One of the best, not-so-well-kept secrets of today’s successful dairy farms is this: Dive into the data. With technology influencing nearly every aspect of modern operations, managing data on a dairy is crucial for optimizing production efficiency, ensuring animal health and boosting overall farm profitability. But, just like the old saying goes, you can’t manage what you don’t measure.
According to Adam Griffin, Proposition Manager for Digital Farming at Lely North America, mastering the intricacies of data management has become a vital role in today’s operations. By effectively managing data, farmers can make better-informed decisions, track performance metrics and identify areas for improvement. He provides the following tips when it comes to managing metrics on the farm:
1. Do Your Homework – “One of the first things a farmer should do before investing in technology is taking the time to do their homework,” Griffin says. “This involves understanding the pros and cons of different systems, consulting with other producers who have already integrated similar technologies, and working with consultants to determine which systems will be the best fit for their specific needs.”
2. Have Good Wi-Fi – While not every piece of technology used on the farm requires Wi-Fi, having a strong internet connection is crucial for effective data management.
“Many of today’s systems either store or operate in the cloud. This means you and your key stakeholders need reliable internet access to retrieve that information. Additionally, there are a number of farm solutions that utilize mobile apps to work around the farm operation that benefit from strong Wi-Fi/Cellular coverage” Griffin says. “Although internet access has improved in rural communities, it remains limited. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure your internet provider can deliver the connection you need.”
3. Keep Up with the Updates – Technology is great when it works, but incredibly frustrating when it doesn’t. One way to ensure systems are working efficiently and effectively is to stay current on system updates.
“It’s incredibly important to stay on top of these updates,” Griffin emphasizes. “Think of it like a tractor or skid loader – it has to be maintained regularly in order for it to work optimally. Same with these systems. If you miss an update or two, it doesn’t take long for it to create a weak link. And when these weak links break, they can cause a lot of downtime and headaches not only for the farmer, but for the consultants as well. Treat these systems as any other piece of farm equipment and make sure they are maintained regularly.”
4. Backup Your Storage - “One of the biggest musts when it comes to managing data is making sure your information is backed up,” Griffin says. “You never know when a piece of technology is going to shut down on you, so it’s important to have that information backed up so you can access it later on.”
Griffin recommends storing information in a cloud-based system whenever possible and collaborating with your system provider to ensure proper data storage.
“With the volume of today’s farm data and the value of that information- storage is not something to take lightly anymore,” he adds.
5. Keep Data Secure – “Just like backups, data security is becoming increasingly important,” Griffin says. “We’re living in a connected world where everything is available online.. And while that can make things more convenient, it also opens the door to new risks.”
With the value of farm information increasing and more operations capitalizing on automation, Griffin says the need for high-level data security is growing.
“Make sure your information is in the right hands,” he adds. “Keep passwords private, only allow authorized people access to on-farm computers, collaborate closely with your system providers and consider investing in additional software for enhanced security measures.”
For more Facility Focus stories, read:
- Facility Focus: Five Strategies to Reduce Calf Heat Stress
- Facility Focus: Could Automated Sort Gates be Your Next Employee?
- Facility Focus: Is Your Farm Equipped to Raise Beef-on-Dairy?
- Facility Focus: Don’t Slip Up on Floor Resurfacing
- Facility Focus: Are Alley Scrapers Right for Your Dairy?
