Purchase With Purpose

One Mile at a Time: Life Lessons Learned in a Farm Truck

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 15:22:38 GMT

For a second, I wanted to close my eyes. Bouncing along the country roads of north-central Iowa with Mike Wenger took me back to riding with my grandpa when I was a kid. Our best conversations took place in his old farm truck.

I loved riding with grandpa when it was just the two of us. His truck smelled like cherry tobacco and was filled with the original fidget toys: wrenches, screws, fence testers and more. Of course, he also had candy in the seat protectors that he couldn’t resist sharing when I asked.

Those moments by his side opened the door to lessons I continue to take with me. A few came to mind recently:

1. It’s a good thing to put others first.
Riding around in his farm truck, I began to understand the important responsibility farmers take on to care for the land and livestock. Chores aren’t optional, and the livestock always come first. The selflessness my grandpa possessed helped me see the good things that can happen when you put others first — even if you can’t control all the other stuff.

2. Life is full of unexpected hardships — don’t give up.
Farming is hard. My grandpa passed away when I was 14. Though I really don’t understand firsthand what happened in the early 1980s, I remember hard days and difficult conversations that were too big for my ears. I have flashbacks of tears and sobs at the kitchen table. But oh, the farm truck. It was always there for grandpa to go take a drive in and figure out a new plan. He kept doing what he had to do in order to continue to farm.

3. Share your dreams with someone.
One of the things I loved most about riding in grandpa’s truck is telling him all about my dreams. It felt like a safe space to process my thoughts and ideas. There were no interruptions, and my quiet-natured grandpa could offer up his wisdom regarding my plans. He believed in me; and isn’t that the best gift someone can give you? I can still hear him telling me I had a good idea.

I don’t know why grandpa’s old brown Chevy truck came to mind when I jumped into Mike Wenger’s much nicer F-450 this past summer. But as I drove away from our interview, I was reminded about how much life gets lived in those trucks.

Wenger grew up riding around in a farm truck with his grandpa, too. It’s where he learned the value of hard work and sweat equity. It’s where he dreamed. It’s where he determined to create opportunities for his family.

Wenger’s story reminds me to work hard in life because it’s never too late to forge a new path. I admire his story of grit and redemption — of overcoming the mistakes of his past —to pursue his passion for the pork industry and helping farmers along the way.

Although our farm trucks might be equipped differently today, don’t miss the opportunity they present to connect with the people who mean the most to us in life. Maybe you have a rider to take along to do the chores or maybe it’s an opportunity to make a call to someone you love. Create the memories, have the conversations and find the good in the bumps ahead.

Read my 3-part series on Mike & Nick Wenger:
Grit and Redemption: How the Past Helps a Father and Son Build a Future in Pork

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Embracing Innovation in Dairy Farming: The Visionary Journey of Bilow Farms

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:50:02 GMT

Dairy farms are continually seeking ways to enhance productivity and efficiency on their farms. This drive for improvement is particularly evident in the dairy sector, where embracing new technology plays a crucial role in advancing operations.

For the family-owned Bilow Farms LLC in Malone, N.Y., this meant making a conscious decision to upgrade their milking parlor, a move that highlights their commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Vision for the Future

Bilow Farms, which now milks 5,100 cows daily, set out with a goal in mind.

“One of the ways I’ve always done business is by having a goal. I asked my GEA rep for a picture of a rotary parlor; we enlarged it and hung it on my office wall so I could study it and make it out goal to build,” says Vincent Bilow, co-owner of Bilow Farms, along with his wife, Trudy; their son, Andrew; and daughter, Jessica Kelley.

The photo allowed owners and employees of Bilow Farms to envision their future. The goal behind a new parlor would lower their carbon footprint, as well as become more cow-friendly and labor efficient.

With that came the decision to build a green site facility that included a new milking center along with two 2,000-cow freestall barns; in July 2023, their vision became reality with the first turn of the farm’s 100-stall GEA DairyRotor T8900 parlor.

