1: What is the selling price for BenguFarm and what is included?
BenguFarm modules are sold seperately. The purchase price differ for the first module purchased compared to subsequent modules purchased:BEEF, SHEEP & GOATS, GAME and PIGS modules
South Africa: R7 750 per module (including VAT)
BEEF users buying SHEEP & GOATS (and vice versa): R5 175 for the second module (including VAT)
Foreign Countries: R7 000 per module (excluding VAT).
BEEF users buying SHEEP & GOATS (and vice versa): R4 675 for the second module (VAT not applicable)
MOBILE APP (Android)
South Africa: R2 100 (including VAT)
Foreign Countries: R1 890 (VAT not applicable)
MOBILE APP (Apple iOS)
All Countries: R2 500 (including VAT)
MOBILE APP FOR GAME (Android)
South Africa: R2 100 (including VAT)
Foreign Countries: R1 890 (VAT not applicable)
GENETICS MODULE
South Africa: R4 100 (including VAT)
Foreign Countries: R3 675 (VAT not applicable)
Note: Members of beef cattle breeders' societies endorsing BenguFarm BEEF qualify for 5% discount on the selling price, thus they pay only R7 350-00 if it is the first/only module purchased. For more information, contact Mr. Leslie Bergh (see Contact Us) or your breeders' society.
The price includes:
Download of the software from the internet
Data import of your herd's animals from Logix/INTERGIS/BreedPlan and/or certain farm software
License fee for the 1st year
Software upgrades for the 1st year
User-support for the 1st year
LICENSE FEE (compulsory - 2023 prices)
License fee per year:
South Africa: R1 110 per module (including VAT)
BEEF together with SHEEP & GOATS: R735 for second module (including VAT)
MOBILE APP (Android and Apple iOS): Valid BenguFarm BEEF or SHEEP & GOATS license.
MOBILE APP for GAME (Android): Valid BenguFarm GAME license.
Foreign Countries: R980 per module (excluding VAT)
BEEF together with SHEEP & GOATS: R640 for second module (excluding VAT)
MOBILE MODULE for GAME (Android): Valid BenguFarm GAME license.
Includes renewal of user access, all software upgrades and free* user-support.
(See the FAQ section 20 for our policy regarding future increases).
2: Is BenguFarm compatible with Windows 7, 8,10 and 11?
A: Yes, BenguFarm is compatible with Windows 7, 8,10 and 11.3: Can BenguFarm be installed and run on devices (e.g. an iPad or iPhone) with operating systems other than Windows, (e.g. Android or Apple)?
A: BenguFarm was developed on the Microsoft .Net Framework and can therefore only be installed and run on a Windows-Operating System computer. Unfortunately it cannot be installed or run on computers, laptops, tablets, PDAs, mobile phones, etc. with other operating systems like Android, iOS, Linux, Mac OS X, BSD, Symbian, Blackberry, Windows Phone, webOS, etc. That said, some of these operating systems allow the installation of a virtual Windows machine. Although we do not support these virtual Windows machines, we have many clients who have installed and run BenguFarm on such a virtual Windows machine, in particular on Apple Mac computers.BenguFarm MOBILE can be installed on Android and iOS devices while BenguFarm MOBILE for GAME can only be installed on Android devices.
4: Is an app available to record animal data on a smartphone or tablet and sync it with the data in BenguFarm on my computer/laptop?
A: Yes, an app (called BenguFarm MOBILE) is available for beef, sheep and goat and game farmers. The app for beef, sheep and goats is available for both Android and iOS (Apple). The app can be used to off-line capture all important data on an Android or iOS smartphone or tablet on the spot while working with animals. Data include new animals (registration), synchronisation, matings, pregnancy tests, calvings/lambings, weights, general notes, vaccinations, camp/group movements, wool data (sheep), illnesses, treatments, inspections, sightings, measurements, scores, procedures, camp activities, photos, sales and deaths and rainfall. Please note that a user must have a BenguFarm license for the applicable module to be able to use BenguFarm-MOBILE.The app for game is only available for Android. On the GAME app horn measurements, microchip implants, teeth condition, internal parasites, veterinary notes and DNA samples can also be captured.
Data captured on the app can be send directly to the BenguFarm database on your computer/laptop via Wi-Fi or the internet ("Cloud") synchronisation. All important data of animals can be viewed on the app.
5: Can the BenguFarm MOBILE app be installed and used on more than one device and for more than one herd with one license?
