compared to mobile
- Geared heavily toward Irish/UK regulations, less ideal for other regions
- Initial setup and data migration can be time-consuming for large herds
Best For
Irish and UK beef/dairy farmers prioritizing regulatory compliance and mobile herd management.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions from €49 for herds up to 100 animals, scaling to €300+ for larger herds (500+ animals), with a free trial available.
AgriWebb
enterpriseEnterprise platform for livestock production tracking, paddock mapping, inventory, and farm analytics.
Smart grazing insights with real-time pasture growth mapping and rotational grazing optimization
AgriWebb is a mobile-first farm management platform tailored for livestock operations, with strong capabilities in cattle tracking, health monitoring, and performance analytics. It supports real-time inventory management, weighing, drenching, and compliance reporting via integration with EID readers and scales. Additionally, it offers grazing optimization tools, pasture mapping, and benchmarking against industry standards to improve farm efficiency.
Pros
- Robust mobile app for offline field tasks like mustering and weighing
- Advanced grazing and pasture management analytics
- Seamless hardware integrations for automated data capture
Cons
- Pricing scales steeply with herd size for large operations
- Steeper learning curve for non-mobile users
- Primarily optimized for Australian compliance standards
Best For
Medium to large cattle producers focused on data-driven grazing and livestock optimization.
Pricing
Subscription tiers starting at ~$3 per 100 head/month for Essentials, up to custom Enterprise pricing.
Livestocked
specializedSimple online livestock record-keeping tool for inventory, sales, purchases, and performance data.
RFID/NFC tag scanning via mobile app for instant animal identification and updates
Livestocked is a cloud-based cattle management platform tailored for farmers and ranchers to track herd health, breeding, weights, and sales efficiently. It features individual animal profiles, mobile apps for real-time data entry, and automated reports for performance analysis. The software supports RFID tagging and integrates basic inventory management for feed and medicine.
Pros
- User-friendly mobile app for on-farm data capture
- Detailed animal tracking with pedigree and health records
- Customizable reports and analytics for herd performance
Cons
- Limited integrations with accounting or lab software
- Pricing scales quickly for herds over 500 head
- Advanced features require premium subscription
Best For
Small to medium cattle operations seeking mobile-first herd management without complex enterprise needs.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for up to 100 animals; enterprise plans from $99/month with custom support.
RanchBoss
enterpriseIntegrated farm and ranch software combining accounting, production records, and livestock management.
Advanced pedigree builder with EPD calculations for precise breeding selections
RanchBoss is a cloud-based cattle management software tailored for ranchers, enabling detailed tracking of individual animal records including pedigrees, health events, breeding, weaning, and sales. It integrates ranch finances, equipment maintenance, pasture management, and customizable reporting to streamline operations. Suitable for cow-calf producers, it supports data-driven decisions for herd improvement and profitability.
Pros
- Robust animal inventory and pedigree tracking
- Integrated financial and expense management
- Mobile-friendly interface with offline capabilities
Cons
- Limited integrations with external ag tech tools
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Pricing increases significantly for large herds
Best For
Small to medium-sized cattle ranchers focused on cow-calf operations who need comprehensive herd and financial tracking.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $29/month for up to 500 head, scaling to $99+/month for larger operations; annual discounts available.
Ranch Manager
specializedDesktop and cloud-based software for livestock records, expenses, contacts, and farm planning.
Advanced multi-generational pedigree charting with EPD calculations for precise breeding selection
Ranch Manager is a desktop-based software solution from White Mountain Data Systems designed for livestock producers, offering comprehensive cattle management tools including pedigree tracking, breeding records, health histories, and sales tracking. It supports multiple species but excels in detailed animal database management with customizable reports and inventory control. While primarily offline, it integrates basic financials and performance analytics for ranch operations.
Pros
- Robust pedigree and genetics tracking
- Highly customizable reports and databases
- One-time purchase with lifetime use
Cons
- Outdated Windows-only desktop interface
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Limited mobile or cloud synchronization
Best For
Small to medium cattle ranches seeking detailed offline record-keeping without recurring subscriptions.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $495 for Ranch Manager, $795 for Pro edition with advanced multi-user features.
Stockbook
specializedRobust livestock recording system with advanced reporting, genetics, and performance benchmarking.
Automated stock reconciliation that effortlessly balances physical counts, sales, purchases, and deaths for precise cattle inventory.
Stockbook is a cloud-based livestock management software tailored for New Zealand farmers, specializing in sheep, beef, cattle, and deer operations with robust stock reconciliation, animal movement tracking, and performance recording. For cattle management, it excels in NAIT compliance, RFID tag integration, health and treatment logging, sales/purchase tracking, and mob-based reporting. The platform includes a mobile app for on-farm data entry and seamless integrations with accounting tools like Xero, making it a practical choice for compliance-heavy cattle farming.