“When looking at parlors we visited several farms that had rotary parlors and did research,” Kelley shares. “We not only visited locally but also farms in Wisconsin to prepare for the size and brand of parlor to purchase.”

Bilow Farms has certainly come a long way from milking in a tie-stall barn. In 1999, it added a double-12 parlor and milked 2,150 cows.

Bilow shares that they chose to build a rotary to eliminate cows walking a long distance to get to the parlor.

“Cows seem to be more content on a rotary,” he says. “They seem to enjoy it and it’s a better experience for them.”

Kelley adds that since transitioning to the rotary, their cows are a lot calmer.

“They are also more relaxed when they come off the wheel. Milk production has gone up 10 to 12 pounds per day and our somatic cell is down significantly,” Kelley says. “We have also found we have feet and leg issues have improved with the cows since we are milking more cows per hour, and they are spending less time in the holding area.”

Forward-Looking Partnership

After touring other rotaries and talking with other producers, the family liked the ease and efficiency of GEA rotary. But ultimately installing a rotary parlor helped conquer their biggest challenge: labor.

“Our old parlor was very labor-inefficient,” Bilow says. “With this new parlor, our goal it to have three people in it. We’ve added the FutureCow Prep System, which we believe will greatly increase efficiency. We have also added the Udder Mister automated teat dip spray arm on the back end of the parlor.”

Bilow shares that their employees have adjusted to the new parlor well and seemed less stressed because they don’t have to push the cows to get into the parlor.

Goals are what drives Bilow Farms — and the family share their set goals:

4.5 seconds per cow unit attachment.
Milk 750 cows per hour.
25,000 lbs. to 28,000 lbs. of milk per hour.

Currently, Bilow Farms produces six tanker loads of milk a day. The family shares that they have a strong GEA dealer nearby, and their long-standing relationship with the company is something they value.

“They worked with my dad dating back to the Surge days. He put in the first pipeline in our area in 1966. When we built our previous parlor in 1999, we used a GEA dealer, and I wanted to stick with the brand,” Bilow says.

When it came to making the purchase, longevity played a factor. Bilow wanted the parlor to last for this generation and the next.

“This farm should be efficient for 20-plus years,” he says. “One of our goals is for our employees to have more time with their families. This parlor will allow them to work less.”

Bilow says if he had to describe his new parlor in one word it would be magnificent. The next purchase for this family farm is to build a dairy cow and pre-fresh barn.

“We are currently trucking all of the dry and fresh cows to the original freestall barn,” Kelley shares.

Incorporating innovative technologies, the Bilow family’s journey exemplifies how dairy farming can evolve to meet modern challenges while honoring traditional agricultural values. Through careful planning and execution, they not only boost productivity but also enhance the quality of life on their farm, setting a high standard for efficiency and innovation in the dairy industry.

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FBN Spins Out Its Crop Protection Business, Focuses on Marketplace and Technology

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:03:20 GMT

Last week, just a few hours after Corteva announced its spin out dividing seeds from crop protection, Farmers Business Network (FBN) announced it is separating its businesses. Moving forward FBN will focus on its digital marketplace for farmers, and the newly launched Global Crop Solutions will be an independent supplier of crop protection products.

FBN leaders say the timing is coincidental. Their motive for the timing was brought about by the new fiscal year. But they offer both of the announcements together could be a sign of a trend of vertical integration getting unwound in the name of efficiency and focus.

“We’re doubling down, allotting capital on digital innovation for FBN’s future,” says Diego Casanello, CEO of FBN. “FBN’s core business is a digital commerce and fintech platform. We want farmers to be able to buy, finance, and market everything they need while sitting in their combines. These are technology challenges, so the core competence you need to be successful at FBN is different from managing the supply chain of the crop protection business.”

