Each year, regardless of milk price, the top 20 percent to 25 percent of dairy producers show some profit per cow. Pamela Ruegg, DVM, identified 10 smart things dairy farmers do to achieve milking excellence:
- Set performance goals.
- Rapidly identify problems.
- Milk clean cows.
- Standardize milking routines.
- Train staff.
- Maintain and update milking systems.
- Develop treatment protocols.
- Have a mastitis biosecurity plan.
- Take care of dry cows.
- Use appropriate consultants
Source: Dairy Herd Management, August 10, 2017.
Profitability depends upon managing costs and doing things that improve production and milk quality.
INSIGHTS: As fall VFD visits take place, veterinarians can use this article as a good conversation starter. Sales reps can use it for parallel discussions on farm calls.