Over the course of the past month, and likely for the next several years, California dairy farmers are having to make drastic adjustments to their operations.

A cow’s core body temperature can rise very quickly in the holding pen without a cooling strategy in place. Therefore, the cooling strategy for the parlor and holding pen must be more aggressive to compensate for these heat abatement challenges. 

With the emergence of ambitious climate commitments worldwide and the rise of net zero pledges from some of the biggest brands, the jury is out – we stand at the forefront of unparalleled growth in global carbon markets.

What sets successful dairies apart from the rest of the industry? According to agricultural economist Bruce Dehm, president of Dehm Associates LLC, there are four key indicators of success: efficient milk production, low or profitable cost per hundredweight, effective management, and financial stability/sufficient cash flow and equity.

Let’s be very clear – we do not use vacuum to “suck” the milk out of the cow. She must give it to us voluntarily. If we want to milk cows more gently, quickly and completely, the goal must be to improve milk flow rates through better stimulation and milk letdowns.

Should this cow stay in the herd or should she find a new career? Robots don’t lie. Let their data help you decide.