In the past 14 months, FBN has been refocusing its business. First, it spun off its insurance business, then its Gradable business into a joint-venture with ADM. Now with its crop protection business spin out, Casanello says the FBN marketplace will feature GCS products, such as Willowood USA branded products, via a strategic partnership, and GCS products will explore distribution beyond the FBN marketplace.

“The big unlock for GCS is the opportunity to serve the entire retail and co-op industry,” Casanello says. “It frees GCS of any channel conflicts and hits the ground running with one of the largest portfolios of products in the industry. And it frees FBN from similar constraints as we move to an open marketplace architecture. We are onboarding new sellers and their portfolios every week. We provide them the tools to manage pricing, marketing, and placement. FBN is open for business and we’ve had significant interest from additional partners before and after the announcement.”

FBN’s Marketplace Strategy

Currently, FBN says it has 120,000 farmer members in the U.S. and Canada. The business provides a marketplace with farm inputs and supplies, financial services and data-driven intelligence.

FBN co-founder Charles Baron says the FBN marketplace has expanded its product range to include crop protection, seed (with additional partner news coming soon), fertilizer, livestock products, veterinary pharmaceuticals, farm supplies and more.

“To farmers, there’s no change in their experience. And over time, we’ll bring an even broader assortment of goods,” Baron says. “You’ll be seeing announcements from us every two weeks or so about the suppliers coming on the platform. It’s one of the most exciting times in our history.”

The leaders say farmer use of e-commerce has increased every year since they launched, and in 2025 FBN served a record number of customers. “Farmers are really focusing on value right now and maximizing every dollar,” said Baron. And per their analytics roughly 35% of U.S. farmers visit FBN.com to browse inputs, apply for financing, or look for information.

The Future of GCS

As a newly formed independent crop protection supplier, GCS has a portfolio of 250 registrations on post-patent products. The company will specialize in sourcing, managing first mile logistics, developing new products and regulatory aspects.

To lead the business and its team, Amy Yoder, most recently EVP of FBN’s livestock division, is incoming CEO.

“Global Crop Solutions launches today as an independent powerhouse,” said Yoder, in a press release. “For the first time, our extensive portfolio and efficient global supply chain are fully available to all partners— from retailers, to distributors, to co-ops. Our independence unlocks immense growth potential and allows us to be the most reliable and collaborative partner to the entire agricultural industry.”

A Robotic Revolution in Dairy Farming: Ned-Tex Dairy's Journey

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 12:23:59 GMT

Producers are constantly on the lookout for opportunities to enhance productivity and efficiency. Implementing new technologies in dairy farming requires a careful and thoughtful approach. The decision to upgrade a parlor is not made lightly. Here’s a peek into one operation’s journey toward increased dairy productivity and what was learned along the way.

A Robotic Leap Forward
Head south to Stephenville, Texas, and Roeland Stoker of Ned-Tex Dairy says they got to a point where they felt they had maxed out efficiency with their previous double 15-parallel barn.

“Our initial goals were to expand our herd without having to increase labor and to utilize the space we currently had,” he says.

(Ned-Tex Dairy)

They retrofitted their operation in June 2021 to incorporate 12 Lely Astronaut A5 robotic milking systems. Two years later they added three more to complete their barn.

“We were very interested in utilizing milking robots for large herds in Texas. We would have to hire more staff dedicated to milking if we were to expand our herd, which is getting harder and harder to find good people to effectively milk cows,” Stoker says. “The robot never calls in sick or oversleeps for their shift. Each cow goes through the same SOP for milk prep, harvesting and post treatment 24/7 365.”

Being immigrants from the Netherlands, Stoker’s parents, Roel and Deanne, were very familiar with the Lely brand.

“One of our local dairy service providers Thomson Services became a dealer for Lely and installed robots in two different dairies before installing ours,” he says.

(Ned-Tex Dairy)

Benefits of Robotic Milking Systems
In return, Stoker says they have increased milk production since installing robots.

