Quick Overview
- 1#1: Herdwatch - Mobile-first livestock management app for record-keeping, health tracking, breeding, and regulatory compliance across multiple species.
- 2#2: CattleMax - Cloud-based ranch management software for cattle inventory, genetics, breeding, sales, and financial reporting.
- 3#3: AgriWebb - Comprehensive farm management platform with livestock tracking, grazing mapping, labor scheduling, and inventory control.
- 4#4: Livestocked - Online beef cattle software for performance metrics, genetic tracking, weaning, and feedlot management.
- 5#5: RanchBoss - Livestock record-keeping software handling animal IDs, locations, treatments, breeding, and ranch expenses.
- 6#6: Farmbrite - All-in-one farm management tool supporting livestock tracking, crop planning, invoicing, and market sales.
- 7#7: Conservis - Agribusiness platform providing livestock lifecycle management, resource allocation, and profitability analytics.
- 8#8: CowManager - Ear sensor-based system for real-time dairy cow health, fertility, nutrition, and activity monitoring.
- 9#9: DeLaval DelPro - Integrated dairy farm management software for milking automation, herd health, and production optimization.
- 10#10: Afimilk - Advanced dairy herd management system with parlor integration, analytics, and reproductive tracking.
Entries were selected and ranked based on feature depth, user-friendliness, technical reliability, and value, ensuring relevance across diverse livestock operations and farming needs.
Comparison Table
Herd management software is a cornerstone of efficient livestock operations, and selecting the right tool depends on balancing features like health tracking and resource management. This comparison table explores options including Herdwatch, CattleMax, AgriWebb, Livestocked, RanchBoss, and more, outlining key functionalities and cost-effectiveness to guide readers in making an informed choice.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Herdwatch Mobile-first livestock management app for record-keeping, health tracking, breeding, and regulatory compliance across multiple species. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | CattleMax Cloud-based ranch management software for cattle inventory, genetics, breeding, sales, and financial reporting. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | AgriWebb Comprehensive farm management platform with livestock tracking, grazing mapping, labor scheduling, and inventory control. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Livestocked Online beef cattle software for performance metrics, genetic tracking, weaning, and feedlot management. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | RanchBoss Livestock record-keeping software handling animal IDs, locations, treatments, breeding, and ranch expenses. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Farmbrite All-in-one farm management tool supporting livestock tracking, crop planning, invoicing, and market sales. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Conservis Agribusiness platform providing livestock lifecycle management, resource allocation, and profitability analytics. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | CowManager Ear sensor-based system for real-time dairy cow health, fertility, nutrition, and activity monitoring. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | DeLaval DelPro Integrated dairy farm management software for milking automation, herd health, and production optimization. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Afimilk Advanced dairy herd management system with parlor integration, analytics, and reproductive tracking. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
Mobile-first livestock management app for record-keeping, health tracking, breeding, and regulatory compliance across multiple species.
Cloud-based ranch management software for cattle inventory, genetics, breeding, sales, and financial reporting.
Comprehensive farm management platform with livestock tracking, grazing mapping, labor scheduling, and inventory control.
Online beef cattle software for performance metrics, genetic tracking, weaning, and feedlot management.
Livestock record-keeping software handling animal IDs, locations, treatments, breeding, and ranch expenses.
All-in-one farm management tool supporting livestock tracking, crop planning, invoicing, and market sales.
Agribusiness platform providing livestock lifecycle management, resource allocation, and profitability analytics.
Ear sensor-based system for real-time dairy cow health, fertility, nutrition, and activity monitoring.
Integrated dairy farm management software for milking automation, herd health, and production optimization.
Advanced dairy herd management system with parlor integration, analytics, and reproductive tracking.
Herdwatch
specializedMobile-first livestock management app for record-keeping, health tracking, breeding, and regulatory compliance across multiple species.
Instant EID tag scanning and auto-population of animal data for effortless, error-free recording
Herdwatch is a leading mobile-first herd management software tailored for cattle farmers, enabling real-time recording of events like calving, health treatments, breeding, and movements via smartphone. It ensures regulatory compliance through automatic TB test records and integration with national databases in Ireland and the UK. The platform offers insightful reporting, analytics, and offline functionality to optimize farm efficiency and decision-making.
Pros
- Fully mobile app with offline access and voice/photo integration for field use
- Automated compliance reporting and seamless EID tag reader compatibility
- Robust analytics and farm benchmarking tools
Cons
- Primarily optimized for cattle, with limited support for other livestock
- Subscription model may feel pricey for very small farms
- Advanced features locked behind higher-tier plans
Best For
Dairy and beef cattle farmers in regulated markets like Ireland and the UK who need a mobile-first solution for compliance and daily herd management.
Pricing
Starts at €12/month for basic plans (up to 100 cows), €22/month for pro features; annual discounts available.
CattleMax
specializedCloud-based ranch management software for cattle inventory, genetics, breeding, sales, and financial reporting.
