LIVESTOCK COUNTING SYSTEMS
Livestock Counting Systems has developed an innovative RFID Tag-based system for counting livestock, marking it as the first of its kind in South Africa. The LCS System generates reports at specified intervals, detailing the number of livestock counted by strategically placed sensors. Additionally, it alerts users to any livestock that has not been counted.
LCS – The future of herd automation.
Livestock Counting Systems was born out of a personal need from Francois Haasbroek. He wanted to know the numbers of his cattle at any given time. Together with Philip Opperman they brainstormed on how to achieve the goal, as what this system should be capable of doing. Philip Opperman was key in designing and building the original system as well as all other developments that has taken place since the first prototype was tested.
Pure Technology & Perfect Tracking
How LCS works:
The crucial task of livestock counting can now be performed electronically, supported by a custom-designed computer program to manage livestock movement effectively.
A Livestock Counting System consists of four different parts:
- The power supply
- The computer and communication module
- The readers
- The UHF RFID tags
Each animal is equipped with a UHF RFID tag attached to its ear. When the animal moves in close proximity to the readers, the tag is being read and registered by the readers and a report is created.
1. Unit installed over water yard’s entrance
The system can be installed over the entrance of any water point. It is installed at a height of 2.5m from ground level – making it possible for a normal vehicle to pass underneath.
2. Mobile Unit
Displayed here is the “mobile unit”. This unit can be used/set up anywhere on the farm. I.e. at the entrance of a crush, for use in conjunction with mobile kraal systems or any other cattle handling facility etc.
3. Unit above drinking walk-through
In absence of an entry point to the water point, the system is installed over a drinking through. Normal installation will cover a width of 4m, but with additional readers the system will be able to read over a horizontal width of 7.5m.
4. “Real-Time” Reporting
“Real-Time-Reporting” – This is the display that will show on a desktop computer or a PC. This image shows that 2 out of 18 cattle was counted. The number that has not been counted is displayed below the solid line. Once an animal is counted, it’s number will disappear and the numbers above the solid line will change. The Real-time report will update every 30seconds. The system also reports on the status of the water supply/reservoir.
4. Program for Management
A computer program to manage your own herd comes with the system. Training is provided by Livestock Counting Systems.
5.You Receive SMS Reports
An SMS report is send to chosen numbers. The farmer can decide of the time and frequency of reporting. These SMS reports shows the status of the livestock, the status of the water supply as well as the location of the system.
Making Livestock Counting Systems Accessible To All Farmers
Application and Models
The Livestock Counting System can be used in three different ways i.e.
- A portable fixed installation at the entrance to a water yard;
- A fixed installation over a drinking trough;
- A mobile unit
The design of hardware as well as software for above-mentioned models is exactly the same.
The Tags
We use Long Range UHF tags (860Mhz – 960Mhz). The main reasons for choosing these specific tags are:
- The tags can be read up to a distance of 3m – 3.5;
- The tags are reusable from one animal to the next;
- Each tag has got its own specific serial number. These serial number are permanent and cannot be altered.
- The tags can be printed either on side or both sides.
Reporting
Reports can be delivered either as (a) “real time updates” or (b) an SMS.
With the former, updates are constant and an updated report is delivered every 30 seconds, while in the case of the SMS, the user can choose on the frequency of and time of reporting.
Advantages
It is only when one starts to think of all the different applications that the real practical value of the Livestock Counting System is appreciated.
The following are only a few of the advantages:
- Accurate reporting of livestock numbers that went to drink water;
- Reporting on request at any given time of day;
- Peace of mind to know all cattle are counted for;
- It is now possible to reside on one farm and still be informed about livestock numbers on another farm- regardless of the distance from the primary farm;
- It is now possible to be informed of livestock numbers even from neighbouring countries;
- Stay updated on dam and trough water levels at all times.
- Receive a warning if the flowrate of incoming water into a trough is insufficient,
- Receive information about livestock in the wrong camp.
- Part time farmers (or professionals) who does not visit the farm often, receive daily update about animal numbers and water levels.
- Readers can be installed at specific entry/exit points for the purpose of security – in the case of any livestock movement detected will the owner immediately be informed of possible theft.
Additional services
Water levels: dams and troughs:
Monitoring water levels of all reservoirs and troughs is now a reality. Even the flow rate of incoming water can now be measured and monitored. This functionality can be obtained as (a) part of the Livestock Counting System, or (b) a separate independent freestanding unit.
- Reporting from these systems is received via SMS.
- A status update can be requested via SMS during any time of day.
- Receive a warning on low flow levels – that can indicate a leaking pipe, a blockage in the supply pipe etc.