“We have always been a high producing herd, but the robots help our cows achieve higher and more sustained peaks with the customized feed tables for each individual cow based on her milk production. With the NEDAP collars, we are able to more quickly identify heat cycles and health concerns, so shortening that response time is so valuable. Our conception and preg rates have steadily increased over the last four years,” he shares.

Stoker notes he handles most of the maintenance himself, sharing that his Lely dealer offers help for their monthly, quarterly and yearly maintenance.

“I try to do most of the work I can, so that I can better understand the equipment,” he says.

Tradition and Innovation
Ned-Tex Dairy currently still milks 100 cows in a conventional parlor.

“It has been beneficial to have both systems on site to help us be efficient and effective for our entire herd,” he says. “Some cows’ milk speed or udder profile are not ideal for robot milking, but they still are great cows for your herd. Also, some cows’ udder profile changes the later they are in their lactation.”

When it comes to the future, Ned-Tex Dairy plans to expand their herd from within.

“With the reduced stress on our herd, we anticipate our replacement ratio to be offset an extra year over time,” Stoker shares. “Pairing that with our increased efficiency in reproduction, we can grow the ideal herd in size and genetics for our facility.”

Ned-Tex Dairy’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of technology in agriculture, paving the way for others to follow. Embracing innovation not only serves immediate productivity goals but sets a foundation for sustainable growth in the future.

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Enhanced Dairy Farm Efficiency: A Look at Jon-De Farms' Transition to Rotary Milking

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 11:35:34 GMT

In the ever-evolving world of dairy farming, producers are consistently looking for ways to amplify productivity and boost efficiency. Implementing new technologies in dairy farming requires a careful and thoughtful approach. For three forward-thinking producers, the decision to upgrade their parlors was not made lightly.

Drive for Efficiency
Jon-De Farms, located in Baldwin, Wis., embodies a forward-thinking approach to dairy production. In 2023, Jon-De Farms completed the construction of their DeLaval 60-stall rotary. Prior to this new development, the family milked 1,350 cows using two herringbone parlors – a double 10 and a double 16. The main reason for the upgrade was the need for greater efficiency.

“We felt like we weren’t milking enough cows given the inputs we had,” explains Mikayla McGee, the general manager of Jon-De Farms. Since their second parlor was built in 2000, she shares their labor costs have increased significantly.

“It’s hard to manage that many people and direct operations across two parlors,” she says. Both her and her father, Todd Doornink, had always envisioned a rotary as part of their strategic plan, dismissing the idea of robots due to the required scale of their farm.

Making the Choice
The family visited various rotary setups in Wisconsin before making their decision. While equipment and technology were not the deciding factors, McGee says service and parts availability played crucial roles. Ultimately, they chose DeLaval, which was conveniently located nearby.

Two-years post-installation, the family is pleased with their choice, particularly after increasing from a 40-stall to a 60-stall rotary for added flexibility.

“Having that extra downtime just makes our schedules easier,” McGee says.

One major goal of installing the rotary was to reduce the number of employees required on the farm. Although the impact was not as dramatic as anticipated, the number of working hours decreased, contributing to a better work-life balance. The technology was user-friendly, although McGee says the addition of the DeLaval TSR post dip sprayer was the biggest adjustment.
The new setup also improved herd health management. Previously, their vet spent long hours traveling between two barns.

“Our vet used to get here about five in the morning, and we wouldn’t get done until about two o’clock, and he’d kind of go back and forth between the two barns,” she recalls.

Now, they just catch cows off the rotary through the DeLaval sort gates to handle any herd health issues.

Milking now takes five hours, allowing employees to learn other responsibilities.

“Everyone is kind of cross-trained now, which really helps with worker satisfaction,” McGee notes, adding they have achieved their goal of becoming an employer of choice.

While examining return on investment for various purchases differently, building the new parlor was a clear necessity for Jon-De once they realized the inefficiencies of maintaining two separate parlors.

