Farmer-owned Herd Management Info

The creation of MyHerdStats allows use of existing data (already held in the ScotEID system) to generate greater value on farm by informing management decisions that promote both business and environmental benefits.  

Who did we work with?

ScotEID was initially set up as a research and development project in 2008 by SAOS, working in partnership with the Animal Health and Welfare Division of Scottish Government and an industry working group, to find practical ways to deal with a new EU regulation for sheep movement and flock registers. It has developed into a multi-species, ‘real-time’, livestock traceability system that provides Government, vets and industry with the tools to manage future disease outbreaks quickly and efficiently. 

MyHerdStats is operated by ScotEID, on behalf of the industry, and supported by Scottish Government.

What did we do?

MyHerdStats was set up to present herd management information securely within the ScotEID login to all Scottish cattle herds.  The system provides valuable management data using charts, tables, and key performance indicators (KPI’s). Cattle keepers have easy access to a range of herd data insights for in-year performance and trends over time.   

ScotEID provides call centre support to quickly remedy any queries and provide a feedback loop that informs future developments, which is essential for industry engagement and impact.

Why?

Changes large and small are required to mitigate climate change. Farmers and crofters need simple but effective tools to help identify and prioritise actions. MyHerdStats increases the time available for analysis rather than data gathering and provides robust insights for confidence in herd management decisions in areas such as fertility, growth, and health. This has huge potential for productivity but also to retain our reputation for Scotland's high quality cattle. Continuous monitoring and improvement in practices is required to deliver a product that is competitive, credible, and remains relevant into the future. 

How did SAOS help?

• SAOS recognised the need to make better use of data to benefit farming and rural communities.
• We believe that the value of data belongs to those who produce it (farmers and crofters) and in the collective potential of co-operation to achieve more than can be achieved individually. 
• We recognised the opportunity for existing, trustworthy ScotEID data to be re-presented to achieve business and environmental benefits. 
• To achieve this, we sought early-stage funding for a feasibility study and pilot.
• Supported by Scottish Government we promote, maintain, provide a cattle-keeper call line, and system development to maximise the impact of a vital herd data tool.   

What next?

The challenge now is to continue to refine the system adding features that promote further insight and benefit.