MORRISONS has become the first supermarket to launch a free app for cattle farmers aimed at simplifying livestock management.

Aimed primarily at beef producers, it is available on all Android devices to download free of charge and will also be available on Apple devices very soon.

The app includes a live link to the British Cattle Movement Service so all cattle data from multiple holdings can be viewed instantly at any time, even when the phone signal is poor.

The free technology also enables registering of cattle births, deaths and movements, as well as allowing farmers to arrange animals by pen or field.

The app also aims to simplify the process of ordering new and replacement ear tags with a live link to Caisley tags and extensive options for conventional, Electronic Identification (EID) and DNA tags, all at a discounted price.

Morrisons Agriculture Programme has worked with the NFU in the past to emphasise the need for new technology to improve communication between farmers, processors and retailers.

For suppliers to Morrisons Woodheads’ sites, the App can also automatically generate the Food Chain Information Declaration information that must be provided by all livestock keepers on the cattle they send for slaughter.

Morrisons will continue to develop the technology and add extra features to extend the app to lamb and pig producers.

Andrew Loftus, Morrisons agriculture manager, said: “We want to help ease the burden on farmers by ensuring better information is available at the touch of a button to aid them when making decisions about their businesses. The launch of the app builds on the website we’ve also created to provide suppliers of beef, pork and lamb with unrivalled and immediate feedback on their consignments.”

Meurig Raymond, NFU president, said: “Adopting technology like this is key to farming’s future and I’m delighted Morrisons is making sure it’s available to all beef producers.”