“Just the underlying efficiency that we gained right away out of the gates was amazing,” she says. “We saved a lot in one year just from reduced labor spending.”

With labor costs reduced for John-Dee, their new focus now shifts to feed costs. Previously outsourced, cropping work is now handled in-house with McGee’s husband, Matt, taking charge.

“Labor and feed are the two biggest costs,” she explains. “We feel we’ve tackled labor with the rotary, and now we’re honing in on feed costs.”

Jon-De Farms’ strategic move to a rotary milking parlor illustrates how thoughtful technology integration can drive operational efficiencies in dairy farming. Their experience serves as a testament to the profound impact that technological upgrades can have — enhancing productivity, enriching employee satisfaction and redefining cost management.

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A Comprehensive Guide to Maximizing Dairy Farm Investments

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 16:46:44 GMT

Investing in dairy improvements can evoke a mix of stress and excitement. Return on investment (ROI) is a key factor when choosing the best investments for the dairy.

ROI analyses compare the net profit from an investment to its cost. Though ROI is a useful tool when evaluating different options, other management and financial factors should also be considered.

Tighten Procedural Drift

Many investments, like facilities or technology, are meant to help solve a problem. However, if the care and attention to detail in daily operations are not optimal, the ROI may not be positive.

For example, investing in a new transition cow facility can offer significant benefits in increased cow comfort and reduced stress during calving. Before investing in the facility, farmers should ensure that employees understand and respond appropriately to cow problems. Training and understanding standard operating procedures will help maximize the value of the investment. No financial benefit is gained if practices are not followed correctly.

Invest in the Day-to-Day

Investments in management practices can require little to no capital and yield a high ROI. Feed costs are the highest direct costs for the dairy farm, while poor reproductive efficiency can be one of the most significant hidden costs. Making investments in these areas often boosts dairy profitability.

An efficient feeding program can significantly reduce costs for a dairy operation. Prioritizing the production of high-quality forage can offer some of the greatest savings. High-quality forages are more digestible, which boosts milk production and lowers the need for supplemental feeds. Reducing shrink during harvesting and storage can also save money by preventing feed loss.

Investing in reproductive efficiency can yield a high ROI. Shorter calving intervals and higher conception rates can increase milk production across the herd and improve the herd’s genetic progress. Reducing the calving interval leads to greater lifetime milk production and lowers the average days in milk for the herd.

Strengths and Limitations

Awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of the operation and the investment will make investment decisions much easier. If the farm already has a strong understanding and implementation of management practices, investing in facilities or technologies may provide marginal returns.

Many investments can have multiple benefits and risks that are not foreseen. For example, reducing the calving interval can also lead to higher feed costs because the herd will be closer to peak milk production, thus increasing nutrient requirements. Capturing and including hidden strengths and risks of an investment will lead to a more reliable ROI estimation.

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5 Questions to Consider Before You Invest in New Technology

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 13:46:12 GMT

Investing in new technology can be one of the biggest decisions you make on the farm. With so many new tools, systems and innovations hitting the market, it can be tempting to purchase the latest and greatest gadget with the hope that it will be a smart investment. But as enticing as new technology can be, the decision to make a big purchase should never be made on impulse.

Before you go signing on the dotted line, Stephanie Plaster, Extension farm management outreach specialist, and John Shutske, UW-Madison professor and Extension specialist in biological systems engineering, recommend asking yourself five key questions that can help determine whether a new purchase is truly the right fit for your farm.

1. What Issue Are You Hoping To Solve?
“The first question you should ask yourself is, what issue or challenge are you hoping to solve?” Plaster explains. “Understanding what is driving your decision to invest can help you evaluate whether this will be worth both the financial cost and the inevitable discomfort of the adoption transition period.”

