Dairy producer panel discusses emerging technologies

Technologies play a huge role in data management and efficient practices on today’s dairies. While new technology adaptions can be challenging, utilizing new technologies and management systems can help producers enhance their bottom line.

During a panel discussion at a recent Vita Plus Vines and Bovines event, three producers shared their experiences and insight on several dairy technologies and data capturing systems they’ve implemented.

Mitch Breunig of Mystic Valley Dairy in Sauk City, Wisconsin, has used Sense Hub® Monitoring system since June of 2024, calf lung ultrasounding for four years, and has pair-raised calves since 2021.

“Lung ultrasounds get done every 14 days on our farm,” Breunig remarked. “They help identify calves that need treatments, track their progress, and help us keep a good set of eyes on each calf.”

Adam Hurtgen is the owner of Hurtgenlea Holsteins in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. He said genomic testing has become a key component of his operation as his team focuses on high production from quality cows. The operation also utilizes the SmaXtec Smart Bolus, and the DeLaval VMS™ V300 robotic milking system.

“With the quality of information we get, we can make better decisions and be more proactive,” Hurtgen remarked when discussing the SmaXtec Smart Bolus.

The bolus is a supportive tool for cattle health, reproduction and feeding. Providing a dashboard with a list of each cow’s needs, it is not only a time saver from a management perspective, but more calves are delivered in the healthiest condition possible.

“These systems can provide an overwhelming amount of data, but it is important for producers to be resilient when this process begins,” Hurtgen emphasized as he discussed how adapting technologies require a learning curve. “Data will ultimately drive your farm into profitability.”

Gayleen Moellers and her family operate KG4 Farms in Ridgeway, Iowa. They use the Feed Supervisor System® to simplify ration management, inventory and feed efficiency.  They also use CowManager, a monitoring system to monitor cows through every phase of life with the lifetime ear sensor. The sensor measures temperature, activity, and rumination to give insight for your herd’s health, fertility, and nutrition.

The panelists gave insight into their respective operations and had engaging discussions about the factors and challenges that go into implementing technologies on today’s dairies. Some key discussion areas included:

Start-ups

“Whatever it takes, the first few days are tough,” Hurtgen said. “Use your resources.”

Moellers added that “support from the vendors is crucial. Anywhere from help with putting in cow tags to installing hardware and applications makes all the difference.”

Data interpretation drives management changes

Breunig discussed that Sense Hub® tags have helped identify potential issues through early detection.

“The LED blue flashing light in the tag provides an alert for each calf when an issue is detected,” Breuning shared. “While it only works for nipple-fed calves, it gives us a chance to address health issues early-on. This changes the performance of the cows and makes practices on our operation more efficient.”

Favorite technology takeaway

Hurtgen has found the information collected on individual cows to be very resourceful. “If you take care of the cow, she takes care of you.”

Moellers finds it useful that everything through her system is in the cloud drive, so she can access it from multiple devices.

“It is always accessible to see all the cow’s data.” Moellers added.

This is extremely important when software may not work, or other issues occur. It is also critical to do research on the customer service the system provides. Top-notch customer service makes all the difference.

Technologies are going to be a key resource for dairies into the future. While the process can be daunting, adapting to these management systems can help dairies strategically create more efficient practices on their operation.

“Do not be scared,” Breunig remarked in his closing statements. “Use it to have efficient people on-farm, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”