Gabe Chase Boosts Cattle Conception Rates 15% with SenseHub® Cow Calf

Gabe Chase improved herd performance and conception rates by adopting the SenseHub® Cow Calf cattle activity monitoring system, which provides 24/7 insights into cow activity and breeding readiness. This advanced cattle activity monitoring system helped streamline labor, enhance reproductive efficiency and strengthen herd management at Nelson Family Farms in Minnesota.

Key Results

Improved Cattle Conception Rates Through Advanced Cattle Monitoring

15% boost in AI conception rates, rising from a 65% average to 79.4% on  first service.
94% of females now pregnant with AI-sired calves after a second or third insemination and should calve in the preferred window.
Streamlined labor and more family time, thanks to fewer manual heat checks.
Less dependence on natural service reduced the needed herd bull battery.
Peace of mind knowing the herd is monitored around the clock.

Overview of Nelson Family Farms, a Minnesota  Cow-Calf Operation

Located in Mabel, Minnesota, Nelson Family Farms is a family-owned operation dedicated to raising high-quality Simmental and Angus genetics. As part-owner and manager, Gabe Chase oversees the seedstock side of the business, managing the calving of 250 cows each spring.

“We’re a pretty diversified operation,” says Chase. “My father- and mother-in-law Joe and Barb Nelson own two livestock commission barns nearby and my wife Kayla works there. My brother-in-law and his family, Matt and Jordan Nelson, own a feedlot. My focus is on the seedstock herd, and we offer bulls for sale private treaty and females through our annual sale. We also raise corn, alfalfa and a few soybeans, with the majority of our crop acres going to feed. It’s definitely a family operation.”

His family focus and desire to keep improving drives Chase to continually explore tools and technology that can streamline the operation and strengthen results.

The Challenge: Improve labor efficiency and reduce synchronization products

To continue advancing herd genetics, Chase primarily relies on artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET). Historically, the team followed a 7 & 7 CIDR synch protocol, which allowed them to maintain a tight breeding window. But the process was time-consuming, labor-intensive and required costly investment in synchronization products.

“Before SenseHub Cow Calf, we were pulling CIDRs on a Monday and heat detecting morning and night for the rest of the week,” says Chase. “AI breeding is crucial for us, but manually detecting heats twice a day, week after week, just wasn’t feasible with everything else happening on the farm.”

When a trusted long-time employee left the operation, the pressure intensified. With calving and fieldwork in full swing, managing breeding season without that extra set of hands felt daunting. Chase knew he needed a more efficient way to maintain his high standards in the upcoming breeding season.

The Solution: Integrating cattle monitoring technology

Chase had been following the evolution of monitoring technology for years. After seeing how dairy producers were using these systems, the potential for beef piqued his interest.

“After seeing the apps and talking with friends in dairy, I was amazed by the real-time information,” he says. “We’ve always embraced technology — using calving barn cameras and an app for ration mixing — so adopting activity monitoring just made sense.”

When Chase was first introduced to SenseHub® Cow Calf, the fit was clear. SenseHub Cow Calf was built specifically for beef producers and offered purchase options that made financial sense for the business.

“After reviewing the costs, I realized it basically replaced what we were spending each year on CIDRs and synchronization drugs,” explains Chase. “Even if conception rates didn’t improve, we would have broken even — but the benefits  were immediate.”

The Results

Improved cattle conception rates and labor efficiency in heat detection

Even without his experienced herdsman, Chase says the 2025 breeding season was the smoothest and most successful he’s ever had.

“After a week or two, we really wondered how we ever lived without SenseHub Cow Calf,” says Chase. “It’s like the first tractor we bought with auto-steer — once you have it, you can’t imagine going back.”

With SenseHub Cow Calf monitoring cows 24/7, Chase could identify heats, improve breeding timing and reduce reliance on synchronization products. The technology didn’t just save time — it helped improve results across the board.

Key results:

15% boost in AI conception rates, rising from a 65% average to 79.4% on first service.
94% of females now pregnant with AI-sired calves after a second or third insemination and will calve in the preferred window.
Streamlined labor and more family time, thanks to fewer manual heat checks.
Less dependence on natural service reduced the needed herd bull battery.
Peace of mind knowing the herd is monitored around the clock.

“Even if you had all the labor in the world, you couldn’t match the quality of data these tags give you,” says Chase. “They’re accurate to the minute and help time inseminations perfectly. It gives me peace of mind and time back with my family instead of driving out to heat check one more group of cows.”

The financial benefits were significant as well. With more AI conceptions and fewer clean-up bulls needed, Chase sold several bulls he otherwise would’ve kept, earning additional revenue for his operation.

Perhaps most importantly, Chase says SenseHub Cow Calf has helped secure the long-term genetic progress of his herd.

“When you settle that many more cows AI and get them calving earlier, the benefits compound year after year,” he says. “Your replacements are born earlier, your top heifers stay in the herd and your bulls become more marketable. Anyone using AI breeding should be using this system.”