🌾Smart Farming, Simplified with LoRaWAN
Farming is hard work—but managing your farm shouldn’t be. If you’re tired of manual checks, endless paperwork, and the constant guesswork that comes with traditional farming, it’s time to upgrade.
🚀 How It Works: A Simple, Three-Part System
We’ve designed our system to be powerful, yet easy to use. Here’s how it transforms your daily operations:
🧠The Farm Hub (Base Station)
At the heart of your farm sits the Farm Hub—a robust base station located right in your farmhouse. Equipped with a long-range 868MHz antenna and a custom Linux server running Chirpstack software, it acts as the brain of your operation.
It collects, stores, and manages all incoming data from your property, giving you a centralized dashboard for decision-making.
💧Dam Level Monitoring
Water is life—and now you can monitor it effortlessly. Our wireless Water Level Module is installed in your dam or tank and transmits water level readings to the Base Station every minute.
No more walking out to check levels manually. You’ll know exactly how much water you have, anytime, from the comfort of your home.
🐄Effortless Livestock Tracking
Counting livestock has never been easier. Our RfID Reader uses LoRaWAN to scan RfID ear tags as animals pass by, instantly sending the data to your Base Station.
You get accurate, automated counts without the stress of manual mustering—saving time, reducing labour, and improving herd management.
Our new integrated LoRaWAN system brings real-time data from your fields straight to your farmhouse, giving you complete control and peace of mind.
🌟Key Benefits at a Glance
💧Real-Time Water Data
Water is one of your farm’s most precious resources—and now you can monitor it with precision.
Our system delivers minute-by-minute updates from your dam or tank, helping you stay ahead of shortages and make smarter irrigation decisions. No more guesswork, just reliable data at your fingertips.
🐄Automated Livestock Counts
Say goodbye to manual mustering and hello to instant insights. As your livestock pass by, our RfID Reader automatically records their presence and sends the data to your Base Station. You’ll always know your numbers, enabling better planning, faster response times, and improved herd management.
📡Long-Range & Low Power
Built on 868MHz LoRaWAN technology, our system covers large rural properties with ease—no need for cellular networks or frequent battery changes.
It’s designed to work hard in the background while conserving energy, so you can focus on what matters most.
🧠Centralised Control
All your critical farm data—from water levels to livestock tracking—is collected and managed in one secure location: your Farm Hub.
With a single dashboard, you gain full visibility and control over your operations, streamlining decision-making and boosting productivity.
💡Stop Working Harder, Start Working Smarter
With our LoRaWAN system, you gain the insights you need to run a more efficient, productive, and profitable operation. It’s not just smart farming—it’s farming made simple. Ready to take control of your farm like never before? Let’s make it happen.
Mission
At Livestock Counting Systems, we are dedicated to creating efficient working environments for livestock farmers by leveraging innovation and advanced technology. Our ultimate goal is to enhance profitability for livestock farmers through these innovative tools.
Vision
By continuously exploring new technologies and possibilities, Livestock Counting Systems strives to provide solutions to the challenges faced by livestock farmers.
Livestock farmers will, in due time, realize the need for a Livestock Counting System, and after careful consideration, will comprehend what value a Livestock Counting System can add to each and every livestock farming enterprise.
Our vision is to become an indispensable resource for livestock farmers across South Africa and, eventually, worldwide.
Our Trusted Brand Partners;
🐄 Livestock Counting Systems South Africa: Where Smart Farming Begins
In the rolling fields of South Africa, a quiet revolution is underway. Farmers are trading clipboards for dashboards, guesswork for precision, and manual headcounts for real-time data. At the heart of this transformation is Livestock Counting Systems (LCS)—a proudly South African innovation that’s reshaping how herds are managed, tracked, and understood.
🚜 Live from NAMPO ALFA Expo 2025: Innovation Meets the Outdoors
We’re thrilled to be attending the NAMPO ALFA Expo 2025 at NAMPO Park, where agriculture, technology, and outdoor adventure converge in spectacular fashion. This year’s event is buzzing with energy, and we’re proud to be part of a gathering that’s redefining the future of livestock management and rural lifestyle.
🌾 Smart Farming, Simplified with LoRaWAN
Farming is hard work—but managing your farm shouldn’t be. If you’re tired of manual checks, endless paperwork, and the constant guesswork that comes with traditional farming, it’s time to upgrade. Our new integrated LoRaWAN system brings real-time data from your fields straight to your farmhouse, giving you complete control and peace of mind.
Hours
Monday through Saturday
Open 8am - 5pm
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Servicing in areas in the Northern Cape and regionally across South Africa.