Demonstration of an in-paddock cattle weighing system

Summary

This producer demonstration site (PDS) project demonstrated the use of in-paddock cattle weighing technology to improve productivity, efficiency and animal welfare in livestock operations on the South Coast of Western Australia. Traditional weighing methods require moving cattle to central yards, a process that is labor-intensive, time-consuming and can result in short-term   stress and time off feed and water.
To assess the potential of in-paddock weighing, an Optiweigh unit was used across six cattle enterprises, with each site evaluating the system under typical farming conditions. Producer surveys conducted before and after the demonstration captured perceptions of cost, labour efficiency, and management outcomes including the data captured and then analysed using a cost–benefit tool. 

Demonstration site data and results were used to validate the accuracy of the Optiweigh measurements against weights taken in yards, demonstrating the value of real-time weight monitoring for achieving target weights, optimising nutrition, whilst realising the advantage of having information available at your fingers tips to make early, informed decisions critical for a high production and profitable beef enterprise.

Results demonstrated clear advantages for participating producers, including reduced labour requirements, improved nutrition management, and fewer disruptions to animal growth due to reduced handling. Real-time weight monitoring enabled timely management decisions, helping cattle reach target market weights more consistently and efficiently and allowed for accurate on the spot weight information for communicating to stock agents and customers.

At an industry level, in-paddock weighing technology presents a practical opportunity to enhance productivity, reduce stress-related losses, and improve compliance with market specifications. Adoption of this technology can contribute to a more profitable, sustainable, and welfare-focused red meat industry.

Objectives

​​By October 2025, Stirlings to Coast Farmers (SCF) will have achieved the following outcomes in the Southern WA region: 

• ​Trialled an Optiweigh system on a minimum of six herds of beef cattle across six properties to achieve: 
  • ​70% of site hosts reduced the time, or labour typically spent on cattle weighing activities 
  • ​100% of site hosts were able to identify more timely variations in animal weight gains 
  • ​50% of site hosts use  the Optiweigh data to make a more informed  sale or herd management decision (i.e., nutrition) 

• ​Demonstrate the function of the Optiweigh system to an open audience of at least 30 producers across the life of the project (two producer field events 2023,2024).  

• ​Build producers skills in use and analysis of the Optiweight data to make better herd management decisions and target market weight specifications more accurately.   

• ​Produce at least three case studies and one video summarising the findings from site hosts and extend widely. 

• ​Conduct a cost-benefit analysis to demonstrate the value of adopting this technology. 

• ​Engaged 10 Core and 50 observer producers, with 
  • ​90% of core producers and 70% of observer producers having increased their knowledge of the Optiweigh system from this project 
  • ​80% increase in confidence among the core producer group in knowing the value of an Optiweigh (and data it produces) to their system and a 50% increase among observer producers  
  • ​80% of core and 50% of observer producers believe that in-paddock weighing equipment would benefit their livestock enterprise.​ 

Key findings

The value of the Optiweigh unit varied substantially between producers, largely influenced by labour savings, capital cost and lifespan of the unit, frequency of yarding, and opportunities to improve nutrition management. Using a whole‑farm optimisation model, the estimated annual benefit ranged from $400 to $7,500, depending on how the system was deployed, mob size, yarding requirements and number of units owned. Survey data from host producers showed clear labour efficiencies, reduced yarding events, and significant improvements in nutrition and animal management, particularly when the unit was aligned with enterprise weight targets. Sensitivity analysis indicated that lowering the capital cost or extending the working life materially improves profitability.

Adopting in‑paddock weighing delivered measurable value through reduced yarding time, labour savings, more accurate feeding decisions, earlier illness detection, and better compliance with market specifications. Producers also gained skills, confidence and motivation through peer‑learning at field days. Two practical deployment models were identified: leaving the unit with a mob for continuous monitoring, or rotating it around mobs for short‑term snapshots.

Key Points:

• Annual economic value ranged from $400–$7,500, driven by labour, capital cost, yarding frequency, and number of units required.
• In‑paddock weighing generated labour savings ($0.58/head/week) and reduced losses from underfeeding.
• Major benefits included fewer yardings, better nutrition and sale management, earlier illness detection, and improved animal welfare.
• Producers reported 100% improved labour efficiency and widespread positive impact on nutrition management.
• Profitability improves significantly if capital cost drops to ~$11,000 or working life extends to 20 years.

Benefits to industry

The ability to monitor cattle efficiently and manage them to consistently reach target weights not only improves animal welfare but also benefits the entire supply chain. Access to real-time weight data gives producers the knowledge needed to make better informed decisions, leading to greater productivity, profitability, and long-term sustainability for the livestock industry. Having accurate weight data for stock agents to plan sale dates and market opportunities allows the industry to be prepared and meet targets.

Reducing the duration of feed and water deprivation, in conjunction with minimising handling and environmental stressors by allowing cattle to remain within their paddocks rather than being moved over extended distances to yarding facilities, enhances animal welfare and physiological wellbeing. Lower stress levels are associated with calmer behavioural responses, improved productivity, and reduced risk of injury. Consequently, management practices that prioritise minimal disturbance contribute to both animal welfare outcomes and the overall sustainability and ethical integrity of the livestock industry.

MLA action

MLA continues to deliver the Producer Demonstration Site (PDS) program, supporting livestock producers working in peer-to-peer groups to pursue new skills, knowledge and management practices applicable to their own commercial livestock production systems.