T he trend toward electronic recordkeeping means you'll encounter a deluge of software options when it's time to install a new system or upgrade to your current program. At first glance, each package is designed to help you maintain more sophisticated information, manipulate your data into more reports and manage on a more synthesized level. They're looking for linkages and the ability to coordinate data. C hoosing which dairy management software package to help you do this can get a little involved. Also think about who will be using, collecting and analyzing the information.
Software is only part of a larger process.
As your information system needs become more sophisticated, so will your software needs. D ewayne Dill, senior consultant for Dairy Strategies, LLC, suggest searching out software with extensive data storage capabilities. I t was time to for an attitude change and time to get some animal health help. Although already on a regular herd health program with their veterinarian, the Hershey's brought their practitioner in for a series of hands-on training sessions for farm personnel. The idea was to help everyone better understand general cow health and common ailments, and be able to deal with various situations that arise between herd checks.