Nathan Brandt is the herd manager at Four Cubs Farm in Grantsburg, WI and a Connecterra customer. He uses the Farm Timeline feature to track adjustments he makes on the farm, including ration changes and other management decisions. By recording these changes, Nathan can quantify the effects and make more informed decisions for his farm operations.
1. Quantify the impact of changes to make better decisions:
Nathan found value in experimenting with different settings on his new roaster for soybeans. By logging each adjustment in the timeline, he was able to correlate the changes in settings with the resulting milk production. This allowed him to pinpoint the optimal settings to maximize output.
“I was able to experiment with settings and particle sizes, and the timeline helped sort through what was causing milk to either go up or down and settle on the optimal settings.”
This allowed Nathan to fine-tune his feeding strategy and optimize production efficiency, giving him clear data-backed results.
2. Test and learn to minimize risk:
Nathan also uses the Farm Timeline to minimize the risks of farm changes. For example, when testing new strategies or feeds, he starts by applying changes to specific pens. This allows him to closely monitor the outcomes before deciding to roll out the changes across the entire herd.
“Being able to separate data between the different groups of cows so easily means we aren’t afraid of adjusting and implementing different strategies, to see if we get a positive response."
This trial-and-error approach lets Nathan adapt quickly and course-correct when needed.
3. Use shared data to improve collaboration:
The timeline also fosters better teamwork. By having all farm data easily accessible, you can bring the whole team on the same page and agree on the optimal approach. This transparency ensures that Nathan, his team, and his nutritionist are aligned on the best course of action.
“We all have access to the same data and insights, which makes it easier to work together towards our goals. Our nutritionist loves it because we can identify issues or opportunities much faster than before.”
Having a shared, accurate record of what has been tried and what has worked ensures faster decision-making and a more coordinated approach to farm management.
Conclusion:
By using the Farm Timeline, Nathan can quantify the impact of farm management decisions, test changes in a controlled way, and improve collaboration across his team. This results in better outcomes, faster adjustments, and a more efficient farm operation overall.