While new equipment can make productivity and efficiency easier, technology is rarely plug-and-play. It requires time to learn, integrate and adapt. If you don’t clearly understand the benefits it provides and how those benefits justify the cost, you may end up investing in a solution that doesn’t truly address your needs.

2. What Are Your Skills And Interests?
Your strengths and preferences can make or break a technology investment. Knowing what you and your team are comfortable with can determine how smoothly a system is adopted and used. Technology that aligns with your skills and interests reduces frustration, speeds up integration and increases the likelihood the investment will deliver the results you are expecting.

“This might seem like a silly question when considering autonomous equipment, but it could make or break the success of the technology adoption or change management process,” Plaster says.

If you’re comfortable with software, data analysis and troubleshooting, certain systems might be a perfect fit. If not, you may want to choose technology with strong dealer support.

“Playing to your strengths and minimizing your weaknesses is a solid strategy,” Plaster adds.

3. Do You Have Reliable Internet Access?
Many of today’s technologies require consistent connectivity for updates, monitoring and troubleshooting. Without reliable internet, systems may not run as expected. That’s why verifying your internet connection beforehand is essential so the technology can perform as intended from the start.

“Do you have broadband internet access you consider both accessible and affordable?” Shutske asks. “By formal definition, we’re talking about a speed of at least 25 megabits per second for downloading and three megabits per second for uploading data.”

For farms in rural areas, this may require exploring alternative solutions like fixed wireless, satellite or cellular-based services before implementing connected technologies.

4. Is There Adequate Service Infrastructure?
Even the most advanced equipment will eventually need service, whether it’s routine maintenance, troubleshooting or unexpected repairs. According to Shutske, having access to knowledgeable technicians and reliable support can make all the difference between a smooth operation and days of downtime.

“It’s really important to ask questions of your technology supplier or vendor,” Shutske says. “Our research shows that it’s proving to be a real challenge for local technology companies who want to hire excellent people with technology skills to work in and service agricultural areas.”

He encourages farmers to ask vendors about their staffing, average response times, remote troubleshooting capabilities and how they support customers during the startup phase.

“Will they be able to support you remotely if a service technician cannot come out and travel to your farm?” Shutske asks. “Reliable service infrastructure is essential for smooth operation and maintenance.”

5. How Comfortable Are You With Your Finances?
Ultimately, the decision to invest comes down to the numbers. Not just whether you can afford the purchase today, but whether it will pay for itself and support the long-term health of your operation. A piece of technology that looks appealing on paper can quickly become a financial burden if it doesn’t deliver measurable returns.

“It’s critical to identify if the farm will have the capacity to achieve financial and production performance goals and objectives,” Plaster explains. “That means knowing your current financial position, understanding key measures like ROI (return on investment) and IRR (internal rate of return), and calculating how this purchase will affect cash flow and debt load.”

She notes that salespeople, lenders and accountants will all use different financial language. Therefore, the more familiar you are with the terms and metrics, the more confidently you can make an informed choice.

Build a Decision-Making Framework
While these five questions are a strong starting point, Plaster emphasizes the value of a structured decision-making process.

“To make informed decisions, it is essential to have a clear strategy,” she says.

Tools like a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) and gap analysis can help you evaluate current performance, identify areas for improvement and determine whether new technology is the best path forward.

By weighing the problem you’re trying to solve, the skills you bring to the table, your infrastructure and your financial readiness, you can approach a technology investment with clarity and confidence.

Elevate Your Dairy Business with Advanced Technology

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 14:06:00 GMT

In today’s rapidly evolving dairy landscape, the mantra “work smarter, not harder” is more relevant than ever. The integration of cutting-edge technology in farming practices is not just a trend, but a necessity for enhancing productivity, welfare, and the overall management of how we care for livestock. However, it’s crucial for producers to pause, take a step back and strategically evaluate the technologies that best fit their unique needs before making a purchase.

