159 | Elevating Dairy Farm Operations: The Journey from Good to Great at Woldt Family Farms
Welcome to an insightful exploration of Woldt Family Farms, a Brillion, Wisconsin dairy farm known for its outstanding advancements in milk production and cow care. Through a commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration with experts like Pauly Paul from Complete Management Consulting, this farm has successfully transitioned from good to great.
Key Takeaways:
Increased Efficiency: 200 more cows are now milked daily, without additional labor.
Reduced Treatments: Fresh cow treatments have plummeted from 40% to just 5%.
Enhanced Employee Morale: Improved training and protocols have led to higher employee satisfaction and retention.
Optimizing Dairy Farm Operations for Peak Performance
When Pauly Paul and his team from Complete Management Consulting first engaged with Woldt Family Farms, they aimed to uplift an already well-run dairy to an exemplary one by enhancing efficiencies and profits. The primary area of focus was the dairy's milking parlor, as Pauly succinctly mentioned, "The biggest area on every dairy is the parlor for making milk, you know, or getting your income."
Enhancing Milking Parlor Efficiency
One of the first tasks Pauly's team undertook was a detailed assessment of the milking parlor’s operations. They recognized opportunities to make the cow-milking process more efficient, thus allowing an additional 200 cows to pass through daily—without adding labor.
"We could see that there was some opportunity there to get cows through a little bit more efficiently, just streamlining some things, working on the procedure, [and] working on, you know, some of the employee training."
The team tackled inefficiencies by honing in on the timing and routine involved in the milking process. They employed stopwatches to precisely measure and optimize each step, leading to quicker milking times while ensuring thorough yet swift procedures.
Strategic Relocation and Care of Fresh Cows
Fresh cows are particularly sensitive and require special attention to ensure a successful transition into milk production. Pauly's team identified significant stressors impacting these cows, notably their location and handling routines.
"One of the things that we recognized when we first started here is it seemed like they were a little heavy on, on employees… Many times those cows just need to be left alone."
By moving fresh cows from the chaos near the parlor to a quieter environment, Woldt Family Farms saw a remarkable drop in fresh cow treatments from 40% to 5%.
"You end up increasing milk production. You got healthier cows. You're putting that milk into the tank rather than dumping that milk."
Improving Employee Morale and Retention
Better training and streamlined routines have considerably boosted employee engagement and morale at Woldt Family Farms. As Pauly Paul highlights, consistent and clear protocols across all shifts were crucial for achieving high operational standards.
"The morale here is totally changed. And that's one thing that Jeff [the herd manager] had mentioned; people are really happy to show up at work every day."
Pauly attributes this to the team's approach of involving employees in the process, ensuring they understand and embrace improvements. By cross-training employees and expanding their skill sets, Woldt Family Farms created a more versatile and enthusiastic workforce, contributing to an overall positive work environment.
Broader Implications and Impact
By adopting a meticulous approach to dairy farm management, Woldt Family Farms set an example for other dairies aiming to transition from good to great. The focus on efficiency, animal welfare, and employee satisfaction confluence to create a thriving operation that stands as a model of agricultural excellence.
Their collaboration with Pauly Paul and Complete Management Consulting shines a spotlight on the tangible benefits of expert guidance and openness to new methodologies. It exemplifies the profound positive impact that thoughtful changes and dedicated teamwork can bring to dairy farming.
Woldt Family Farms also carries a broader vision beyond its operations, emphasizing local community engagement and sustainable practices. Visitors to the farm can explore their charming farm store filled with local agricultural products, showcasing their commitment to nurturing both land and community.
As Pauly eloquently summarizes:
"It's been really great working with the Woldt family here. They've, they've come a long ways… And to see where they've come today is totally amazing."
Indeed, the story of Woldt Family Farms is a powerful testament to the value of continuous improvement, expert collaboration, and the unwavering commitment to excellence in dairy farming.
This narrative of Woldt Family Farms, underscoring their transformative journey, serves as a beacon for other dairy operations aiming to enhance efficiency, profitability, and employee and animal welfare.
Listen to this episode with Pauly Paul with Complete Management Consulting and Woldt Family Farms
This Episode is Sponsored by Complete Management Consulting
Make sure to join me and Pauly for a Virtual Farm Tour of Woldt Farms at World Dairy Expo next week!
Friday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m. in the Exhibition Hall, or tune in to Expo TV
Featuring Woldt Family Farms & Sponsored by Complete Management Consulting LLC.
Good to Great: How This Dairy Crushed Their Goals for Improved Efficiency and Profitability with the assistance of Complete Management Consulting.
Contact Pauly Paul
About Complete Management Consulting
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Connect with Peggy: peggy@upleveldairy.com
