LIC launch new app to help farmers with calving

Farmers can now use smartphones to add calving information to their herd records while they are out on the farm.

Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) has produced the MINDA calving smartphone app for Android and Apple iOS devices.

The Hamilton-based cooperative developed the app after repeated requests from farmers for a tool to view and update their records in real time.

The MINDA calving app allows the farmer to enter calving information into the app then view it on the web-based app back in the office. There is no need to transfer notes which can get lost or ruined in the rain.

Rob Ford, general manager of Farm Systems for LIC, said it’s one of the most requested products the co-op has ever had.

“Farmers have told us they want more mobile applications, for their smartphone or tablet, so it’s great that we are able to deliver this first one for the upcoming spring calving – and confirm that there are more in the pipeline.

“They say there is an app for everything these days, and we’re working to ensure that’s the same for our dairy farmers.”

Taranaki dairy farmer Graeme Reid said “I think it’s a really good idea as more stuff is going that way now.”

He said lots of people, including him, have smartphones so farmers wouldn’t have to buy another device.

LIC’s Ford said farmers did not necessarily want to be carrying two devices around with them. Apps like MINDA Calving would help them be more effective in their business, with more time to concentrate on other jobs.

The app can be installed on multiple devices, so staff can also enter data, for the manager or record-keeper to approve back in the office before herd records are updated.

Reid said his staff would use MINDA , and then said he probably would use it as well, for instant access to his farm’s information and records.

Visit LIC at the Fieldays site 22 on the corner of D and Bank St to find out more about the MINDA Calving app, and to vote for what app you think LIC should develop next.