u A.I. TECHNICIAN ROUNDTABLE

BOOTS ON THE GROUND

A CONVERSATION WITH LARGE-HERD TECHNICIANS

It’s fun to chat about top sires, leading ladies and the latest genetic strategies, but before farmers can witness the influence of elite genetics and a well-planned program, they need confirmed pregnancies. The Select Sires federation employs nearly 600 professional technicians that provide service and expertise to achieve reproductive success.

Just as the dairy industry evolves and technologies advance, there are changes in the day-to-day responsibilities of a professional technician. Today’s technicians are integrated in the mission and goals of each herd and work with a team of Select Sires experts to boost herd performance.

The Select Sires Podcast sat down with two phenomenal technicians from Minnesota/Select Sires and CentralStar Cooperative to learn more about their role and how they bring value to the herds they serve. To listen to the complete conversation, scan the QR code on page 4.

Jordan Pahl • 7+ years with Minnesota/Select Sires • University of Minnesota, bachelor’s degree in animal science and dairy production • Territory: southeast Minnesota • 10 daily stops Deanna Pleiman • 7+ years with CentralStar Cooperative • Grew up on a dairy farm, immersed in the industry, 4-H and showed Holstein cows • Territory: northwest lower peninsula of Michigan • 9 daily stops

Can you describe your day-to-day responsibilities?

Deanna: Every day is a different day, but Thursdays and Fridays are often the busiest. I do a lot of walking and chalking and I have two farms using CowManager®. I’m there to help with tags and management of the activity system. I’m particular about my paperwork because that's what helps keep things in order, especially on those busy days. Jordan: My herds range in size and so that dictates my responsibilities at each dairy. For some herds, I do a simple walk and chalk and I check activity systems. For other herds, I might be walking the pens and administering shots for timed A.I., managing pregnancy checks and looking through various data reports. I use the weekend to catch up on record keeping so that I can provide herds with the best results.

What are some unexpected challenges that you have helped dairies overcome?

Deanna: In herds that house heifers away from the main dairy, I’m often the only familiar face aside from the feeder. As I’m walking pens, I’ll notice a cough or other concerns and get that information to the herdsman as soon as possible. Back at the main dairy, I’ll take note of manure consistency and report those concerns before issues show up in the bulk tank. I can tell if milkers are being pulled off too fast if I’m seeing leaking cows, too. Cow’s don’t lie – if she’s not comfortable or she’s hurting she’ll let you know. Jordan: When I go into a new herd, I’m another set of professional eyes. I’m not just another person running through your barn. I’m looking at the details, adding cows to the hoof trimming list, notifying herdsmen of facility issues and sick animals. I try to give herds more insight because they likely don’t have time to walk those pens every day.

Can you share a recent success that you’ve celebrated with your herds?

Deanna: We recently installed CowManager in a herd I serve and we’ve been able to eliminate shots and get more cows pregnant. The system has been very precise and almost like a digital herdsman following along in the barn. Jordan: There’s one particular farm that I’ve been working with for two years. We’ve worked closely to meet their goals, introduce new timed A.I. programs and really increase their reproductive results. Most recently, we’ve increased their level of genetics and we’re in the process of enrolling them in NxGEN®. I enjoy working with herds for the long haul, remembering where we started and getting things on track to really see that point of progress.

Are there other folks with whom you work that contribute to a herd’s success?

Deanna: We have a true team mentality when serving herds – from sales representatives to genetic and reproductive specialists. If a herd comes to me and expresses a concern, we can bring in experts and have a meeting to run the numbers, identify the problem and provide support and solutions. My team is fantastic and they are there for me 24/7.

Continue reading on page 4.

What types of training and education are available to professional technicians?

Jordan: Select Sires’ SelectCheck ™ program provides a solid foundation for technicians. You visit large dairies and work through daily responsibilities like walking and chalking, heat detection and activity systems. There is both classroom time and time spent in the barn. We also participate in local training to hone our skills and sit down with genetic specialists to review sire summary results and learn about sires. When we visit dairies, we bring with us the skills that Select Sires has invested in us through training opportunities. We do our best to use this knowledge to benefit these dairies.

What is one piece of advice you’d choose to share with a dairy?

Deanna: I would recommend CowManager because it is an extra set of eyes and it picks up on things much earlier. In today’s times, there’s a lot for farmers to consider and CowManager shows up every day to provide reassurances. Jordan: Keep an open mind. Whether it be genetics, health, CowManager, beef x dairy, or otherwise, the most successful dairies that I serve, keep an open mind. Try to look past what you’re thinking today and consider what is going to be good for your dairy next year and the years after. u

Want to hear more from Jordan and Deanna? Scan the QR code to listen to the complete conversation.