Despite what some people may think, it is possible to employ technology to track the movements of animals on farms. I will show you how to use your smartphone to monitor animal movements on farms. Tracking animal movements with phones is very possible due to farm animal movement apps.
Early applications of GPS technology for tracking animal movements were centered on wildlife study and conservation in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Animal migration patterns, including those of wolves and elephants, were tracked with this method in one of its most prominent and early applications.
Satellite communications and the Global Positioning System (GPS) are the foundation of this technology.
Every animal has a GPS collar or tag, which tracks its exact location by using signals from satellites orbiting the planet.
Even in faraway locales, these signals can pinpoint locations with amazing accuracy and dependability.
A central system receives location data continuously from the GPS units on the collars.
Farmers are thereforhomee able to observe the precise location of their livestock at all times thanks to the real-time map of the animals’ movements that is produced using this data.
When tracking animals across huge ranges or in locations where typical monitoring techniques would be impracticable, this strategy is especially helpful.
Because these GPS devices communicate directly with satellites instead of local cell towers, they are made to function in places with inadequate mobile coverage.
This implies that the technology can continue to work well even if a farm is situated in a remote or rural area.
I want you to understand that technology relies on a network of satellites, and this satellite functions by providing coverage in practically any place which makes tracking easy, and it doesn’t require a steady cell signal for it to function.
Technology has offered a contemporary answer to a long-standing farming problem by making it possible to precisely track and monitor animal movements.
Below I provide smartphone animal monitoring systems to help you without necessarily having to employ someone to do it for you, it’s like a DIY thing.
How to Use Your Smartphone to Monitor Animal Movements on Farms
Number 1. Choose the Right App Based On What You Want
Selecting the right application for your needs is the first step in using your smartphone to track animal movements efficiently.
There are lots of alternatives, each with special features made to meet different farming needs. These apps can be very helpful whether you manage animals or grow crops, like on my farm where I raise cattle and other livestock as well as grow potatoes and plantains.
I recall one specific day when the property I owned, particularly my farm was broken into by robbers. Had it not been for my GPS configuration, I would have drowned. Some of these programs, which let me keep an eye on my farm from home, were introduced to me by my grandchildren, particularly my second grandson. They have saved me the trouble of physically checking on my animals all the time because they send warnings straight to my phone. Listed below are a few of the best apps available which I’m recommending to you
==>Findmy
The GPS tracking collars intended for cattle are compatible with this application. This software allows farmers, like myself, who make use of the manure from cattle to grow potatoes and plantains, to follow livestock in real-time—even in places with spotty mobile connections. The software enables the prompt recovery of lost or stray animals by providing exact locations, movement patterns, and notifications for unusual behavior. This particular app prevented robbers from stealing my farm.
==>Herdwatch
The application makes it simple to manage the general health and output of your herds by keeping track of cattle movements, births, deaths, and sales. Herdwatch tracks breeding data and medication records to give farmers, like myself, who balance crop and cattle production, a comprehensive picture of the herd’s health. When my cattle needed medical attention, I recall how useful it was—it informed me just in time.
==>VetIMPRESS
VetIMPRESS is an effective tool for farmers looking for full-service veterinary care. It offers personalized treatment plans, diagnostic charts, and medication calculators. When I needed precise health monitoring for my animals, this software was quite helpful. Even though I was producing plantains and potatoes, I still had to take care of my animals because their manure was necessary to fertilize my crops.
==>Afimilk
With sensors that monitor the surrounding environment conditions, cow behavior, and milk output, Afimilk is designed with dairy farmers in mind. It provides comprehensive data analysis and warns farmers of impending issues. Even though my cattle aren’t predominantly dairy, dairy farmers may find great value in apps like Afimilk, which would guarantee both animal care and maximum production.
==>SmartShepherd
Thanks to technological advancements and my grandchildren’s advice, I can now remotely monitor my farm and keep an eye on my crops and livestock without having to visit it frequently. Whether you manage herds for productivity or, like me, use animal manure to cultivate crops, these applications provide important assistance for effective farm management.
Number 2. Set Up GPS Tracking Collars
Using GPS tracking collars to monitor cow movements is important to protect your herd. Permit me to share my experience and practical wisdom on how to set them up and operate them correctly.
Avoid the casual mistake that many people make of losing the things they have worked so hard to achieve over the years. I promise that some people will be quite appreciative of this important information I’m about to share.
Steer clear of what you can control and let God, our Creator, sovereignty over what you cannot. Animals could go missing in unforeseen circumstances, so it’s important to know where your cattle are in case they disappear.
Jesus himself stated, “Who among you will have 100 sheep, and if one goes missing, will not leave the 99 to search for the one?” When it came to His responsibilities while here on Earth, He was wise and watchful, and we ought to do the same by emulating him.