Finding the Right Fit

Steven Pavelski, Large Herd Application Expert for Nedap, says purchasing tech can come with excitement and anticipation to help create an ‘easy’ button for the dairy. Although, he notes that it is important to temper expectations and enlist a team of members from the dairy, along with external advisors, to create an implementation plan that includes regular checkpoints to hold stakeholders accountable.

Barn office

(Nedap)

“Many times, if a new tech fails on a farm, it is because the chain of people involved to install and implement it fell apart at some point, and nobody diagnosed that break in the chain to rectify the situation,” he says, sharing it is also imperative for farms to document the goals they hope to achieve through tech implementation. “And, then address them in your team checkpoints to work towards achieving them,” he adds.

For example, if a farm wants to move away from using tail paint after installing activity monitors, Pavelski says there should be a checkpoint after all of the cows are onboarded and the data is flowing smoothly to talk through daily protocols and how those should start to shift.

“At some point, once the team verifies, they ‘trust’ the system, they need to decide to drop tail painting and then follow the numbers to verify they are still achieving their insemination and preg rate standards,” he says. “This may sound simple, but without the constant follow-up, the workers may go on painting tails for eternity. It is also very important to have the follow-up checkpoint to monitor the numbers verifying that performance is maintaining or increasing, because if it is not then there may be a need for increased training or ‘dialing in’ the system in order to reach those goals.”

Vanbeek Dairy’s Innovative Leap

In the quest for improved breeding efficiency and healthier herds, Vanbeek Dairy took a significant step by integrating modern technology into their operation. Milking around 1,100 cows, this Monroe, Oregon dairy farm installed the GEA CowScout monitoring system, a decision made years after constructing their 50-cow stall rotary in the early 2000’s and incorporating milk meters with a robotic cow prepping arm.

Van Beek Dairy’s 21-dasy preg rate averages 35%.

(Van Beek Dairy)

Fred and Martin Vanbeek, owners of Vanbeek Dairy, had been considering various monitoring systems for a while but hesitated due to uncertainties about the cost-benefit analysis.

“I just didn’t think I could get them penciled out,” Fred admits, stating he wasn’t completely sure the calculations would justify the expense. But he realized that something needed to change to improve his herd’s conception rate.

On herd check days, Vanbeek noted a concerning pattern: half of his cows were not pregnant. Transitioning to OvSynch timed breeding seemed like a solution, but it led to a dependency on scheduled breeding rather than heat detection.

“The guys are not losing their ability to heat detect. They just start relying on the timed breeding unless the cow is obviously in heat,” Vanbeek explained.

A visit to another dairy farm using CowScout and discussions with his team, coupled with a promotional offer from GEA, convinced Vanbeek to take the leap of faith and integrate the CowScout monitoring system.

“It became a no brainer,” he stated.

The Impact of the Investment

Today, Vanbeek Dairy is reaping the rewards of this technological investment. Vanbeek is pleased with the system’s ability to identify and manage cows in heat efficiently, leading to quicker breeding.

Vanbeek Dairy

(Vanbeek Dairy)

“My preg rate went up, which was what I was hoping for,” he shared. Despite still relying on a synchronized shot program for cows not detectably in heat, the number of shots has decreased by 50% or more, reducing costs and improving pregnancy rates. Vanbeek shares that his 21-day preg rate now averages 35%, up from 25% before installing CowScout.

“It really is too soon to know where my preg rate will fall because I feel it takes a full year to truly evaluate,” he says. “Although I know it will continue to be higher with the new monitoring system.”

Vanbeek reflected on this recent tech purchase, noting that some aspects are difficult to quantify, but the overall benefits have proven substantial. He also shares that the ability to spread costs over time without an initial down payment also made the investment more manageable during low milk prices earlier this year. Vanbeek says that the immediate positive changes to his breeding practices confirmed that this decision was the right one for his dairy.

“Out of the gate, I was saving money on fewer shots and my herd conception rate increased,” he says.

