Data is driving decisions on dairy farms

Every ag operation can benefit from understanding the data behind it, and dairy leaders say it is that information that helps producers make the best decisions.

“Data drives decisions, right? And the thing of it is, when you can have real-time data, what’s going on in your farm, and how you analyze that and respond to that is critical. We never had those tools before, and I think the dairy farmers of the past would have never dreamed that we have to have this, but how do you keep in front of it? How do you keep relevant? How do you afford this? What’s the ROI on this technology, and who on the farm has the time to do it? So, I think there are a lot of great questions that are being asked. But again, I mean, at least we have options, right? I mean, this is all positive stuff, and that’s why the new generation of dairy farmers will eat this up and take that to the highest level possible on their farms,” said Tim Trotter, CEO of Edge Dairy Cooperative.

Trotter warns that too much data can be challenging for some farmers. He says it all comes down to which information is actually relevant and can add value to the bottom line.

Related Stories
Analysts say drought, tight cattle supplies and summer grilling demand continue shaping the protein market outlook.
Soybeans accounted for nearly half of the $15 billion in losses on U.S. ag exports to China due to tariffs, according to researchers at North Dakota State University.
Industry leaders say restored access is a major step forward, though exports remain well below previous levels.
Changes to several Risk Management Agency programs are set to begin with the 2027 crop year.
Scientists say studying how cattle digest seaweed could help shape future livestock nutrition and sustainability efforts.
Large animal vets say the parasite is now showing up in regions where it historically has not been common.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

RFD News Farm Legal Expert Roger McEowen shares the major role of timing clauses in farmland sales, leases, and succession planning.
Jeff Frazier of Scoular discusses the early High Plains canola harvest, acreage growth in Kansas and Oklahoma, and theoutlook for planting and production.
Ashley Stockwell discusses representing dairy farmers during one of motorsports’ most recognizable traditions.
Corn inspections remain strong year-to-date, while China’s soybean and sorghum movement remains important to late-season export demand.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.