Smarter Calf Care with CowManager

Insights into calf health

Technology is helping Hanke Farms take calf care to the next level. CowManager is proving just as valuable for the calves as it has been for the cows. This proactive approach reduces the need for intensive treatments and antibiotics, saving time, money and labor while supporting calf well-being.

When Heidi Taylor introduced CowManager ear sensors to their calves in the summer of 2024, the goal was simple: gain better insight into calf health while saving time in daily management. “Our overall experience with the calves is that we can treat them faster especially in our post-weaning calves. We can catch pneumonia quicker and get those calves treated quicker,” states Heidi.

The graphs share insights on individual animals and groups. Heidi shares how she utilizes the data visualization straight from her phone while walking pens in the barn to look at a calf that needs attention. Continuous monitoring of calves enables more efficient and targeted herd management planning.

Efficient Flash Functionality

For Heidi, one of the most practical advantages of CowManager is how easily it fits into her day-to-day routine. The flashing LED light on the ear sensor makes it easy to identify the right cow, heifer or calf, even in crowded pens. “The new feature of Find my Cow Flash has definitely saved us time, labor, and cost because we can locate the animal that is needed to be found quicker because the light is flashing,” says Heidi. This flash functionality streamlines workflow and enables Hanke’s team to operate more efficiently by walking less pens.

Catching Health Issues Earlier

Installed in February 2022, CowManager has proven its value in the cow herd at Hanke Farms. The system has helped produce healthier, longer-living cows while reducing the need for synchronization.

“We’re spending only half of what we used to on synchronization shots,” said co-owner and herd manager Doug Taylor.

“We have more older cows now because they’re getting pregnant sooner, and we find sickness quicker, which has prolonged the life of our cows. With CowManager we’ve been able to catch ketosis earlier than before, which helps reduce DAs. Over the last couple of years, we’ve cut our DAs in half by being able to catch these cows early enough to get them treated.”

For Hanke Farms, CowManager continues to deliver time savings, herd health improvements, and helps every animal reach its potential. “It definitely is a benefit to our farm, and we are so glad that we expanded CowManager to our youngstock,” said Heidi.