Organized Herd Records: A New Year’s Resolution Ranchers Should Consider
New year’s resolutions might feel cliché, but that doesn’t mean ranchers should overlook them.
“The New Year is a really fun time… it’s a good time to reflect on what happened in the previous year, celebrate wins, look at what didn’t go as intended, and ask: knowing what I know today, how would I have done that differently?” says Terrell Miller, founder and CEO of CattleMax.
Why take the time to reflect and reset? Ultimately it comes down to profitability and establishing direction, because ranching is a complex business.
Miller says, “Profitability is critical—because managing a ranch profitably is what ensures future generations can continue the operation. Ranching isn’t a hobby or just a job; it’s a way of life that transcends generations.”
Establishing these resolutions is unique to the individual, however, ranchers should remember to be specific about their desires and what will truly impact profitability.
“People often set goals without specifics—‘I want to do X’—but they don’t know what it looks like or the milestones along the way. Visualization helps create that clarity,” explains Miller.
Outside of the bigger picture, it’s important to set smaller goals or milestones along the way too.
He says, “If your big goal is a certain income level or herd size, ask: where do I need to be by mid-summer? What’s my next 30-day plan? Otherwise you get to December 31st and realize you’re short.”
While this basic goal-setting ideal is useful, it can’t truly be carried out unless producers have a benchmark for where they stand today. This benchmark can’t be recognized without organized herd and financial records.
“Organization is such a key. If you’re not organized and don’t have all your information together, it’s really hard to set goals or measure progress,” says Miller. “Successfully managing a ranch or any business starts with good organization and good information. Otherwise, you’re really in the dark.”
For ranchers who feel disorganized or even overwhelmed by the thought of organizing their herd records, the starting point is simpler than they may realize.
Miller explains, “Start with your active inventory—what animals are on your place today. Then add historical data as you have time. A common mistake is trying to enter complete histories cow by cow and never getting usable records started.”
Additionally, he encourages producers to know what their unique operation needs for record keeping.
“Record keeping is not one-size-fits-all. A thousand-head commercial operation out West has different needs than a 20-head registered herd along the Gulf Coast. Producers have to find the ‘just right’ amount of information to track,” says Miller. “Keeping too little information means you can’t make informed decisions. Keeping too much means you bog yourself down. Record keeping has a Goldilocks zone.”
Keeping records is only half the story. Turning records into reports that make data useful is the other half.
He shares, “One of my favorite sayings is: without reporting and analysis, you’re simply creating an electronic file cabinet. It’s not just about getting data in—it’s about getting useful information out.”
CattleMax has several features that help with this but the end-of-year organizer is a customer favorite.
“The end-of-year organizer gathers all your information—purchased animals, sold animals, death loss, raised versus purchased—and puts it into a packet that’s easy to share with your accountant and ranch team,” explains Miller.
Whether ranchers have a goal of improving specific performance metrics or organizing records so they have the benchmark they need, remember the time it takes to establish goals is worth it for present and future generations.
“Ranching is labor-intensive, financially intensive, and there are no days off—but it’s an incredible way of life. Managing the business side well ensures long-term sustainability and our domestic food supply.”
You can listen to the full conversation on the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast.
