With all the data streams on a dairy farm, there are numerous individual data points available. Bundled together, these form valuable information that provides insight into the company’s status. There are software packages available to assist dairy farmers in analyzing and consolidating this data, but what about the adviser?
Data Collection
Upon approval from the dairy farmer, the dairy adviser can gain insight into that individual’s data. With this permission, the adviser has the right to view data and, in some cases, even modify it. For instance, a feed recommendation can be directly integrated into the system.
An emerging challenge is that advisers work with various software packages. Each dairy farmer has their own product preference, and each company operates with its unique process computer.
Keeping this in mind, AgroVision’s adviser software, Dairy Analytics, was born. This software aggregates data from different farm systems. It’s designed so that when the laptop is opened in the morning, the dairy adviser instantly sees the status of all their clients. Alerts appear regarding deviations in the data, both positive and negative. Moreover, the adviser, from their office, can effectively prepare for client visits by accessing real-time data. It becomes immediately apparent what’s happening, enabling prompt attention to where it’s needed most.
Reading Data
After the data collection phase comes the insights that the data provides. This goldmine is often underestimated, which is understandable given the thousands of data points on a farm. Dairy Analytics helps the adviser navigate this data, providing an overview at various levels.
- Adviser Dashboard
The adviser dashboard aids in obtaining initial insights regarding milk production and feed consumption of the cows from all clients. Outliers are prominently highlighted or flagged, such as a significant reduction in milk production.
- Client Dashboard
From the adviser dashboard, the adviser can directly access the client dashboard where an alert was detected. The client dashboard offers real-time insights into the farm’s data. From here, the adviser navigates through the system. Where is the issue? Is it at the herd level or the individual animal level?
- Herd Level vs. Individual Animal Level
This is where the layers are peeled back. By traversing through different levels, the adviser gets closer to the core of any deviation. From herd level to group differences, down to individual animals. Eventually, it’s discovered that cows 6158, 1027, and 6374 produce relatively little milk just after calving. This allows the adviser to trace back the deviation in milk production at the farm level.
Earlier Visibility
The saying that data is a goldmine has its origins. With data, it’s possible to uncover issues that may not be (yet) visible to the naked eye. Cows’ flight behavior, for instance, delays the visibility of diseases. Data can illuminate these deviations in milk production or feed intake earlier, significantly reducing costs.
Opportunities
Dairy Analytics presents a significant opportunity for dairy and feed advisers to work more efficiently and provide higher-quality advice. Having real-time data from all clients saves time. From their office, the adviser prepares for the farm’s pain points and maintains focus.
All milk and feed data from clients are accessible and combined within the system, regardless of the type of milking robot or process computer. It collaborates with all types of (animal) management programs.
When used correctly, data will undoubtedly ease the adviser’s work. Data and good software packages can be seen as the adviser’s right-hand tools. Together, they provide insights crucial for the success of the dairy industry.
Want to learn more about Dairy Analytics? Visit https://www.agrovision.com/dairy-analytics