Pros
- Strong NAIT compliance and automated stock reconciliation for accurate cattle inventory
- Mobile app enables easy on-farm data entry and real-time updates
- Affordable pricing with good integrations for accounting and weigh scales
Cons
- Interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS tools
- Primarily NZ-focused, limiting appeal for international cattle operations
- Limited advanced analytics or AI-driven insights for breeding/performance optimization
Best For
New Zealand cattle farmers prioritizing NAIT compliance, stock tracking, and cost-effective mob management over advanced analytics.
Pricing
Starts at NZ$15/month for small farms (up to 500 stock units), scales to NZ$50+/month for larger operations with premium features.
Farmbrite
enterpriseAll-in-one farm management platform with livestock tracking, scheduling, and inventory tools.
Seamless blending of livestock management with built-in accounting and CRM for complete farm business oversight
Farmbrite is a cloud-based farm management software designed for livestock operations including cattle, offering tools for animal profiling, breeding records, health tracking, weaning, and sales management. It integrates livestock data with inventory, financials, customer CRM, and reporting for a holistic farm business view. Accessible via web and mobile apps, it's suited for small to medium operations seeking an all-in-one solution rather than cattle-specific depth.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with mobile app support for on-farm use
- Integrated financials, invoicing, and inventory tracking alongside livestock tools
- Customizable animal records for basic cattle tracking like tags, weights, and events
Cons
- Lacks advanced cattle-specific features like detailed genetics, EPDs, or grazing optimization found in specialized tools
- Reporting and analytics are general-purpose, not deeply tailored for herd performance metrics
- Pricing scales quickly for larger herds or teams with per-user costs
Best For
Small to medium diversified farms managing cattle alongside other livestock or crops that prioritize ease of use and business integration over specialized herd analytics.
Pricing
Starts at $39/month for Pro (up to 3 users), $79/month for Enterprise; free trial and annual discounts available.
CowManager
specializedSensor-driven software for real-time monitoring of dairy cattle health, fertility, and nutrition.
Ingestible bolus sensors providing continuous, maintenance-free monitoring of rumination, activity, and temperature for 3+ years
CowManager is a specialized cattle management solution that uses ingestible bolus sensors to monitor dairy cows' health, fertility, and productivity in real-time. It tracks key metrics like rumination, activity levels, and ear temperature (via integrated tags) to detect issues such as mastitis, ketosis, lameness, and heat early. The platform provides actionable insights through a mobile app and web dashboard, helping farmers optimize herd performance and reduce veterinary costs.
Pros
- Highly accurate real-time health and fertility monitoring via bolus sensors
- Proven ROI through early disease detection and improved conception rates
- Intuitive app and dashboard for quick alerts and data visualization
Cons
- Significant upfront hardware costs per cow (bolus ~€120)
- Ongoing subscription fees add to long-term expenses
- Primarily optimized for dairy herds, less versatile for beef cattle
Best For
Dairy farmers seeking automated, sensor-based monitoring to enhance herd health and reproductive efficiency.
Pricing
Initial bolus ~€120 per cow; subscription €5.50-€8 per cow/month depending on herd size and features.
PastureMap
specializedGrazing management app for logging pastures, livestock rotations, and regenerative ranch planning.
Drag-and-drop pasture mapping with satellite integration for precise grazing arc planning and visualization
PastureMap is a grazing management platform designed for livestock producers, including cattle ranchers, to digitally map pastures, plan rotational grazing, and track herd movements across properties. It provides tools for inventorying fences, water sources, and forage, with mobile access for on-the-go updates. While strong in land-based logistics, it lacks comprehensive cattle-specific features like individual animal health records, breeding pedigrees, or weight tracking. It's best suited as a complementary tool for pasture-focused operations rather than a full cattle management solution.
Pros
- Intuitive interactive mapping of pastures and infrastructure using satellite imagery
- Mobile app enables real-time field updates and grazing plan adjustments
- Supports multi-farm management and basic reporting for forage utilization
Cons
- No individual cattle tracking for health, breeding, or performance metrics
- Limited integrations with broader livestock management or accounting software
- Reporting is grazing-centric, lacking sales, inventory, or financial tools
Best For
Cattle ranchers focused on rotational grazing, pasture health, and land management who need a simple mapping tool rather than full herd management.
Pricing
Free Basic plan; Pro at $12/month per farm (unlimited users); Enterprise custom pricing with advanced support.
Conclusion
The top 10 cattle management software tools provide diverse, innovative solutions to enhance ranch efficiency, yet CattleMax stands as the leading choice, offering robust cloud-based tracking for pedigrees, breeding, and operations. Close contenders Herdwatch and AgriWebb excel too—Herdwatch with its mobile focus for health and compliance, AgriWebb for enterprise production analytics. Together, they cater to varied needs, ensuring every operation finds a strong fit.
Begin streamlining your operations by exploring CattleMax, the top-ranked tool that seamlessly combines powerful tracking with user-friendly design. Whether managing pedigrees, breeding, or daily tasks, it delivers the features to keep your ranch organized and efficient. Take the first step toward enhanced productivity with CattleMax today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
