Wisconsin Ag Connection - New Extension Program Designed to Boost Dairy Herd Profitability

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New Extension Program Designed to Boost Dairy Herd Profitability
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 06/23/2011

A new program developed by University of Wisconsin-Extension and UW-Madison Dairy Science Department researchers is designed to increase farm net income by enhancing the reproductive performance of a producer's cows. Repro Money is team-based and farmer-directed with reproduction at the center of the program according to Connie Cordoba, UW-Extension reproductive management and outreach specialist. Producers receive the resources and tools needed to make better management decisions regarding the reproductive management of their farm.

"The program helps producers focus on their individual farm goals," Cordoba says. "Those goals drive the actions taken by the producer's farm team."

On-farm teams are formed to focus specifically on issues related to increasing farm net income by enhancing the reproductive performance of cows. Farm owners decide who to have on their reproduction team. Team members are selected by the farmer and can include UW-Extension agents, Artificial Insemination (AI) company consultants, AI technicians, veterinarians, nutritionists, key employees and others. Team members commit to meeting at least four times over the course of the program.

At the beginning of the program, the team will assess their current practices, determine their priorities, and calculate the economic benefit of improving the herd's reproductive performance and assign specific tasks for people to carry out. With clearly defined goals and expectations, team members have a better understanding of the importance of improving reproductive performance and also their individual role and contribution to making that happen.

The Repro Money program is free and any Wisconsin dairy farmer can participate. Members of the UW-Extension Reproductive Management Team include Victor Cabrera, Connie Cordoba, Paul Fricke, Pamela Ruegg, Randy Shaver and Kent Weigel.

For more information about Repro Money or to enroll in the program, contact your local UW-Extension agent.

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