In a time filled with new ways to look at data, it’s easy to fall into a space of data overload. On dairy farms, there are several data management software programs to choose from, with multiple ways to look at hundreds of metrics on your farm.

Even with dramatic increases in productivity in the past 50 years, every dairy farm still has opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability. One way to do this is to harness and make sense of your farm’s data. Many dairies already collect much of this data, but never use it to the extent it could be used.

Give me just one number. That’s what we all want, right? One simple number to focus on and improve our chances of reaching our goal. While this common mantra has merit, it is truly a double-edged sword.

The cost to raise a heifer from birth to freshening is hard to calculate. You don’t actually write a check for every replacement heifer expense.

“What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.” I often lean on this Ralph Marston quote when working with dairy farmers.  As a calf and heifer specialist, I firmly believe each day is a new opportunity to make a difference and help calves maximize lifetime performance by improving their nutrition and care. From a calf’s first breath to her introduction into the milking string, my job is to help dairy farmers raise strong, healthy animals that increase profits—all by simply doing the little things right.

Typically found in manufacturing businesses, Lean principles became popular in the 1990s when Toyota streamlined automobile production processes.

It’s been more than 30 years since Stephen Covey wrote and published his best-selling book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People; however, the information he covered continues to be relevant.

The dairy industry has changed, and we’re changing with it.