MANAGEMENT

Increasing ingredient costs have wreaked havoc across the dairy industry, leading to elevated ration costs not seen in many years. Feed costs per kilogram of dry matter (DM) are rising as much as 20% or more as corn and soybean meal prices climb, minimizing farmers’ profit margins.

When it comes to dairy production measures like milk production per cow, age of first calving and pregnancy rates, these are biological measures we think about every day.

The crossroads experienced over the last year undoubtedly tested each and every person’s mindset, decision-making and leadership skills. All parts of dairy operations were impacted, especially the most valued asset: the people.

Don’t just cover a pile, fix a pipe or milk cows – build teamwork.

Ever wonder how teamwork and trust are built? Turns out dairy farms have some of the right ingredients, if mixed just right.

Any successful business is dependent on an efficient and functional workforce. And for a workforce to be productive, they must have the right environment. So how can we set our employees up for success?

I was walking around my business one day, and I pondered this thought: “Why am I doing this?” By “this,” I meant the business I was engaged in – automated car washes.