Getting Started
Mebul Herd Manager is a database that lets you build up information on your herd so that you can manage your farm efficiently and profitably.
As it is completely free, you will spend absolutely no money for the solution that will help you manage your farm in real time.
Use an NLIS reader to create session files of each of the different cattle types you carry, eg steers, heifers, cows. Import these files using "Buy Cattle" - to add to herd and set the session date to either the date you purchased them, or the beginning of the (financial) year. Once your cattle are in the system, use "Move Cattle" to track their whereabouts, "Draft Cattle" to change their type, or "Weigh Cattle" to add weigh records.
Annual stock take reports show changes in cattle numbers and type, and Cow Calf Performance reports show which cows need culling.
Each property you manage should be broken down into paddocks. For each property enter a PIC and Property name. eg "NB225262" "GLENGARRY". Then enter paddock names eg "GLENGARRY #1", "GLENGARRY #2", etc. Once you have added your cattle to the system you can assign them to a paddock. Mebul Herd will keep track of the cattle AND report on paddock performances.
For best results you should ear tag your calves and cows and maintain accurate calf records. The date of birth should be accurate to within a couple of weeks.
F.A.Q.
How do I set up my properties in Mebul Herd?
Go to "Property and Paddock Setup". Click "Add New Property Code". Enter your PIC number and a property name.
Select the property by clicking on it and click on "Add New Paddock to Property". Enter Paddock names that are meaningful to you.
These can be called anything you like, or may be just #1, #2, #3 etc
Ideally you should have a map of your property with these paddocks clearly named to avoid confusion.
How do I set up my cattle?
Existing cattle should be imported into Mebul Herd via the "Buy Cattle(add to herd)" button. Once you have wand-ed in
your cattle RFID's into a number of sessions, import them into Mebul Herd.
Set the session date correctly so that pre existing cattle appear as on-hand in Livestock Summary Reports.
How do I get newborn calves into Mebul Herd?
During calving, take note of the eartag of cows and the birth dates. At marking, when the calves are 3 months old, weigh
and tag all calves. Numbered eartags must be used to individually identify them. Mother up cows and their calves by separating them
overnight if necessary. Manually enter Cow/Calf tag pairs into Mebul Herd. Import the weigh session file into Mebul Herd.
Weigh them again at weaning or at 200 days. Import this file and run the Calf Reports.
Cows whose calves have the poorest weight gain can be culled.
How do I remove cattle from Mebul Herd?
Create a session file and import it using the Sell Cattle button. Individual cattle can be set as deceased in the Show all
cattle list.
How do I get my RFID's into the correct format?
You may have to use an editor like notepad or a spreadsheet to manually correct these. All corrected files need to be saved as
text or csv format. Use meaningful file names, eg July23_Steers_Weigh.csv
What Hardware should I use?
Mebul Herd Manager is compatible with any hardware that will give you a simple session file of RFIDs. For a great value system try
www.thunderbird.net.au
Can I use any Spreadsheet program?
Probably. The cheapest is Open Office. It's free and can be downloaded from www.openoffice.org
When copying and pasting from a spreadsheet take care to highlight just the data you want. Selecting whole columns may result in importing
thousands of empty cells.
Can I connect my NLIS Reader directly to Mebul?
No, but you can connect it directly to a spreadsheet program using an ActiveX control such as TConnec tor.
You'll probably also need a USB connector or express card to plug into your laptop. If you get it working let's know about it.
My NLIS Reader doesn't download data to my laptop!
First check which COM port has been assigned to your USB connector, and that it does not require troubleshooting, then check that your
software is checking that port. (eg COM4).
If you can't download data from your NLIS reader or weigh-scale try a free product such as Serial Data Logger. You will need to clean up
the session file with a spreadsheet program before cutting and pasting into Mebul Herd Manager.
How Come Mebul Herd Manager is FREE?
Because we make money growing cattle: Mebul Senepol and Composites.
UPDATES
Mebul Herd Manager Version 7 is out now.
Latest features include easy cut and paste from Excel and Thunderbird Phoenix software packages
Latest features include easy cut and paste from Excel and Thunderbird Phoenix software packages
Feedback and Technical Support
Please send feedback and/or technical support questions to the developer:
Mebulsoft
PO Box 101
GULGONG NSW 2852
or email mebulsoft@gmail.com
or phone 02-63740387 during normal business hours
Mebulsoft
PO Box 101
GULGONG NSW 2852
or email mebulsoft@gmail.com
or phone 02-63740387 during normal business hours