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:

1. Don't think you're all alone in this situation.
2. Don't stop focusing on high production per cow.
3. Don't keep grossly unprofitable cows.
4. Don't ruin your ration.
5. Don't stop talking to your lenders.
6. Don't let milk quality premiums get away.
7. Don't skip equipment cleaning and maintenance.
8. Don't stop vaccinating.
9. Don't back off on heat detection.
10. Don't stop using A.I.
11. Don't cut corners with fresh cows.
12. Don't ignore calves.