It all starts with data collection. First off, a couple of assumptions about “raw” data collection:
- you are only be recording the data that will help improve your dairy herd performance
- you have procedures in place that enable data to be captured quickly and accurately in near real-time
Week by week, you are collecting large amounts of data, but that data only becomes useful information when…
it’s delivered to the right person…
at the right time…
in the right format…
When does dairy herd data become useful information
The right person
It’s not just the manager and herdsman who needs access to information. These days, there are often stakeholders outside the farm gate – veterinary surgeons, nutritionists and business advisers play an increasingly important role in improving herd performance. They all need access to specific information to do their work effectively
The right time
Herdsmen need cow action lists for the week ahead. Veterinary surgeons need cow attention lists in time for their scheduled farm visits. Managers and nutritionists need milk production information to adjust rations. Any time lags in accessing management information means any necessary adjustments to cow management or inputs will be delayed, which will cost the enterprise money.
The right format
Consideration should be given to both the physical format of the information as well as the depth of the content. For example, some farm staff may prefer to receive cow action lists in paper format with just the essential information to help them carry out their daily tasks; they won’t have the time to process complex reports.
Veterinary surgeons, however, may prefer electronic formats, like PDF documents and spreadsheets. Electronic format means they will get faster access to the information, which can be sent by email or accessed via the Internet. Some vets may even prefer the “raw” data in spreadsheet format if they are using other specialist software to analyse dairy herd fertility.
In conclusion, when thinking about a new herd information system, it’s vital to consider the information needs of all the different stakeholders involved with the dairy enterprise.
A modern “cloud computing” solution will enable you to meet the needs of wide range of stakeholders operating from different physical locations. If you would like to know more about Orchid’s cloud solutions for dairy, give us a call today on 01536 443300 for a no-obligation chat about your needs or email info@orchidfarmtech.co.uk