Advanced individual cow cards with lifetime health, breeding, and performance history
CattleMax is a cloud-based herd management software tailored for cattle producers, enabling detailed tracking of individual animals including pedigrees, health records, breeding cycles, and weaning data. It integrates inventory management, financial tracking, sales records, and customizable reporting to streamline ranch operations. The platform supports mobile access for on-the-go management and emphasizes data accuracy for commercial cattle operations.
Pros
- In-depth cattle-specific tools like pedigree and genomics tracking
- Mobile app for field data entry
- Robust reporting and financial integration
Cons
- Dated user interface with a learning curve
- Limited third-party integrations
- Pricing scales quickly for large herds
Best For
Mid-sized commercial cattle ranches requiring comprehensive individual animal tracking and operational reporting.
Pricing
Starts at $145/year for basic solo access; Pro and Enterprise plans range from $300-$1,000+/year based on herd size and features.
AgriWebb
enterpriseComprehensive farm management platform with livestock tracking, grazing mapping, labor scheduling, and inventory control.
Intelligent grazing optimizer that uses satellite mapping and livestock data to recommend optimal paddock rotations
AgriWebb is a cloud-based livestock management software tailored for sheep, cattle, and goat producers, enabling real-time tracking of animal movements, weights, health, and performance metrics. It integrates pasture mapping, grazing optimization, and inventory management to streamline farm operations and decision-making. The mobile-first design allows farmers to capture data in the field, with powerful reporting for compliance and business insights.
Pros
- Robust mobile app for on-farm data capture and real-time updates
- Advanced pasture and grazing management tools with mapping
- Strong compliance reporting and livestock performance analytics
Cons
- Pricing scales with herd size, potentially expensive for small operations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features like integrations
- Primarily optimized for grazing livestock, less ideal for intensive feedlot setups
Best For
Medium to large-scale grazing livestock producers seeking integrated pasture and herd tracking.
Pricing
Subscription-based tiers starting at ~$5 per 100 livestock units/month (Essentials), up to Enterprise plans with custom pricing.
Livestocked
specializedOnline beef cattle software for performance metrics, genetic tracking, weaning, and feedlot management.
Advanced genetic evaluation and pedigree visualization tools for selective breeding optimization
Livestocked is a cloud-based herd management platform tailored for livestock farmers, enabling detailed tracking of animal records, health events, breeding cycles, and performance metrics across species like cattle, sheep, goats, and deer. It provides tools for individual animal profiling, vaccination scheduling, weaning management, and compliance reporting to streamline farm operations. The software emphasizes mobile accessibility and data-driven insights to optimize herd productivity and decision-making.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for on-the-go farm management
- Strong pedigree and genetic tracking capabilities
- Comprehensive reporting and compliance tools
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations (e.g., scales or accounting)
- Pricing increases significantly for larger herds
- Steeper learning curve for advanced genetic modules
Best For
Medium-sized livestock operations focused on breeding, health tracking, and regulatory compliance in regions like New Zealand or Australia.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $29/month for small herds (up to 100 animals), scaling to $99+/month for larger operations with custom enterprise plans available.
RanchBoss
specializedLivestock record-keeping software handling animal IDs, locations, treatments, breeding, and ranch expenses.
Visual animal profiles with photos, tags, and complete lifecycle event timelines
RanchBoss is a cloud-based herd management software tailored for cattle ranchers, enabling detailed tracking of individual animals including pedigrees, health records, breeding, and locations. It integrates financial management, feed and hay inventory, sales tracking, and customizable reporting to streamline ranch operations. The platform also offers a mobile app for on-the-go access, making it suitable for modern livestock operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive individual animal tracking with photos and event history
- Integrated financials, inventory, and reporting tools
- Mobile app for real-time field updates
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations compared to larger platforms
- Advanced features may require a steeper learning curve
- Pricing scales up quickly for larger herds
Best For
Small to medium-sized cattle ranches seeking an affordable, all-in-one solution for herd and farm management.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month (Basic, up to 500 head), $59/month (Pro, up to 5,000 head), with custom Enterprise pricing.
Farmbrite
enterpriseAll-in-one farm management tool supporting livestock tracking, crop planning, invoicing, and market sales.
Unified dashboard connecting herd records directly to sales and inventory for streamlined farm-wide operations
Farmbrite is a cloud-based farm management platform that offers herd management features like livestock inventory tracking, breeding records, health logs, and performance monitoring. It integrates herd data seamlessly with sales, inventory, and production tools for a holistic farm operation view. While versatile for small to medium operations, it emphasizes all-in-one functionality over deep specialization in livestock genetics or advanced analytics.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for on-the-go herd tracking
- Strong integration with farm sales and inventory
- Customizable dashboards and reporting tools
Cons
- Lacks advanced pedigree and genomics tools
- Some herd-specific analytics feel basic
- Pricing scales up quickly for larger herds
Best For
Small to medium diversified farms needing integrated herd and overall farm management without deep livestock specialization.
Pricing
Starts at $39/month (Basic), $89/month (Pro), $199/month (Enterprise); annual billing offers discounts.
