Managing a dairy farm is no small feat, and for Zane Garber, owner of Rock Solid Dairy in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, the challenges have evolved as his herd grew. Initially milking 120 cows, Zane and his wife Juanita have since expanded their farm and now manage a herd of 340 milking cows. As their operation grew, so did the need for better efficiency and precision, particularly when it came to feed management.
One of the primary challenges Zane faced before using feed management software was the manual nature of their feeding process. “We were running off an Excel sheet with pounds of each ingredient and totals for feeding,” Zane recalls.
This system, while functional, left room for inaccuracies and inefficiencies. “It was difficult to update recipes without the feeding software. Everytime, we had to update an excel sheet, print it and try to explain the changes to our feeders — with a language barrier.”
In need of a more reliable system, Zane turned to DTM, Dinamica Generale’s feed management software.
Implementing DTM allowed Zane to move away from the manual processes and embrace precision feeding. “Now, the feeder just follows the recipe that shows up on the mixer indicator, and I know that DTM has the proper numbers to look at,” Zane explains. The shift to automated feed management not only increased efficiency but also reduced the risk of errors, ensuring that each cow received the exact amount of feed needed.
“With DTM, I can count on a large amount of data related to feeding, such as component consumption, dry matter intake, refused, etc.,” he tells us. “Even if I don’t access the software every day, if I have questions or I start to get concerned about something, I can go look at it in DTM.”
This peace of mind is key. As Zane explains, “That’s ultimately the best thing about the reports. I like to trust my guys, even though it can be difficult for me. It’s very nice to know how accurate we are with the data there in the background.”
After almost a decade of using DTM7, Rock Solid Dairy upgraded to DTM8, which brought additional benefits and improved usability. Zane particularly appreciates the flexibility and ease of the new software version. “The feature that I find most useful is the customizable dashboard that allows me to have a quick overview of the most important data,” he notes. The dashboard enables him to see key metrics at a glance, making it easier to manage the day-to-day feeding routines.
In addition to the dashboard, DTM8 offers a mobile app, allowing Zane to make adjustments to feed rations from his phone. This real-time access means that even when he’s away from the farm, he can still monitor and control feeding operations with ease.
One of the standout features of the DTM software is its flexibility. While the system comes with a variety of advanced features, Zane values the ability to use only what’s necessary for his operation. “DTM has a lot of functionalities, like stock management. We like that we can pick the features we want to use and the software still functions correctly.” Zane explains. This adaptability has allowed Zane to customize the system to fit his specific needs without feeling overwhelmed by unnecessary tools.
DTM’s cloud-based system has also made it easier for Zane to collaborate with his nutritionist. With remote access to the feed data, the nutritionist can offer insights and recommendations without needing to visit the farm. “We can get him a login for our DTM and there is no extra login cost for our account,” Zane says. This remote access has streamlined the process of managing the herd’s nutrition, ensuring that the cows receive the optimal diet for their needs.
Since implementing DTM, the accuracy of the feeding process at Rock Solid Dairy has significantly improved. With feed being one of the largest expenses for dairy farms, Zane is mindful of the cost savings that come with precision feeding. “If a farmer wants to know that the diet is getting correctly translated to the feeder, then DTM software is a great thing,” Zane emphasizes.
In addition to cost savings, the transparency and data provided by DTM have given Zane confidence in the feeding process. This level of trust in the system allows Zane to focus on other aspects of farm management, knowing that feeding is being handled accurately.
As Rock Solid Dairy continues to grow, Zane sees DTM as an essential part of his operation. The software has helped the farm scale efficiently in its daily operations. “The DTM software has made that growth smoother and easier, allowing us to be more professional in day-to-day management,” Zane shares.
Dinamica Generale’s DTM feed management software has become an invaluable tool for countless operations Rock Solid Dairy, helping to improve feed accuracy, streamline operations and boost overall efficiency.
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