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The DAT People's Choice Question of the Week: Next Game Changer
A few of the 'Game Changers' for the dairy industry over the years were frozen semen in the 1950's, Embryo Transfer in the 1970's,  personal computers used in ration formulation in the 1980's, approval of rBST in the 1990's, genomic testing in the 2000's. In your opinion what might be the next 'Game Changer"?
Reader Comments
Comments posted do not express the viewpoint of Dairy Agenda Today or its staff members.
Tony Whitehead
January, 18 2019
I'll throw out an idea. Why cant this forum start a 'think tank' type group? We don't have many answers, but we have alot of questions. To fix this mess it has to be a grass roots effort. Questions sometimes turn into answers. David and Alan just called 911!!!!!!
Brand F
January, 18 2019
I don't mind surviving in a capatalistic market. However I do mind paying my competitors haul bill as Tony said. The federal order would work better if the big shippers were getting paid in the federal order where they produce the milk instead of the one they sell it in. That would take a lot if the financial incentive to flood our Ky market with northern milk away.
Tony Whitehead
January, 18 2019
1. Replace the federal order system. 2. Break up the guerrilla in Kansas City.
Jeff v
January, 18 2019
break up the monopoly
Reality
January, 17 2019
So what's the solution
Tony Whitehead
January, 17 2019
I agree with your idea 100%. But, the government tells me what I am paid, not how much I make. I am forced to pay the transportation fees on milk hauled into the bottling plant I sell to from the big boys in Texas new Mexico and western Kansas. I have no say in where my advertising money goes. Ten years ago there was 7 places to sell milk in Missouri. Now there is one. I am all for capitalism. Let's have some.
Justin
January, 17 2019
Reality...I understand your statement.With 100 cows unless you market elite genectics to subsidise your income you will be out wouldn't you rather go on your terms than necessity? It has become an impossibility for new/young farmers to start out now! We are one generation from having a couple Mega dairies in each state run by business graduates who have no clue about breeding,caring for or managing good cows or growing crops.This my friend makes me very sad!!
OLDSTER
January, 17 2019
With most bull studs offering semen from the same cows/cow families, there should be quite a demand for that outcross bull; unfortunately that bull is an Angus. When you can trade an Angus/Hol. cross bull calf for at least 6 Holstein heifer calves, you realize how screwed up our industry has become. Technology that is on the top of the 'ladder' has led to a complete crash at the bottom of the ladder. Semen from the top rung has become too expensive for those on the bottom, so suddenly the dual purpose calf is the only one worth raising.
Reality
January, 16 2019
No that would be capitalism according to the definition. I have used all the examples listed in the original question. The free market system has brought us all those innovations. I milk 100 cows of which most are registered. The farm business is always and has always been evolving from the beginning. It is not my God given right to dairy farm. I either have to find a way to evolve with the industry or get out. We have to quit pretending like the government needs to regulate the industry to ensure I have a place in it. Idk maybe someone else has the solution.
Tony Whitehead
January, 16 2019
Is that capitalism according to mao or lenin? My old ag econ professor just rolled over in his grave.
Reality
January, 16 2019
In one word I would say evolution. We are on a fast track to larger more efficient dairy farming. Like it or not whether prices are low or high the transformation will continue. It's capitalism at its finest.
Old Timer
January, 16 2019
It sounds like gene editing could be in the future of dairy genetics. If and when that happens, it will move the farmer/breeder down the ladder a few more steps at best and take them out of the market all together at worst. Dairy genetics are coming closer to corn and soybean genetics every year.
Tony Whitehead
January, 15 2019
It will be the relationship between the producers and the processing companies. Yes I said companies not co-ops. Is there really a milk marketing co-op left?
TEX
January, 14 2019
You failed to mention the biggest game changer of them all. SEXED SEMEN
Jeff
January, 14 2019
I think you failed to include the most substantial change to the business: The widespread use of illegal immigrants as the primary labor source and the staunch opposition of agricultural groups to securing our borders.