Dairy Operation

Automation is transforming the way we live and work. The more we understand automation, the better equipped we are to make it work for us. Let’s explore the top five reasons for automating the milking routine on a dairy, in no particular order.

Prioritize both animal and human welfare to retain great teammates and maintain a high-quality, safe and efficient production facility.

Michigan ranks No. 1 in the country for producing the most milk per cow — and has been for the past few years. 

Although not the nation’s biggest overall milk producer, the state’s specialty in dairy has led farmers to find the most efficient way to get more milk from their herds.

Cows produce more milk because of three main factors: their feed, their environment and how comfortable they are. Fortunately, Michigan farms excel in all three, according to Michigan State University animal science professor Adam Lock.

Using measurable benchmarks; maintaining a goal-driven management culture; and identifying a set of key advisers and employees to regularly review cow health, production and forage metrics are three steps dairies can take to improve financial performance.

Producers are challenged paying the bills with the lack-lusting prices that have shown up on milk checks this summer. Independent financial consultant, Gary Sipiorski, shares six tips to focus on during financial tough times. 

When temperatures dip, cows divert their energy to maintaining normal body temperatures. For dairy producers, the switch comes at the expense of milk production. There are simple management tactics to help shield cows from the cold — and keep productivity up.