12 things to not do during tough times
Amid the frustration of yet another boom-and-bust dairy cycle, one thing milk producers can be certain of is that because they're in the downturn now, recovery will be the next thing that happens.
When it will occur is anyone's guess, and short of a unanimous decision to enthusiastically cull cows and cut production there is little that dairies can do to make it arrive any faster. So what should they be doing in the meantime?
According to a dozen industry experts we talked to in the last few days, perhaps the best strategy is what they should not do. That way when the inevitable turnaround does begin their herds will be ready and able to capitalize on it. From a list that could have easily been several times longer, here are 12 recommendations of what dairies should not do during tough economic times:
- Don't think you're all alone in this situation.
- Don't stop focusing on high production per cow.
- Don't keep grossly unprofitable cows.
- Don't ruin your ration.
- Don't stop talking to your lenders.
- Don't let milk quality premiums get away.
- Don't skip equipment cleaning and maintenance.
- Don't stop vaccinating.
- Don't back off on heat detection.
- Don't stop using A.I.
- Don't cut corners with fresh cows.
- Don't ignore calves.
Labels: business decisions, costs, milk prices
posted by Hoard's Dairyman at
8:00 AM
1 Comments:
I think we all know what we should not do during these horrible times we have been put in. It's a good reminder though and thank you for it. But what about the things we can do to prevent this from happening again? Why can't for just once dairy farmers all come together and fight for what is right?
The processors are making money hand over foot even in the worst of times. How many dairy farmers can retire with $1 million dollars or more in benefits at the end of 30 years for work a 40 hour week? I'm sorry but it's not happening, not with the farmers I know anyway. We work 7 days a week, sometimes 20 hour days. NO time off, no vacations, and definitely no paid over time.
Consumers are thinking we (the farmers) are making all the money because of the still high prices of dairy in the stores. No one wants to give them a true statement of what goes on out here. Instead they see the cute California cow commercials (why not what the true picture of California dairy farmer) and they see high prices in the store.
When are we going to stand up for our rights? My great grandfather made more money off of his butterfat in the 1940's than we are now. How much longer are we really going to take this? When is someone ever going to stand up and say no more? When will the rest of us stand behind this person when they finally have the courage to demand better for the right of dairy farmers and NOT the rights of the processors? How many more family dairy farms are going to go out and loose their dreams before we do something? Just standing by hoping we aren't the next one isn't going to cut it anymore.
I'll get off my soapbox now.
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