Choosing technology to implement on your dairy can be intimidating. A plethora of questions and concerns surface. Where do I start? What dairy technology should I implement next? How do I know my team is ready for a technology upgrade?

The best thing to do before making a technology investment is to ask yourself one simple question: “What would make life better for my cows, my team and myself?”

Your answers will guide your next steps. Better yet, bring this question to your trusted advisors like your veterinarian and nutritionist.

• Ask for feedback on which technologies will help save your team time and increase efficiencies.
• Listen to observations from these advisors and other farms they visit to learn more about what works well and why.
• Don’t forget to bring data to the center of your decision-making process.

By diving into your data, and leaning on expert advice, you can start identifying your dairy’s problem areas to gain a better understanding of how a specific technology can function on your farm.

Keep cows top of mind when considering an investment. Your technology choices – and subsequent upgrades – should help minimize the time cows need to be interrupted for people to do their work.

Seek out flexibility and connectivity

Cloud-based management solutions, such as MyDC on PULSE, empower you to stay connected to your dairy’s data while giving your team flexibility.

Cloud computing means storing and accessing data and programs over the internet so you can access your data anytime, anywhere, using any device.

The technology takes the power of herd management wherever you and your team are – cowside, in the parlor, or anywhere else on the farm – and can synchronize it with your program when connected to the internet/Wi-Fi.

When exploring cloud-based options, seek out:

• An easy-to-use program that combines on-the-go accessibility with powerful reporting
• A process scheduler to efficiently organize your daily tasks
• Cloud-based access from any device
• Unlimited users

Commit to making technology reinvestment an essential part of your management and dairy growth strategy. You and your team will feel empowered to make data-driven decisions with the right dairy data management partner.

Focus on technology as a continuous investment in yourself, your team, your herd and your farm. Technology tools should help you and your team to feel empowered to make data-driven decisions, regardless of your herd size or goals.

Visit vas.com for more information.