As we all turn the calendar to another year, this is a great time to reflect on what worked in 2025 and what improvements we want to make in 2026. Reflecting on past times while evaluating and planning for future opportunities is a way to ensure progress of both short-term and long-term goals.
For many cattle producers, a common and necessary practice is to evaluate their herd record-keeping needs. Whether you have just a few cows or have a large herd of hundreds or thousands, recordkeeping is essential in the cattle industry. Tracking cattle and herd performance is critical to the profitability and sustainability of a ranch. The common phrase “You can't manage what you don't measure” is especially true with ranching. Every animal is expected to contribute positively to the ranch, and you can only really know for sure if you are tracking each animal and their related records and performance.
Common records to consider maintaining
While it's important to remember that, although each ranch really is unique, especially in terms of their location, herd capacity, forage, goals, etc., there are some common records that most ranchers should at least consider maintaining.
- Identification records. At a minimum, all animals should have a uniquely numbered visual identification method, such as an eartag or number brand. Tracking individual animals is a way to ensure that every animal on your ranch is producing at the level you need and expect. Avoid using duplicated tag numbers, such as tagging a calf with the same number as its dam. If you do want to include the dam's number in the calf's eartag, consider adding a year letter. The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) has a year letter designation for each year. For reference, the year letter for 2026 is P. As an example, cow 123's calf that is born this year could be tagged as 123P or P123. The numbering can indicate the dam, while the year letter is unique and helps identify the age.
- Weights. Cattle are sold by the pound, or you are selling cattle to customers who then sell by the pound, so weights are essential in herds of all sizes. Some ranchers have cattle-weighing scales on their ranch, which gives them convenience and ease of weighing their cattle. This is especially helpful in tracking the growth weights of calves. Having scales on the ranch is also a way to check an animal's weight before shipping to the market, so you know the expected weight when the animal arrives at the market. Another benefit of weights is to ensure accurate medical dosages. While some cattle producers insist they know the weight of an animal by simply looking at them, guessing or estimating the weight is just that – a guess or estimate. Recording and tracking actual weights demonstrates your commitment to providing your cattle the best care and the industry with the best cattle and beef products.
- Tracking progeny and calving history. For most ranches, it is beneficial to track how each cow's calves have done in terms of weights, sales information, etc. With the yearly carrying cost of cattle continuing to increase each year, a cow's calves are a solid indication of how the cow is producing. A few of the many questions that records related to calving histories can answer include: Is she having a calf every year? Are her calves gaining well? Are her calves selling for a profitable price, and/or are calves being kept as replacements in the herd?
How to determine the depth of records to track
When getting started with recordkeeping or considering a new solution, it's important to start with basic records, such as inventory. You want to ensure a good, solid foundation for your efforts and be able to maintain a consistent process that works within your structure and needs. Additional records and details can be tracked later on as your herd grows, as your goals evolve, as you have additional help, etc. A good record-keeping solution grows with you, rather than requiring details that you don't have or are not effective for you to track. The solution should meet your needs where you are and enable you to track additional details and offer additional functionality when you are ready for them.
How long to keep records
Ideally, records should be kept as long as possible. You want to be ready to answer questions regarding a cow you sold years ago, analyze how a sire's calves have performed or look up information about a medical treatment you gave. With technology such as online cattle record-keeping software programs, there is usually no limit to the number of records you can keep.
There are various programs and insurance plans that provide financial assistance in times of drought and other conditions. Many times, a historical count of animals is needed as documentation of the claim. Being able to check your records makes this process easier and shows proof of inventory counts.
Meeting your needs now and in the future
While cattle and ranch recordkeeping may not be high on the long to-do lists for cattle producers, it is an important and vital process. Having the right solution for your current needs, as well as the capacity to accommodate growth later, are important considerations. Whatever you choose should be something that works with your needs and processes so that it becomes part of your routine.
