The Z Tags Zone

Ranching with Technology in the Digital Age

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

  

Like it or not, we are living in the digital age. Virtually every aspect of our life has been changed by the influx of technology. Think about it. The last time you purchased fuel for your truck did you hand cash to a clerk or pay at the pump? Or when you purchased groceries did you pay with cash or your ATM or credit card? We are becoming more reliant on technology everyday. But technology is more the just a convenience, it is a staple for every business, including ranching.

In the 19^th and 20^th centuries, railroads, electricity, bridges and roads were critical to economic development and business success. Today, access to information is just as vital to a successful business. Ranching requires access to many sources of information to support a broad range of tasks including: purchasing bulls or heifers, keeping tabs on commodity markets, veterinary and medical information and weather conditions.

As we gain an edge on tomorrow, we need to be focused on how we can preserve a way of life with the evolving technological society we live in. As I listen to the industry’s concerns, I hear many people speak of developing closer ranching partnerships and lobbying government regarding regulations related to food safety, animal health, the environment and international trade. The use of computers, including e-mail and the Internet can contribute to preserving our way of life and the creation of an integrated partnership through the development of electronic communities…aka social media.

We are seeing technology beginning to trickle down into ranching. From monitoring weather conditions to managing livestock with electronic ear tags (RFID), we are gaining new tools everyday; tools that bring not only convenience, but increased productivity as well. Don’t worry, computers will never replace your trusty horse, but you might want to make room in the saddlebag for a laptop. Like it or not, we are living in the digital age.