Liverstock management systems and methods

Abstract

This invention relates to systems and methods for managing livestock, such as cattle, from conception to consumption. More particularly, this invention relates to systems and methods in which users, such as producers, feedlot managers, packers, buyers, sellers, and consumers, are brought together through shared information and improved communication. Users may access one or more applications, tools, and/or systems to increase the value of each animal, monitor and track each animal, and improve the efficiency of their operation.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This is application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 071,437, filed Feb. 7, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND [0002] This invention relates to systems and methods for managing livestock, such as cattle, from conception to consumption. More particularly, this invention relates to systems and methods in which members of the livestock production chain, such as producers, feedlot managers, packers, and retailers, are brought together through an Internet-based platform which integrates information, technology-based tools, and electronic commerce designed to improve communication throughout the livestock industry and to provide systems and methods for tracking animal performance, creating increased value, and improving overall operational efficiency and quality. [0003] The livestock industry is a multi-billion dollar business. Beginning at the producer or ranch level, owners typically raise animals unt...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0035] Some embodiments of the present invention may provide users with a integrated risk management system to determine risk levels and provide the user with advice on offsetting risk in the user's operation. The user must plan his or her production in advance and may consider factors, such as a downturn in the economy, a decline in exports, the cost of fuel, weather conditions, etc. The user may input material inputs to begin estimating the user's costs. The integrated risk management system may compare the user's operation against other operations. This may identify opportunities for improvement and cost reduction strategies.

[0036] The integrated risk management system may determine when the user should sell his or her product. This determination may require the user to restructure the user's operation depending on market conditions, costs, and other factors. In some embodiments, the integrated risk management system may broker relationship between users in order to minimize risks. For example, a manufact

Problems solved by technology

However, there is no standard method for verifying that a rancher has complied with the program's guidelines.

Typically, branded beef programs are verified by verbal acknowledgment, which at times may cause distrust amongst producers and buyers.

As a result of losing information on each animal, such as a calf's vaccination and health

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