The use of activity monitoring systems has grown quickly in the past decade as more producers realize the benefits of utilizing the technology. According to an industry marketing study, just over 26% of dairies in the U.S. now utilize activity monitoring technology.

When we hear the word “burnout,” we likely conjure up a bunch of images in our head: someone that has fallen asleep at their desk, a person that looks overly tired and seems a little too disorganized, the ever-popular rubbing of the temples with a deep sigh.

When it comes to input costs, we are all aware of the rising price tag on fuel and labor. It’s no surprise that you will also likely see an increase in any custom services you hire out, such as manure hauling and harvesting.

It might be the worst-kept secret in agriculture that many farmers are reaching retirement age, bringing to light the need for a proper succession plan. Yet, many farmers put off having the often difficult or uncomfortable conversations surrounding succession planning.

In the “Six Levels Down” episode of the Against the Rules podcast, host Michael Lewis followed healthcare provider Athenahealth’s journey to fixing one of their biggest problems – getting insurance companies to pay their bills – and in the process, discovered the power of the L6.

Growing up, the only way she could get time with dad was by being in the barn. The only way she could gain his attention was by working hard on the farm and “being of use.”

We’ve heard in songs and sayings that “it only takes a spark” to light a fire, but sometimes it also takes several sparks a few different times to really get things going. At least, that was the case for our family farming business when it came to digging deep into the numbers and financials of our dairy and crop operation.