Case Study: Goodcamp Grazing

For nearly three years, Goodcamp Grazing’s Lisa Atkinson has been using Black Box Co to analyse data collected from their Gallagher crush-side system for their 2,500 mixed cattle breeding and growing operation in North Queensland. 

The integrated solution provides a seamless flow of data from the crush-side device to Black Box, where data is displayed on easy-to-use dashboards.

Lisa said being able to collect consistent production data in the yards, then link it to data from beyond the point of sale, as well as historical information, enabled her to have confidence in management and genetic decisions.

“I can now access key indicators on fertility performance and determine which areas of the herd can be improved for greater production,” Lisa said.

Like many large-scale cattle producers, stock is always coming and going, and traditional inventory management processes can mean mistakes are made along the way.

Before introducing the Black Box/Gallagher solution, Lisa said she was finding her herd inventory was inconsistent, and human error led to sold stock not being removed from the system. 

“With Black Box pulling the raw data in from the TWR, it turns it into an accurate herd inventory that can be used for reporting at any time,” she said.

“Being able to forecast weight gains for future sales and having Black Box’s herd inventory for accounting purposes has revolutionised our business.” 

Using Gallagher’s Animal Performance and Traceability system, Lisa and her staff can use Animal Performance Plus in the paddocks to identify any problems, then record them in Black Box to be alerted crush-side when processing.

Lisa said the integrated solution made her business operate far more profitably and efficiently, and ensures data accuracy. 

“I would definitely recommend this system to anyone wanting to understand what their herds are achieving, and how they can improve production,” she said.