A: BenguFarm-MOBILE for Android can with one license be installed on more than one smartphone or tablet and used by more than one person. BenguFarm-MOBILE can be used for more than one herd (e.g. stud and commercial), whether the herds are on the same or different databases. If the iOS Apple application is purchased, the BenguFarm Mobile license is also valid for the Android application, in other words the Android application does not need to be purchased as well.
6: What are the recommended computer specifications for BenguFarm?
A: A Core i5 2GHz or faster computer with Windows 10 or 11, 4GB RAM, SSD and 1GB of free hard drive space.7: What are the minimum device requirements for the BenguFarm Mobile app?
A:BenguFarm MOBILE for BEEF and SHEEP & GOATS
- Android: Android devices running Android LolliPop (Android 5) and later
- iOS: iOS devices (iPhone, iPad) running iOS 11 and later
BenguFarm MOBILE for GAME
- Android: Android devices running Android LolliPop (Android 5) and later
8: What EID Scanners are compatible with the BenguFarm Mobile for BEEF and SHEEP & GOATS app?
A: Mobile for Android was tested with the Tru-Test SRS2, XRS2, Agrident AWR300, APR250, APR500 and APR600 Bluetooth EID Scanners, though other Bluetooth scanners would most probably work as well. EID Scanners without Bluetooth connectivity will NOT work. Mobile for iOS only works with the Tru-Test SRS2, XRS2, Agrident AWR300 and APR600 scanners.9: Can BenguFarm be installed on more than one computer and, if so, are there additional costs involved?
A: BenguFarm can be installed on more than one computer at no additional cost.10: Can BenguFarm be used for more than one herd and, if so, are there additional costs involved?
A: More than one herd from a client (e.g. stud and commercial herds) can be loaded on the programme at no additional cost.11: Can BenguFarm be installed on a network and, if so, are there additional costs involved?
A: The BenguFarm database can be installed on a network server and accessed by more than one computer at no additional cost.
12: Does BenguFarm cater for the Logix (SA Stud Book) and the Intergis (ARC) systems?
A: Yes, BenguFarm does cater for the Logix and the Intergis system. When Stud Book or the ARC is selected as the service provider in BenguFarm, you can import data files provided by SA Stud Book/ARC to get started and all weights and other traits which Logix or the Intergis caters for. You can send births, weights, transfers and cancellations in the correct electronic format and you can import official performance test data, animal computer numbers, breeding values, etc.
13: Does BenguFarm cater for the Breedplan system?
A: Yes, BenguFarm does cater for the Breedplan system. When Breedplan is selected as the service provider in BenguFarm, you can import data files provided by your breeders’ society to get started and all weights and other traits which Breedplan caters for. You can send births, weights, transfers and cancellations in the correct electronic format and you can import Breedplan animal data and weights, animal computer numbers and breeding values.14: In which languages is BenguFarm available?
A: BenguFarm is available in Afrikaans, English, Portuguese and Spanish language options. The preferred language can be changed at any time by the user.15: Is there a Help function available in BenguFarm?
A: Yes, a very easy to use help function is available on most of the screens. Click on the "? Help" button in the top right-hand corner and follow the step-by-step instructions.16: How can updates be obtained and are there additional costs involved?
A: Updates are placed on the BenguFarm website (see DOWNLOADS in the main menu above). BenguFarm users are notified by e-mail as soon as a new update has been released. The update can then be downloaded from the website or by using the File > Update from Web function from within BenguFarm.17: Does the latest update include all previous updates?
A: Yes, the latest update includes all previous updates. Therefore, it is no problem if you have skipped an update.18: Can BenguFarm be used for both commercial and stud herds?
A: Yes, the same BenguFarm programme can be used for both commercial and stud herds. Most of the functions in BenguFarm (e.g. linking of animals to management groups, matings & AI, pregnancy tests, calvings/lambings, weighings, performance testing, illnesses, injuries, treatments, purchases, sales, culls, mortalities, stock registers and rainfall) apply to all animals irrespective of if they are stud or commercial animals. Only a small number of functions in BenguFarm, which are directly linked to registration (e.g. inspections and linear classification), performance testing of stud animals (e.g. feed intake, body measurements and ultrasonic measurements of carcass traits) and functions for electronic data sending to and importation from SA Stud Book, BreedPlan and the ARC, will in general be used only by stud breeders.BenguFarm provides for customised menu and screen layout settings in order to display only those functions and fields that he/she will use. Through these settings, the commercial breeder can hide functions and fields that he will not use. These settings can be changed at any time if the need arises.
