Numbers, numbers, numbers – what do they all mean? Your DHI reports provide a wealth of information and on a monthly basis you probably utilize it pretty well, but what about tracking and managing the data month to month?
The task of tracking the data just got easier with the availability of the DHI Template Information Kit. The template information kits were created to make using the DHI-202 Herd Summary and DHI-521 Somatic Cell Count Summary reports easier to use.
With the templates, you can easily identify up to 35 key indicators of your herd’s performance, including information on milk and component production, udder health and reproduction. By recording the information monthly on the report monitor chart you will be able to more easily monitor trends and identify what’s going well and not so well in your herd.
If you are already tracking performance indicators, the templates may make the job easier. If you’re not yet tracking your data, using the templates will be an easy way to get started.
“A producers day is already full, so adding one more thing to the to-do list may not be a priority,” says template project coordinator and extension dairy agent, Phil Taylor. “However, the templates are so easy to use, producers could consider having someone else do it – even the kids. By using the templates, kids can locate the information on the reports and write it on the monthly monitor report, where producers and consultants can quickly review the data. In addition, completing the monthly herd monitor sheet would make a great 4-H record keeping project, while at the same time helping out on the farm in a very concrete way.”
An explanation sheet of the 35 key indicators is included in the packet. On this information sheet is a description of what the key indicator tells you, along with a state average and a goal.
“Don’t fixate on the goal that’s printed,” says Mark Adam, director, NorthStar’s DHI Services. “Our purpose of printing a goal is only to encourage you to establish one that’s appropriate for your farm.”
While initially designed for use by producers, it’s clear that veterinarians, nutritionists and other agriculture professionals will be able to utilize the template kit to better help meet the objectives of the farm.
“We’ve shown the template kits to veterinarians and they like the idea of producers having an easier way to find and record key herd performance indicators,” says Taylor. “The veterinarians we’ve talked to say the monitor reports will be useful in helping herd owners meet the improvement objectives for the herd.”
The template kits are designed to line-up with the printed reports that are mailed to producers. They do not lineup with the web based reports. If you are currently receiving the DHI-202 and 521 summary reports on-line and want to utilize the templates, you should order printed report copies from your local DHI technician.
A free template kit will be provided to all herds utilizing NorthStar Cooperative’s DHI testing service, whose records are processed through DRMS. For assistance with using the DHI template kit call the MSU dairy extension agent in your area or visit with your DHI technician. To purchase a copy ($10 per packet) call NorthStar at 1.800.631.3510.