Health Monitoring

Vanbeek is still navigating the learning curve associated with the CowScout monitoring system’s health benefits. Early detection of health issues before visible signs appear has proven beneficial, although diagnosing the precise problems remains a challenge.

Technology

(Nedap)

“Now you start seeing health alerts before the cow shows signs of being sick and before she drops in milk,” he noted, sharing that most issues identified so far have been stomach related.

Even though the initial calculations didn’t purely justify the investment by shot reduction alone, the overall savings and improved conception rates validate the decision. As Vanbeek continues to refine their use of CowScout, the long-term benefits for herd health and productivity will undoubtedly shape a more efficient and profitable future for the farm.

Advise to Producers

Before making purchases, Pavelski strongly recommends producers to do their own research, like Vanbeek did, and talk to other farmers. He also says producers should enlist their trusted advisors to learn about the tech, especially the insights being created by it to elevate their management strategies. In addition to this, when the learning curve looks big, breaking it down into small steps and assigning team members to own each of them is beneficial.

“Celebrate the milestones within the process to increase engagement amongst all stakeholders, and always have a spot in management meeting agendas to talk about progress with the new tech and what the next steps are in the implementation process. Also keep the supplying company and tech support teams close and hold them accountable if the results do not achieve the expectations you outlined before purchase,” he says.

Vanbeek says that generally it all comes down to timing and when the timing is right, most producers take the leap of faith to make the investments.

“It all starts with what problem do you want to solve or get help on and for me that was to reduce the number of shots I was giving and increase my pregnancy rate. I’m glad that I kept reading articles and thinking about incorporating a new monitoring system and when the right deal came along, I took the leap of faith and implemented it,” he says.

Integrating technology into farming operations involved careful research, strategic planning and timely decisions. By breaking down the learning process, celebrating achievements and ensuring accountability, producers can effectively incorporate new technologies to enhance their management strategies and achieve the goal that the purchase was intended for.

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Connecting Genomic Data for Dairy Farming Success

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 20:19:07 GMT

With tight margins, evaluating purchases is more crucial now than ever. Just ask Y Run Farms, a third-generation dairy operation based in Troy, Pennsylvania. Their pioneering approach to integrating genomic data into their farming practices has not only provided them with a competitive edge but also revolutionized their dairy farming operations over the past several years.

Embracing Genomic Testing

In 2012, Y Run Farms embarked on the journey of genomic testing. They were in search of a reliable source of truth concerning the genetics of their herd. Over the last 5 years, the farm haspurchased additional cows to expand their herd. The value of genetic data became even more apparent through this transition. This data empowered them to make informed breeding decisions that would significantly enhance the quality of their cattle within a few generations.

A Family-Run Operation

Today, Y Run Farms milks 1,200 cows and cultivates over 2,700 acres of farmland. The farm is managed by Glenn and Laurie Kline in partnership with their sons, Chad and Travis. Together, along with 20 full-time employees, they ensure the smooth and productive operation of their dairy farm.

The Impact of Data-Driven Decisions

“Once we started making decisions with this data, we saw it working,” the farm shared. The results of incorporating genomic data have been remarkable: their calves are healthier and less susceptible to illness, and their cows maintain overall better health and breed back faster. Remarkably, even as the herd grew, the incidence of mastitis remained low, a testament to the efficacy of their breeding decisions.

Leveraging Dairy Wellness Profit Index (DWP$)

Wellness traits from the Dairy Wellness Profit Index (DWP$) played a crucial role in this achievement. By focusing on breeding dairy animals that are more resistant to diseases like mastitis and capable of producing more milk, Y Run Farms successfully improved the overall welfare and productivity of their herd.

Y Run Farms’ effective use of genomic testing and data-driven breeding decisions highlights the potential benefits for other dairy operations seeking similar advancements. Their dedication to incorporating scientific data into everyday farming practices offers a blueprint for success in an industry where efficiency and health are paramount.