19: Can BenguFarm be used for a feedlot operation?
Yes. BenguFarm has a Feedlot Manager feature that makes provision for capturing, processing and reporting of all the data that a feedlot operator would be interested in. With this all-in-one screen, pen groups can be created and animals linked to pen groups. Quantities and cost of feed put out per pen can be captured. Individual animal records can be captured for purchase information, vaccinations, illnesses and treatments, weights and sale/slaughter data. Management costs, interest on capital and processing costs can also be recorded. Sale/slaughter data include animal weight, carcass weight, carcass grade, dressing percentage, price per kg, total income per animal, buyer, etc. Per animal calculations are done for weight gain, last two ADGs, costs, income and net profit. Pen group summaries are done for total feed quantities, average feed conversion ratio, average ADG, total costs, income and net profit.20: Is it possible to connect an electronic tag reader to a laptop or PC and import the electronic tag number straight into BenguFarm?
A: BenguFarm only makes provision to directly import data from the Agrident APR500, APR600 and AWR300 electronic ID readers supplied by RFID Experts. If you have another type of electronic ID reader, you only have to type in the electronic tag number into BenguFarm once, namely when the tag is attached to or implanted into the animal. From then on, you can import weights directly from the electronic scale into BenguFarm by linking the animal on the scale to an animal in BenguFarm, with the electronic tag number as read by the scale. Please note that animals can also be linked by using the animal IDnr (visual eartag) or animal scale number fields in BenguFarm.21: Can income and expenditures be recorded in BenguFarm?
A: Yes, income (e.g. animal sales and wool sales) and all type of expenditures can be recorded in BenguFarm. Expenditures like pregnancy tests, vaccinations and treatments can be recorded per animal. Expenditures like lick and feed can be recorded per camp. Expenditures like labour and fuel can be recorded as general expenditures.22: What is the license fee and what is your policy regarding future increases?
A: The first year’s license fee is included in the purchase price. Thereafter the license fee is R1040 per year. The license fee covers renewal of user access, all updates of the programme and free user-support within reason for the next 12 months. Any increase in the license fee will be limited to the general inflation rate in SA.23: What software package was used to develop BenguFarm and what database is used?
A: The software package used to develop BenguFarm is Microsoft Visual Studio .Net 2008 with Visual Basic .NET (Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5) as language. The database is a Microsoft JET 4.0 (MSAccess) database.24: Is a test version of BenguFarm obtainable for prospective buyers?
A: Yes, BenguFarm can be ordered for testing purposes by prospective buyers at a cost of R150-00 (VAT included). Such a programme is registered for an evaluation period of 30 days. To obtain a test version, please complete an order form (see Order Forms in the main menu) and write "Test" next to the price field. Make the payment of R150 and send us the order form and proof of payment. Please note that the R150 is non-refundable.25: How can I get the data of an animal(s) onto BenguFarm?
A: There are basically eight ways to get the data of an animal(s) onto BenguFarm:Enter the available data by hand on the PC program, using the user-friendly Add Animals Wizard.
Enter the available data on the BenguFarm Mobile app and sync it to the PC program.
Stud breeders can download the data from Logix or Intergis (where applicable) via the Logix or Intergis website and import the data OR request your breeders’ society to send you the applicable Breedplan files and import the data.
If you have bought the animal(s) from a fellow BenguFarm user, get the BenguFarm Animal Transfer File from the seller and import the data.
Import the data from another beef management computer programme.
Import data from an Excel file after it has been saved in csv format.
Import the data from the Agrident APR500, APR600 or AWR300 electronic ID reader supplied by RFID Experts.
Import data from the Tru-Test XR5000 scale.
26: Can I send birth notifications, performance test data (weights, etc.), transfers, cancellations, etc. electronically to SA Stud Book/my breeders’ society and/or the ARC?
A: Yes, with BenguFarm you can create electronic files in the required format for mating and AI data, birth notifications, performance test data (weights, etc.), transfers, cancellations, etc. These electronic data files can be send by e-mail to the applicable institution or with Logix Direct directly via the Internet to SA Studbook. You can also import computer numbers, official performance test data, breeding values, etc. from the electronic files sent to you by e-mail by the applicable institution or with Logix Direct directly via the Internet from SA Studbook.
27: Can I send birth notifications, performance test data (weights and other data), etc. electronically to breeders’ societies that make use of Breedplan as service provider? Can I import Breedplan breeding values into BenguFarm?
