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
U.S. Cattlemen’s Association President Justin Tupper joins us to discuss the DOJ packer investigation, industry competition, and the outlook for cattle producers.
Turner built one of the nation’s largest private land holdings while becoming a major force in bison ranching and conservation.
The Overstreet family’s cattle operation combines conservation practices with decades of resilience.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney and other experts break down ongoing energy market volatility, its impact on producer decision-making, and key indicators farmers should monitor moving forward.
The New World Screwworm case was detected roughly 119 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border — at nearly the same latitude as Zapata, Texas.
Tyson is still reshaping its beef footprint.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

A bipartisan Senate delegation recently traveled to China ahead of President Trump’s meeting in Beijing.
Trucking industry expert Lewie Pugh joins us to discuss rising diesel costs, challenges facing independent truckers, and the broader impact on agriculture and rural transportation.
The White House is reportedly moving forward with beef import tariff reductions as officials look to lower food costs for consumers.
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.