Spreadsheet Import Guide
The fastest way to get started in CattleMax is to import your herd from a spreadsheet. If you already have records in Excel or another spreadsheet program, you can add multiple animals at once instead of entering them individually.
This guide will walk you through preparing your spreadsheet and importing your inventory into CattleMax.
Before You Import
- CSV File Format: Your spreadsheet must be saved as a .csv file. If your file is currently an .xls or .xlsx file, open it in Excel and select Save As > CSV (Comma Separated Values).
- Column Headings: Column headings are required and should appear only in the first row of the spreadsheet.
- Required Fields: Some fields are required when importing records. These can be provided as columns in your spreadsheet or entered using the Bulk Fill options during the import process.
- Dropdown List Fields: Entries such as breed, pasture, or other list-based fields must match the available options in your CattleMax account.
Below are step-by-step instructions for using the Spreadsheet Import Feature. In addition, scroll to the bottom to find a complete list of available templates. Simply download the template and fill it in.
Note: The first tab of each spreadsheet template has additional instructions.
Getting Started
Start by going to the Cattle screen and clicking the green “Import Data” button in the top right corner > Import from Spreadsheet.
Select from the dropdown menu what you would like to import and attach the file.
Note: file must be in CSV format.
Once you have clicked “Upload”, the following screen will ask you to match column headers from the Spreadsheet to CattleMax. Example below:
You’re almost done! 🎉 Click the green “Continue to Validation” button in the bottom right. This screen will let you know if any errors were present. The final step is to click the “Import Spreadsheet Now” button!
💡CattleMax Team Tip: A few common errors we see include incorrect date format (must be (YYYY-MM-DD), special characters within the spreadsheet, and missing required information. Below, along with the templates, you will find the necessary information for each record area.
Cattle Record Areas and Templates
*Please note Ear Tag is listed, but if your primary form of ID is something besides Ear Tag (PH Number, Reg Num, Electronic ID, Name, etc.), that will be the required field
- Animals
- Required fields - Ear Tag, Birth Date (YYYY-MM-DD), Status (active, sold, dead, or reference), Animal Type (bull, calf, cow), Sex (heifer, bull, steer)
- Electronic IDs
- Required fields - Ear Tag (or primary ID exactly how it is listed in CattleMax) and Electronic ID
- Measurements (weights, heights, BCS, etc.)
- Required field - Ear Tag, Measure Date (YYYY-MM-DD), Category (gain, weaning, yearling, birth), and if you are referencing a past weight to calculate ADG, you will need Reference Notes (last weight, weaning weight, etc.)
- Breedings
- Required fields - Ear Tag, Breeding Method (NS, AI, ET), Breeding Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
- Please Note: When adding ET breedings, please make sure Reference Animals are in CM before importing, as they won't be added from import.
- Pregnancy Checks
- Required fields - Ear Tag, Check Date (YYYY-MM-DD), Result (Pregnant, Open, Recheck)
- Heats
- Required fields - Ear Tag, Heat Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
- Semen
- Required fields - Ear Tag
- Flushes
- Required fields - Ear Tag, Flush Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
- Please Note: When adding Flushes, please make sure Reference Animals are in CM before importing, as they won't be added from import
- Embryos
- Required fields - Ear Tag, Collection Date (YYYY-MM-DD), Status (Available, Used, Sold, Unavailable)
- Please Note: When adding Embryos, please make sure Reference Animals (Donor/Sire) are in CM before importing, as they won't be added from import
- Treatments
- Required fields - Ear Tag, Treatment Date (YYYY-MM-DD), Medication
- Breeding Soundness Exams
- Required fields - Ear Tag, Exam Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
- Reproductive Scores
- Required fields - Ear Tag, Pelvic Measure Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
- Carcass - Harvest
- Required fields - Ear Tag, Harvest Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
- Carcass - Ultrasound
- Required fields - Ear Tag, Ultrasound Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
- EPDs
- Required field - Ear Tag
- EBVs
- Required field - Ear Tag
- Animal Notes
- Required fields - Ear Tag, Note Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
- Showings
- Required fields - Ear Tag, Show Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
Other Record Areas (please use template links and send to howdy@cattlemax.com for import)
Need Help?
If you'd like help importing your data or have questions along the way, our team is here to help.
For personalized assistance, schedule a Success Session via Zoom. You'll meet one-on-one with a member of our rancher-based support team who can help review your spreadsheet, answer questions, and guide you through the import process.
Need a quick answer? Reach out by email, chat, or phone.