Source: University of Wisconsin—Madison
A new program developed by University of Wisconsin-Extension and UW-Madison Dairy Science Department researchers is designed to increase farm net income by enhancing the reproductive performance of a producer’s cows. The program is currently available to Wisconsin producers only, but will eventually be opened to producers from other states as well.
Repro Money is team-based and farmer-directed with reproduction at the center of the program according to Connie Cordoba, UW-Extension reproductive management and outreach specialist. Producers receive the resources and tools needed to make better management decisions regarding the reproductive management of their farm.
She added, “The program helps producers focus on their individual farm goals. Those goals drive the actions taken by the producer’s farm team.”
On-farm teams are formed to focus specifically on issues related to increasing farm net income by enhancing the reproductive performance of cows. Farm owners decide who to have on their reproduction team.
Team members are selected by the farmer and can include UW-Extension agents, Artificial Insemination (AI) company consultants, AI technicians, veterinarians, nutritionists, key employees and others. Team members commit to meeting at least four times over the course of the program.
“Success comes from working with your team,” said Cordoba. “The viewpoints of each member provide the opportunity to focus on issues related to reproduction from many perspectives.”
At the beginning of the program, the team will assess their current practices, determine their priorities, and calculate the economic benefit of improving the herd’s reproductive performance and assign specific tasks for people to carry out.
With clearly defined goals and expectations, team members have a better understanding of the importance of improving reproductive performance and also their individual role and contribution to making that happen.
At subsequent meetings, the team members evaluate progress and make adjustments as needed.
Cordoba said, “Working together increases the potential for success. Each farm team is accountable to each other and to their project goals.”
The Repro Money program is free and any Wisconsin dairy farmer can participate. Members of the UW-Extension Reproductive Management Team include Victor Cabrera, Connie Cordoba, Paul Fricke, Pamela Ruegg, Randy Shaver and Kent Weigel.
For more information about Repro Money, visit http://fyi.uwex.edu/repromoney
