By Agroempresario.com
FieldData, an Argentina-based startup, is revolutionizing ranch management by providing ranchers with a simple, AI-powered data collection tool via WhatsApp. The platform aims to enhance operational efficiency, enable sustainable practices, and improve decision-making in cattle ranching.
The innovation comes at a critical time when the agricultural sector faces growing pressure to meet global food demands while adopting more environmentally responsible methods. With an increasing focus on holistic grazing and regenerative agriculture, FieldData has found a way to bridge traditional ranching practices with cutting-edge technology.
FieldData’s core innovation lies in its integration with WhatsApp, allowing ranchers to input data effortlessly through voice or text messages. The system automatically processes this information, storing it on a user-friendly platform that ranchers can access for analysis.
“For example, a rancher might send a message saying, ‘We moved 20 cows from Field A to Field B,’” explains Marcus Stromeyer, co-founder of FieldData. “Our AI processes that input, records the data, and provides a confirmation message. The entire system is designed to be intuitive and accessible for ranch hands who may not use complex software.”
The service also enables ranchers to query their data, such as asking how long cattle have been in a specific field or checking rainfall patterns over time. This functionality makes it easier to implement rotational grazing and other sustainable practices.
Stromeyer highlights the main issue FieldData addresses: bottlenecks in data entry.
“The cowboys and ranch hands have all the insights, but they rarely have the time—or tools—to record it in spreadsheets,” he notes. “By automating this process, we help ranchers focus on what truly matters: managing their operations effectively and sustainably.”
The startup has already onboarded more than 400 ranches, with clients ranging from operations managing thousands of heads of cattle to those overseeing extensive hectares of land. Subscription costs are based on herd size, starting at $29.99 per month for up to 500 cattle.
FieldData is more than a data management tool—it’s a platform designed to encourage sustainable and holistic practices. By overlaying satellite imagery with data on cattle movements, ranchers can optimize grazing patterns to benefit both the environment and the bottom line.
“I’ve always loved cattle ranching but felt conflicted about its environmental impact,” says Stromeyer. “With FieldData, we’re showing ranchers that good practices can be profitable too. It’s a way to foster a better future for agriculture from within the industry.”
With a growing user base in Argentina, the US, Mexico, Uruguay, and Paraguay, FieldData recently launched an English-language version to target markets in Australia and New Zealand. The company also plans to explore opportunities beyond cattle ranching, potentially expanding to other agricultural sectors.
“One of our key decisions is whether to stay focused on cattle or expand into broader agricultural applications,” says Stromeyer. “But cattle ranching remains a niche where technology has often lagged behind, so there’s plenty of room for growth.”
FieldData’s approach has already proven successful, defying skeptics who doubted ranchers would pay for subscription-based software. “People often underestimate how sophisticated ranching has become,” Stromeyer adds. “Today, it’s about data-driven decisions, not just putting cows in a field.”
FieldData’s success lies in its simplicity and practicality. By leveraging a familiar platform like WhatsApp and combining it with AI, the startup empowers ranchers to improve efficiency and adopt sustainable practices seamlessly. As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, FieldData is positioning itself as a vital tool for modern ranch management.
For ranchers looking to optimize operations while embracing holistic practices, FieldData offers an accessible and effective solution.