FAQ

The Auto Weigher is an automated and remote weighing solution for simplified livestock management. Automated hassle free weighing. Weigh more frequently without the extra trips through the chute. Less manual labour for you, less stress for your animals. Impactful insights for improved performance. Easily identify low performers with the help of easy-to-understand graphs. Make proactive management decisions sooner, saving you time and money. Animal data at your fingertips. Partial weight data is captured and then converted to full body weight. This data is then sent securely to the Cloud. Easily access animal data on your mobile or desktop. Farm and cattle-tested. Proven farm-tough and works with animal behaviour. The machine is heavy and stable even for the most stubborn animals.

StrongBó Agritech was founded in Ireland by engineers with a background in farming. Together we have developed a remote weighing system which allows livestock to be weighed in paddocks, rather than having to walk into the yards. The units are manufactured in Canada.

There has been significant industry research on the high correlation between partial weight and whole body weight of beef cattle. ​ It is more important to understand paddock/pen weights will differ from static/yard weights in a similar manner to when you weigh cattle and send them to the abattoirs or feed lot. Individual results will vary based on a number of factors like:​ - How far the walk to the yards is​ - How hot it is​ - What type of feed they are on, etc.​ For example, you may notice ‘gut fill’ variances in individual animals of up to 10% on the same day. The algorithm smooths out these variances out into a repeatable, consistent number that you can compare to your yard weights and then sale weights.

The average animal visit lasts several minutes. While the machine recognizes other RFID tags during this time, it is easy to pick up a dominant tag that belongs to the animal we are weighing.​ ​ The logic in the software takes care of this. If there is any uncertainty in which animal the captured weight belongs to, that individual weight will not contribute to the data presented.

No; it will weigh a portion of your mob. Not every animal will be attracted to the salt or molasses.​ ​ The proportion of the mob you will weigh is dependent on factors including but not limited to:​ mob size ​ grazing area/pen size ​ positioning of the unit​ the length of time the unit is with the mob. ​ ​ As a guide, however, if allowed a week with a mob we have seen:

Animals’ weights (a portion of your total herd number) will begin to show on the dashboard within several hours of the animals weighing themselves. In some situations, we have seen live weight data come through in under 48 hours. There is a range of management factors that influence how many animals are weighed such as: the mob size and grazing area/pen size. Typically, you will have the mob average accurate as soon as you weigh 30+ animals*, similar to when you weigh cattle in the yard. Mob ADG weights are based on a 7-day average and generally take 7+ days before appearing. While we are capturing and recording the individual animal weights as soon as they step on the platform, we need to wait around 7 days for the ADG data to pull through on the dashboard. The longer the machine is with a mob, the more accurate they become.​

Yes. The Auto Weigher has a satellite option that allows it to work anywhere in the world. If you don't need this option, you can get an Auto Weigher that is only cellular-enabled. ​ This dual communication mode will give you peace of mind knowing you can weigh your animals even in the most remote location.​ Switching from cellular to satellite (or from satellite to cellular) does not require any action from you. We have automated the process so it will all look seamless from your end!​ The information on the app will update periodically throughout the day. Checking the app once a day should provide you with the data you require. Please note that we are reliant on the animals weighing themselves, so it will likely be around 3 days before the machine has weighed enough animals to provide useful information.

The Auto Weigher is powered using a 12V battery and the integrated solar panel ensures that the battery is always charged and operational, as long as the machine is exposed to sun.

Where it is most accessible and visible to the animals. Think water points, stock camps and other high traffic areas. ​ ​ Getting the animals used to the machine in smaller areas can speed up the learning phase and will help encourage them to interact with the machine, which means you’ll get live weight data sooner.

The Auto Weigher is designed to work with a mineral block or molasses block. Both have proven to be effective, though which is best for you will depend on your process and mob.

If left in the same place for an extended period of time, some pasture damage will occur, particularly during wet weather. This can be managed either by shifting the machine frequently or by placing close to existing ‘high traffic’ areas such as water troughs and gateways.​ ​ Consider backing the machine up to a fence so the animals do not continually walk around it. If an extended period of wet weather is forecast, the machine can be moved from the mob and re-introduced later. The data flow will continue from where it left off (i.e. resuming a session).

Assemble and commission the unit as per the supplied Quick Start Guide. Take the unit to your cattle; it is highly portable and set up only takes a few minutes.​ Put an attractant like a salt block or molasses in the integrated trough which will entice the animal to voluntarily step on the platform.​ ​The integrated EID reader identifies the animal. The auto weigher samples the weight applied onto the platform front feet of the animal are weighed and an algorithm converts this to an estimated full body weight.​ ​The collected EID and full body weight data are then transmitted to the cloud and information is sent to the app.​ ​View your data on the app. It displays easy-to-understand data such as individual or group weights and growth over time reports.

No, the Auto Weigher is a stand-alone unit that is easily integrated into your process.

When you receive your Auto Weigher, there is a straightforward first-time set-up process which you are guided through with the included Quick-Start Guide. You don't need any training or expertise to set up the Auto Weigher; set-up only takes a few minutes. After initial setup, anything else you want to do with your machine takes only moments. Convenience is a central feature of Auto Weigher's design.

The Auto Weigher has a trailer configuration you can convert to in seconds, no assembly or disassembly is required. From there you can hitch onto any hitch ball and tow it where it needs to go, then deploy it just as easily.

The data from your Auto Weigher comes with many animal management benefits. Improving forecasting for market weight so you can avoid overfeeding costs and processor discounts Identifying low-performers fast to help you reduce variation Flagging individual animals not hitting targets so they can be screened for illness Gain insight into animal nutrition and how it affects animal performance Reducing the labour required by eliminating chute weighing

Once you've registered an account with StrongBó, you can access your data via the mobile app or the web app. To access the web app, simply click the "Log in" button on the website header. Sign in with your credentials and see your data!

The information on the app will update periodically throughout the day. Checking the app once a day should provide you with the data you require. Please note that we are reliant on the animals weighing themselves, so it will likely be around 3 days after introduction to a new group before the machine has weighed enough animals to provide useful information.

You can contact our Business Development Managers and they will be able to assist you.​ ​ Australia​ Mike Helmsley​ Mike.Helmsley@gallagher.com ​ +61448494445​ ​ US and Canada​ Wes Chism​ Wes.Chism@gallagher.com ​ +1 816-308-3202 ​ ​ New Zealand​ Mark Maitland​ Mark.Maitland@gallagher.com ​ +64 21 1925337​ Chile​ Pilar Artigas​ Pilar.Artigas@gallagher.com ​ +56 939201844​ ​ Brazil​ Andre Mussio​ Andre.Mussio@gallagher.com

You can get a quote for a machine from our partner's Business Development Managers at Gallagher to see pricing information. See "How can I purchase a machine?" for the contact info for these managers! First year subscription is included with the purchase of the machine. From Year 2, it’s an annual subscription charged to the end user’s registered credit card. An active subscription is required per machine. A single account can purchase multiple machines and subscriptions.

Auto Weigher is currently available in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada. Rollouts are planned for the EU, United Kingdom, and South America.