Could technology revolutionise the Australian cattle industry?

It almost sounds as though it's a parody, but a revolutionary app called iHerd could be set to drive technological change in the cattle industry in Australia.

The app is designed in a way which could allow farmers to streamline their processes, and ultimately have a positive effect on profitability. Farmers will be able to keep track of cattle numbers and also trace their livestock in real time all from their mobile or tablet device.

Will Wilson, the app's creator, says that, "iHerd seeks to eliminate the backbreaking hassle of effectively managing your livestock and property. With just a few simple taps, you can access all your property details, including sales data, treatment cabinets, tags and general reporting, something that has traditionally been a very timely process for farmers."

Cattle farming technology programs have usually been hamstrung by the fact that they require data to be entered manually and from one place. This latest innovation can be incredibly flexible in terms of mobility, whilst also saving time.

Schemes that are attempting to incorporate technology into farming are becoming prevalent across Australia. The Cooperative Research Centre for Remote Economic Participation (CRC-REP) has based its mission around tackling economic issues in rural Australia. The hope is that using technology as an asset could bring rural areas and the country's cities closer together.

CRC-REP are currently piloting precision management solutions for rural farms that will simplify livestock management. For example, the 'walk-over weighing systems' that are being rolled out will record the weight of cattle. This data is then collated and projected over a long period to create an individual profile for each animal on any given farm. This can then give farmers a more precise insight into the feeding and spacial needs of their herd.

With technology potentially changing the farming industry over the coming years, there is no better time to ensure that your farm insurance provides adequate cover. Elders Insurance can offer you a tailored package that can take into account any of the mentioned technologies that you may want to utilise now or in the future.