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
Dr. David Anderson says lean beef demand and lighter cow culling are still giving cull cow prices room to push higher.
The inverted Choice-Select spread is not a strong warning sign in today’s tighter, higher-quality beef market, according to new analysis from Terrain.
Based on USDA data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation, pork exports increased by six percent in March compared to the previous year, while beef exports weakened overall.
New trade access, tariff concerns and international negotiations are reshaping the global beef market.
National Pork Producers Council President Rob Brenneman joins us to discuss Prop 12 provisions in the House’s Farm Bill as it heads to the Senate for debate.
Officials say no additional spread has been detected as containment and monitoring efforts move forward.

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.