==> Put the Collars on Them
Fit the GPS collars on each animal properly. Make sure they are properly fitted to prevent pain or injury, yet still comfortable. I’ve discovered that being aware of this aspect is important for averting problems along the way. Don’t let the fact that you didn’t take the time to correctly fasten the collars cause you to complain about the loss of cattle one day.
==> Link up with the app
Connect the collars to the specific app of your preference, which may be Findmy or any other reliable app. This process mainly involves establishing a connection between the collar and the application using Bluetooth or similar technologies. It is actually that but a lot of people are likely to make a mistake of leaving this step out. I assure you that if you do this in the wrong way, it will be difficult to find your cattle at that time that is most needed.
==> Monitor in Real Time
Use the app to monitor where each animal is as a way of ensuring that their location is known. Most apps will provide also a map where you can track the animal’s real-time position and its movement. Now, I can be at home and monitor what is going on and that has helped me so much, it is just a matter of having wisdom and applying the correct precautions. People do not wish to set up real-time tracking only for them to realize that they regret when a catastrophe occurs.
==> Set Alerts
Inform the app that it should notify you if an animal exits their assigned zone or exhibits lethargic behavior. This functionality allows you to quickly reply to possible problems. But then again, it is possible to try and plan for contingencies even if they are outside your control. Through my experience, I have witnessed that a little sign could help save a lot of money.
==> Observe Movement Patterns
Record how your animals move in their day to day activities. It assist you in observing their movements and feeding habits and any area they may be likely to wander off or are at risk of getting trapped in. Having this knowledge can assist you avoid catastrophes before they happen.
It means that it is not only about being careful but about being responsible and applying technology to protect those ideas that have been materialized.
The following are guidelines that will help you in monitoring your farm using GPS collars and protecting your livestock. Remember only to address those things which are within your capacity to influence and the rest should be left in God’s hands.
Number 3. Utilize Data Analytics for Insights
Mobile devices with specific software installed offer useful data analytics that can improve your farm management:
==> Assess Behavioural Patterns
Services like Afimilk or SmartShepherd collect data about productivity and conduct of livestock, for instance. Analyze this data to find out if there are changes like changes to the grazing regimen or changes in milk production.
==> Check Health Indicators
Take note of health-related aspects such as lack of exercise, loss of weight, or any other behavior that appears to be peculiar. Huge issues can be prevented The early detection of health problems is therefore important.
==> Create Reports
It is used in many applications such as reporting tools that provide an overview of the behavior and performance of animals. Use these reports for making sound decisions on the management of your herd.
==> Adjust Management Practices
Based on the new information, change the feeding, grazing and health management to increase output and welfare.
==> Interoperability with Other Systems
Some of the apps can be linked to other farm management systems, which gives a broad view of the farm’s performance and processes.
Number 4. Implement Geofencing for Enhanced Control
Geofencing simply refers to the process of establishing virtual boundaries around a physical region through the use of GPS. This is how to set up geofencing on a smartphone:
==> Create Geofences
The Geofence software should be used to set virtual barriers for different areas of your farm. For example, you can create a geofence around areas of grazing or security sectors.
==> Stays attentive to Boundaries
This app can assist you in understanding whether or not animals are wandering around or getting into restricted areas by notifying you of their movements.
==> Optimize Grazing
Use geofencing to establish different territories for grazers with different types of pasture or feed. This in turn helps to prevent overgrazing while also maintaining the health of pastures.
==> Prevent Theft
On the other hand, if an animal is taken out of the designated area, geofencing can also help in protection against theft by informing you about it.
==> Track Escapes
If an animal escapes, the app will notify as soon as possible so that one can take appropriate measure to capture it.
This way, geofencing is more helpful in managing your livestock, where it also serves as an added security and control for your animals.
Number 5. Ensure Regular Maintenance and Updates
Updating and maintaining your smartphone monitoring system regularly is extremely important when it comes to its effectiveness and performance.
==> Update Apps
To take advantage of the newest features and security enhancements, make sure your apps are updated regularly.
==> Charge Devices
To prevent tracking hiccups, make sure your smartphone and any other linked devices—such as GPS collars—are completely charged.
==> Test Equipment
To make sure the GPS collars and other devices are operating properly and providing accurate data, test them regularly.
==> Analyze Data
Make sure the reports and data the applications produce are accurate and helpful for managing your farm by regularly reviewing them.
==> Seek Support
For assistance, get in touch with the app’s support staff if you run into any problems. They can offer advice on how to use the app efficiently and assist in resolving technical issues.
Conclusion
Your capacity to effectively manage livestock can be substantially improved by using your smartphone to track the movements of animals on farms.
You may enhance animal welfare, optimize farm operations, and increase productivity by choosing the appropriate apps, installing geofencing, using data analytics, putting up GPS tracking collars, and maintaining your equipment.
Take advantage of these technology developments to improve farm management.
I’m Edidiong Ekpo, an experienced SEO content writer who writes well-researched articles to educate the public on various niches across the web.