Brook Pastoral: Data-driven decisions made easy

Nestled along the Queensland/South Australia border, Brook Pastoral is a bustling organic Poll Hereford operation that spans multiple properties, including Adria Downs, Kamaran Downs and Gilling in Queensland, as well as Alton Downs, Cordillo Downs and Murnpeowie Station in South Australia. Run by the Brook family, this expansive operation prides itself on organic sustainable farming practices and high-quality cattle. However, like many in the agricultural sector, they face some significant challenges in managing their operations efficiently.

Before signing up with AgriWebb in mid-2022, Brook Pastoral relied on traditional methods like tally counts and branding books to help keep a handle on the busy business. This approach meant they were primarily tagging cattle as they left the property, leaving a lot of gaps when it came to understanding key demographic insights on their herd, and tracking animal movements between properties. “It was a bit of a guessing game,” recalls Anthony Brook, owner of the Brook Pastoral portfolio, and manager of Cordillo Downs. They needed a more reliable system to navigate the complexities of cattle management, particularly in light of increasing organic audit requirements and rigour.

The decision to implement AgriWebb came from a pressing need to enhance their operational efficiency. “The main reason we wanted AgriWebb was to better understand the demographics of our stock—like class and year of birth—so we could optimise our selling strategies,” Anthony explains. Additionally, the rigorous nature of organic audits made it vital for the Brook family to have a system that would keep all their records organised and accessible for their yearly audit schedule. The previous method of preparing for these audits was not only time-consuming but also anxiety-inducing. AgriWebb offered a streamlined solution, bringing all necessary data into one user-friendly platform.

Since adopting AgriWebb, the transformation has been remarkable. One of the most significant changes is the ability to track animals from the moment they are branded until their sale or transfer. Anthony shares, “We’re even starting to import carcass data from the abattoir, which allows us to analyse animal performance and identify which vendors provide the best value.” This newfound capability has given the Brook family a comprehensive view of their operations, enabling them to make data-driven decisions.

The immediate shift they noticed after implementing AgriWebb was an improvement in communication among the team. Now, managers and head stockmen at various stations can easily access and share data, while even junior farm hands are getting involved. “Having solid data means we can act quickly, especially during dry spells when tough decisions need to be made,” Anthony notes. This ability to monitor the herd closely has empowered the entire team and helped them manage what has been a productive couple of years.

One standout feature of AgriWebb for the Brook family is the mapping function. “Seeing visually where we haven’t mustered yet or where we didn’t have a clean muster is incredibly powerful,” says Anthony. This visual aid has made it much easier for them to plan their mustering activities, ultimately improving efficiency on the ground.

As for recommendations, the Brook family has found AgriWebb to be a responsive partner. “They really listen to our feedback and are constantly evolving their platform to better suit our needs,” Anthony states. While no platform is perfect, they’ve found AgriWebb to be the closest match for their requirements, making it a valuable tool in their operation, and an exciting product to watch evolve.

In a world where data can drive smarter farming decisions, Brook Pastoral’s experience with AgriWebb highlights the potential for technology to transform traditional agricultural practices, ensuring that their organic operation not only survives, but thrives, in an ever-changing landscape.