The problem is the farm management. Most have little practical experience with or in-depth knowledge of dairy management. Thus in the first week most groups wrestle with clarification and definition of the problem. After defining the problem areas to be investigated, the student group usually assigns specific management areas to individual students. The students then research these areas using resources available at the Ambulatory Service or at the main veterinary school library to identify what information is needed.
Students interview farm personnel to collect information on specific management practices.
The students then discuss the information, identify what is known, develop hypotheses for farm improvement and characterize additional knowledge needed. This process recycles several times over the course of the 4-week rotation. Arrangements to visit the farm are made directly between students and farm personnel. Students try to schedule farm investigation visits around the ambulatory farm call schedule so student exposure to herd health and sick cow work is not compromised. During the last week of the rotation students synthesize the information they have collected, and after discussing it as a group, write up their findings and suggestions.