In the world of dairy farming, the smallest adjustments can lead to significant outcomes. This narrative unfolds through the experiences of two dairies, under the guidance of a diligent nutritionist, Bryan Soares and Amelicor's help desk.
Bryan, a consultant with Progressive Dairy Solutions, reached out to Ashley to share how he witnessed firsthand a remarkable increase in milk production—3 and 6 pounds per cow per day across two different dairies. This success story is not just about numbers; it shows how data can be an effective method in solving issues and optimizing dairy operations without additional feed costs, thus saving money and increasing productivity. And on a sidenote… we always appreciate positive feedback!
The Story
The journey began with Ashley, a member of Amelicor's help desk team. Ashley had been closely working with two dairies, guiding them through an upgrade to EZfeed tablet software. This transition, though promising, highlighted a series of feed management challenges that needed immediate attention.
Enter Bryan Soares, a seasoned nutritionist, who had been collaborating with these dairies. The data from EZfeed hinted at underlying issues affecting milk production, but it also presented an opportunity for a collaborative effort to delve deeper into the software's data.
At one dairy, the first major hurdle was a communication gap between the feeders and the management team. The management thought that specific loads were not being recorded in EZfeed, but Ashley discovered that even though the loads were programmed in EZfeed, the feeder wasn’t selecting them when it was time to mix the ration.
The root of the issue was a simple misunderstanding and something that we commonly see. Feeders want to show that they are reliable and solve problems that arise… so they don’t always report problems with equipment and procedures. In this case, there was a problem with some equipment, and the feeder was relying on memory to complete the loads so feeding wouldn’t be delayed.
Ashley's experience was twofold: when management understood that the loads weren’t being created using the software, they were able to address the equipment issues and additionally provide training to the feeders, ensuring they could accurately use the software. This experience also emphasized the importance of daily management reviews of EZfeed data.
This proactive approach not only resolves immediate discrepancies but also fosters a culture of openness and problem-solving within dairy teams.
At another dairy, management wanted to increase milk production, so their feeders began to increase their feed volume to boost energy and, subsequently, milk production. However, Ashley discovered that they were increasing their intakes by a percentage rate resulting in a change that was much more than what was needed. Management needed to understand what was happening and by understanding the data within EZfeed, they could help their feeders take a different approach.
In this case, they were feeding way too much some days and not enough on other days resulting in inconsistency. Ultimately, Ashley worked with them on making small changes in feed amounts for the whole pen and evaluating the changes carefully each day.
Data-Driven Decisions
As the management issue was fixed, Bryan’s insight was invaluable. The data from EZfeed painted a different picture. It wasn't more feed that was needed, but the right feed in the right amounts. This not only enhanced production efficiency but also led to cost savings, striking the delicate balance between operational cost and productivity.
As the dairies began to harness the potential of EZfeed, the impact was immediate and significant. Milk production surged by 3 pounds per cow per day for one dairy herd using Jerseys and 6 pound for another herd using Holsteins, a direct result of optimizing the feed process without increasing the feed volume.
This story encapsulates the essence of innovation in dairy farming. It wasn't just about adopting new technology; it was about understanding it, trusting the process, and being open to changing established procedures to match the data.
Moreover, Bryan's approach demonstrates the power of data in decision-making. Instead of recommending an increase in feed, he leveraged EZfeed's insights to optimize existing resources, thus fostering a more efficient and cost-effective feeding strategy.
Conclusion
The story of these dairies is an illustration of how embracing technology like EZfeed can transform dairy management. It's not just about feeding cows; it's about understanding and managing every aspect of the feeding process with precision and consistency. Amelicor's EZfeed software is a crucial tool for dairy professionals seeking to hold their operations to a different standard, showcasing that the key to increased productivity and savings lies in the intelligent application of data and being accountable for the changes.
The collaborative efforts with Bryan and Ashley, facilitated by EZfeed software, not only enhanced the productivity of two dairies but also serve as a compelling case for the broader adoption of data-driven practices in the dairy industry. This story from two different dairies is a testimony for dairy owners and managers, illustrating that data, diligence, and proactivity is the key to problem-solving and innovation.