By Garland Dahlke
Sherry Hoyer
Beef producers who are interested in software that assists with balancing rations may check out the Iowa Beef Center’s ration balancing software. Associate scientist Garland Dahlke recently completed the update to the Beef Ration and Nutrition Decision Software, and said the new version is easier to use and has the most current information.
"This new version reflects the updated guidelines in the recently released Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle so people will have the best information," he said. "There’s just a small update fee for those who already have either the professional or standard edition."
Owners of the previous professional edition will pay $50 to update, and standard edition owners will pay $10 per module update. To learn more about the software, see all the available modules and view a sample report output, check out the BRaNDS page on the Iowa Beef Center website, http://www.iowabeefcenter.org/brands.html.
"The cost of the new professional edition is $525 for new users,” he said. “The complete standard edition will be sold to new customers for $260.”
Dahlke said users should note that the professional version now requires Microsoft Excel 2007 or later installed on a Windows-based computer to operate. The Standard Edition will operate on both Windows and Mac systems running Excel.
To help users better understand the programs and their capabilities, training sessions are being planned with the first scheduled for Aug. 1 at the Hansen Agricultural Student Learning Center in Ames. He said BRaNDS users should watch for more details on this session and future sessions from IBC.