Conservis
enterpriseAgribusiness platform providing livestock lifecycle management, resource allocation, and profitability analytics.
Whole-farm visibility that seamlessly combines livestock data with crop production and financials for holistic profitability insights
Conservis is a cloud-based farm management platform that supports herd management for livestock operations, particularly cattle, by tracking animal inventory, performance metrics like weaning weights and feed efficiency, and integrating with financial and agronomic data. It enables real-time monitoring of herd health, breeding records, and resource allocation to optimize profitability. The software is designed for scalable operations, offering mobile access and advanced analytics for data-driven decisions.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of herd, feed, and financial data
- Real-time dashboards and mobile app for on-farm access
- Strong analytics for performance benchmarking
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup
- Pricing favors larger operations over small farms
- Less specialized for non-cattle livestock like sheep or goats
Best For
Mid-to-large cattle ranches needing integrated whole-farm management beyond just herd tracking.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on farm size and modules; typically starts at $500-$1,000/month for mid-sized operations, requires quote.
CowManager
specializedEar sensor-based system for real-time dairy cow health, fertility, nutrition, and activity monitoring.
Rumen bolus sensors delivering continuous, cow-specific data on temperature, rumination, and activity for unparalleled early illness detection
CowManager is a precision dairy farming system that deploys wireless rumen boluses—small sensors placed in each cow's reticulum—to provide real-time monitoring of health, fertility, and nutrition. It tracks key metrics like body temperature, activity, rumination, and resting behavior, sending instant alerts via a mobile app and web dashboard for issues such as mastitis, ketosis, heat detection, or calving. This enables proactive herd management, reducing veterinary costs and improving overall productivity.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate sensor data for early disease detection and fertility tracking
- Proven ROI through reduced vet bills and higher conception rates
- User-friendly app with customizable alerts and integrations
Cons
- High upfront cost for boluses (one per cow)
- Requires veterinary assistance for sensor installation
- Primarily optimized for dairy herds, less versatile for beef
Best For
Dairy farmers with mid-to-large herds seeking advanced, hardware-based precision monitoring to optimize health and reproduction.
Pricing
Hardware: €179 per cow (one-time bolus); Subscription: €4.50–€6.50/cow/month depending on herd size and features.
DeLaval DelPro
enterpriseIntegrated dairy farm management software for milking automation, herd health, and production optimization.
Activity Control module for real-time cow traffic optimization and voluntary milking system integration
DeLaval DelPro is a robust herd management software tailored for dairy farms, integrating seamlessly with DeLaval's milking robots, sensors, and farm equipment. It provides real-time insights into milk production, animal health, reproduction, feeding, and overall herd performance through advanced analytics and customizable reports. The platform enables proactive decision-making with automated alerts for issues like mastitis or low yields, optimizing farm efficiency.
Pros
- Deep integration with DeLaval hardware for seamless data flow
- Comprehensive dairy-specific tools including health monitoring and reproduction management
- Real-time alerts and detailed analytics for improved herd productivity
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Best suited for farms already using DeLaval equipment, limiting flexibility
- Premium pricing that may not suit small-scale operations
Best For
Large dairy farms equipped with DeLaval milking systems needing integrated, hardware-synced herd management.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting around $5-10 per cow/month, plus hardware integration costs; quotes required.
Afimilk
enterpriseAdvanced dairy herd management system with parlor integration, analytics, and reproductive tracking.
AfiTag individual cow monitoring collars that provide real-time data on activity, health, and location via integrated sensors.
Afimilk offers a comprehensive herd management software platform tailored for dairy farms, integrating hardware like AfiTag collars, milk meters, and sensors with software for real-time monitoring of milk production, cow health, reproduction, and feeding. The system provides detailed analytics, alerts, and reporting to optimize farm efficiency and profitability. It supports large-scale operations with features for automated data collection and decision-making tools.
Pros
- Seamless integration of hardware and software for accurate real-time data
- Advanced analytics for health, reproduction, and production optimization
- Scalable for large herds with reliable performance
Cons
- High upfront costs for hardware installation
- Steep learning curve and complex setup process
- Limited flexibility for non-dairy or small-scale farms
Best For
Large dairy farms needing an all-in-one integrated system for precise herd monitoring and management.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on herd size and hardware needs; typically includes upfront hardware costs ($10,000+) and annual software subscriptions ($5,000+).
Conclusion
After evaluating the top herd management tools, Herdwatch leads as the top choice, impressing with its mobile-first design, robust record-keeping, health tracking, and regulatory compliance across species. CattleMax and AgriWebb follow closely—CattleMax excels in cloud-based inventory and financial reporting, while AgriWebb stands out for its comprehensive farm management features like grazing mapping and labor scheduling. Each tool offers distinct strengths, ensuring there’s a fit for various operational needs.
Start optimizing your herd management with Herdwatch today—its intuitive mobile tools and versatile features make it a standout for streamlining operations and maintaining compliance.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison