Data monitoring is a helpful tool on dairy farms, but picking the most efficient system can be a challenge. Leaders at AllFlex Livestock Intelligence say the first step should be determining your goals with it.
“Determine what your goals are with that system, and from there, work closely with your local dealer to decide which system best aligns with those goals. You know, maybe talk to multiple dealers and get a feel for them. Go on farms and contact areas that are already using the system and ask about their experience. Really ask about the support that they’ve gotten from their dealers. Supports are a really important piece of the puzzle here. Monitoring systems can be a large investment really with a lot of opportunities, but if there is not strong support from the supplier, it likely isn’t going to live up to its fullest potential in the long run,” said Sarah Anderson.
Anderson says data monitoring systems do not only improve the quality of life for the producer but the animals, too. With real-time animal tracking and the ability to make environmental changes as needed, she says it can make for a healthier herd.