A: Yes, with BenguFarm you can create electronic files in the required format for mating and AI data, birth notifications, performance test data (weights, etc.), transfers, cancellations, etc. These electronic data files can be send by e-mail to the applicable institution. You can also import computer numbers and breeding values from the electronic files sent to you by e-mail by the applicable institution.
28: Can I create a DNA services request form (e.g. for parentage verification) in BenguFarm and send it to the applicable DNA lab?
A: Yes, you can create DNA services request forms in BenguFarm for the applicable DNA lab, print it and send it with the DNA samples to the lab. BenguFarm currently make provision for the Unistel, ZooOmics, ARC, Molzoo (Univ of Jhb.), NRF/NZG and Onderstepoort DNA labs. You can also print labels for the samples to be send.
29: Can I import weights from an electronic cattle scale into BenguFarm?
A: Yes, BenguFarm makes provision for the importation of weights, etc. from all electronic scales which have the feature whereby you can save the animals’ ID numbers and weights on the scale indicator and create an export file of recorded weights, etc. This file can then be imported into BenguFarm. Weights and certain other data recorded on the Tru-Test XR5000 scale can be imported directly into BenguFarm.
30: From which electronic scales can I import weights into BenguFarm?
A: At present BenguFarm makes provision for the default file layouts of the Rudd 600, Rudd 700, Tru-Test Link 3000 and LMI LS2000 scales. However, for those scales where the default file layout has not been pre-set up in BenguFarm, a function is available whereby you can easily set up the layout yourself. This makes it possible to import data from any electronic scale from which you can create an export file in CSV or Tab Delimited formats. A comprehensive integration function is also available for Tru-Test XR5000 scales. Through this function, the XR5000 scale fields can be updated, BenguFarm fields linked to scale fields, , animals uploaded to the scale and data imported from the scale. Full integration with EID use is implemented with this function.
31: Can I save photos of animals and display it in BenguFarm?
A: Yes, you can import photos (as many as you like per animal) and display it with the animal data in BenguFarm. Photos can be selected to be included in certain reports.
32: Can I save documents and videos of animals and display it in BenguFarm?
A: Yes, you can import documents and videos (as many as you like per animal) and display it with the animal data in BenguFarm.
33: Can I create my own groups of animals (e.g. camp groups) in BenguFarm?
A: Yes, you can create your own animal groups (e.g. calving/lambing season groups, camps groups, management groups, sale/cull groups, etc.) in BenguFarm. Groups of the various categories are independent from each other. An animal can, for example, be linked to a calving season group, camp group and a sale/cull group). Animals can easily be moved from one camp or other group to another.
34: Can I create my own reports in BenguFarm?
A: Yes, apart from the many standard reports available in BenguFarm, there is also a function whereby you can create your own reports. The layout and/or the group of animals included in the report can be saved for future use.
35: Can I print recording lists for recording data at the crush, scale or in the field?
A: Yes, BenguFarm makes provision for printing recording lists for recording matings, pregnancies, calvings/lambings, weights, vaccinations, procedures, measurements, inspection, etc. for easy recording of data in the crush or in the field. From these completed recording lists, the data can be captured in BenguFarm. The easier option is of cause to capture all data on the BenguFarm Mobile app on a smart phone or tablet and afterwards sync it with the BenguFarm data on the computer/laptop.
36: Can reports in BenguFarm be exported?
A: Yes, all reports available in BenguFarm can be exported to MS Word, MS Excel, Rich Text, PDF or HTML format.
37: Can a management calander be set up with reminders of important tasks te be done?
A: Yes, BenguFarm has an internal integrated diary and management calendar that you can set up according to your specific needs. Management tasks requiring attention is displayed in the diary to make it easier for you to remember important tasks.
38: Is after sales support readily available?
A: Yes, user support is one of our four focus areas and we proud ourselves of excellent user support. When you purchase BenguFarm, you are assigned to an agent. The agent will help you with installation, setting up the software, importing of data and other support where needed. The annual license fee covers free user-support. Formal training (e.g. attending a training course) is however not included in the free support.
39: Is training to operate the software readily available?
A: Yes, training courses are held on a regular basis country wide in SA and in other countries like Namibia and Zambia. Individual on-farm or on-line training can also be arranged – see the Training section for more info on training options. By the way, the most common feedback from people who attended courses is that the program is much easier to use and offer much more than that they initially expected.