Sheep Management Software: The Complete Guide for Australian Producers
Australia runs approximately 68 million sheep across diverse production systems — from fine wool Merinos to terminal sire prime lamb operations. Operations using dedicated management software report 15-25% improvements in lambing percentage tracking accuracy and significantly better compliance with breed society and market requirements according to industry surveys.
Whether you're running a Merino wool enterprise, a prime lamb operation, or a terminal sire stud, managing sheep in 2025 means managing data. Lots of it. From individual animal records to wool test results to lambing percentages — the operations that get this right consistently outperform those flying blind.
Enter sheep management software. But what should you actually look for? What features matter for Australian conditions? And how do you choose without getting overwhelmed?
This guide covers everything you need to know.
Who Needs Sheep Management Software?
Short answer: any sheep producer who wants to improve their operation based on data.
Stud breeders need it for:
- Pedigree management and genetic tracking
- EBV recording and analysis
- Sale catalogue generation
- Buyer relationship management
Commercial producers benefit from:
- Mob and paddock management
- Lambing and reproduction tracking
- Weight gain and growth monitoring
- Treatment and health records
Wool producers use it for:
- Fleece test recording and analysis
- Clip preparation and forecasting
- Quality tracking across seasons
- Shearing management
If you're managing more than a handful of sheep and want to make better decisions, software helps.
Core Features Every Sheep Producer Needs
1. Animal Identification and Records
The foundation of any system:
- Link records to NLIS tag numbers
- Track multiple ID types (visual, RFID, tattoo)
- Store complete individual histories
- Handle both individual and mob-level recording
2. Breeding and Reproduction
Whether natural joining or AI programs:
- Record mating dates and sires used
- Predict lambing dates
- Track scanning results
- Record lambing outcomes (singles, twins, deaths)
- Calculate lambing percentages automatically
3. Weight and Growth Tracking
- Record weights at multiple ages
- Calculate average daily gains
- Compare to targets and benchmarks
- Identify top performers and poor doers
4. Health Management
- Treatment recording with product details
- Withholding period calculations
- Vaccination schedules and reminders
- Condition scoring
5. Wool Recording (for wool breeds)
- Fleece test results (micron, yield, etc.)
- Clip weights and forecasting
- Quality tracking over time
- AWEX preparation support
6. Genetic Tools
- Pedigree tracking across generations
- EBV display and comparison
- Support for LAMBPLAN and MERINOSELECT data
- Breeding value indexes
Features That Separate Good from Great
Beyond the basics, the best sheep software offers:
Mobile Access
- Works on smartphone and tablet browsers
- Mobile-responsive interface
- Quick entry without lots of typing
- Photo upload capability
Reporting and Analytics
- Visual dashboards showing key metrics
- Customisable reports
- Trend analysis over seasons
- Export for accountants and advisors
Sale Tools
- Lot preparation and organisation
- Catalogue generation
- Digital sharing options
- Results tracking
Integration
- Data export for breed society submission
- EBV import and display
- Report export for external use
- Comprehensive data backup
Wool vs Meat: Different Needs
Wool-focused operations prioritise:
- Detailed fleece test recording
- Micron and yield tracking
- Clip preparation tools
- MERINOSELECT compatibility
Meat-focused operations prioritise:
- Growth rate tracking
- Carcase feedback recording
- Terminal sire EBVs
- LAMBPLAN compatibility
Dual-purpose operations need it all – which is why choosing flexible software matters.
Breed-Specific Considerations
Different breeds have different data needs:
Merinos: Wool quality metrics are paramount. Look for comprehensive fleece recording and support for MERINOSELECT data.
Poll Dorsets & White Suffolks: Terminal sire traits dominate. Carcase EBVs and growth data matter most.
Dorpers: Shedding scores and easy-care traits. Meat production focus without wool complications.
Composites: Multi-breed tracking. Need flexibility to record whatever traits you're selecting for.
Practical Tips for Choosing Software
Start with your pain points
What takes too long or causes problems now? Choose software that solves those issues first.
Don't overbuy
A massive enterprise system is overkill for 500 ewes. Match the tool to your operation size.
Prioritise ease of use
The best features mean nothing if the software is so complicated nobody uses it.
Check Australian suitability
International software often lacks understanding of NLIS, breed societies, and local conditions.
Trial before you buy
Most good platforms offer free trials. Actually use it with your real data before committing.
Consider your team
Will everyone who needs to enter data actually use it? Get their input.
Implementation: What to Expect
Getting started (1-2 weeks):
- Account setup and configuration
- Initial training
- System customisation
Data migration (2-4 weeks):
- Import existing records
- Verify data accuracy
- Fill gaps where needed
Adoption (ongoing):
- Build daily habits
- Explore features progressively
- Refine to suit your workflow
Most producers are comfortable within 4-6 weeks.
Pricing Overview
Sheep management software typically costs:
- Basic: $50-100/month for simple tracking
- Standard: $100-200/month for full features
- Premium: $200-400/month for large operations and advanced tools
Annual billing usually saves 15-20%. Most platforms scale pricing by animal numbers.
Warning Signs
Avoid software that:
- Hasn't been updated in the last year
- Has no Australian sheep users
- Can't demonstrate the features you need
- Makes data export difficult
- Has no mobile option
- Lacks responsive support
The Bottom Line
Good sheep management software doesn't just store data – it helps you make better decisions. Better breeding choices. Better health management. Better sale preparation. Better business outcomes.
The key is choosing a platform that fits your specific operation, is easy enough that you'll actually use it, and provides genuine insights from your data.
Take your time choosing. The right software will serve your operation for years.
Looking for sheep management software that actually works?
Frisbee is built for Australian sheep producers – from Merino studs to prime lamb operations. Wool tracking, breeding management, and professional sale tools, all in one platform.
Related reading:
- Managing Multi-Breed Sheep Operations: One System for All Your Flocks
- How to Market Your Sheep Stud in 2026: A Digital Guide