Editor’s note: The following is the first of two articles by the authors discussing precision farming techniques and their application on dairies today.

I have been an active practicing dairy veterinarian in Wisconsin for the past 45 years.

The dairy industry has been modernizing, for over 20 years, with new technology such as fans, stable cleaners, manure pumps, fluorescent lighting, milk-cooling equipment, compressors, transponders and alarm systems, etc.

Dairyman Jason Nunes’ office at his 1,000-cow dairy in Buhl, Idaho, contains a computer, record books, a calendar and other office supplies typically found in workspaces on dairy farms.

Managing a dairy herd is a complex, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year job.

When choosing lighting fixtures for dairies, producers should understand the differences between T-5, T-8 and LED bulbs and fixtures.

The ability to properly manage the electrical network in dairy facilities has become a very important issue as we introduce more electrical equipment to dairy operations.

Usually it isn’t too difficult to identify challenges in our industry; talk to just about anyone and the conversation will probably generate a list of woes.

The onset of stress is often an opportunity for infection and disease that can ultimately have significant health consequences.

It’s almost impossible to talk about heifer nutrition without focusing on rising input costs.