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
Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law reviews key highlights from the House Agriculture Committee’s latest farm bill proposal.
The Action Aims to Lower Food Costs for Consumers and Strengthen the Supply Chain
Slightly higher sales amid shrinking acreage and inventories point to tighter supplies supporting catfish prices.
Winter Weather Shapes Markets and Early Fieldwork Nationwide
Phibro’s Medicated feed additives are helping cattle strive right from the very start.
Rising Chinese feed output — especially for swine — signals sustained demand for protein meals and feed inputs, even when meat production growth appears modest.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

American Soybean Association President Scott Metzger discusses his recent testimony before the Senate Ag Committee, key priorities for soy growers, and his outlook for farmers into spring planting.
FFA Program Specialist Ashli Weinrich highlights how the FFA Next Gen Conference helps ag students explore career opportunities and build skills for the future.
Vanessa Wood shares more about Ag Women Connect, the importance of uplifting women in agriculture, and upcoming projects designed to highlight stories across rural America.
Strong exports support cattle and hog market fundamentals.
StoneX Director of Fertilizer Josh Linville looks at fertilizer market volatility, potential impacts on planting decisions, and what farmers should watch as the global situation in the Middle East continues to unfold.
House ag leaders had hoped to get the Farm Bill voted on by Easter, but no dates have been secured just yet.
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.