| 43 MEAT & WOOL » JJJ Farms Ltd Turning to data-driven management JJJ Farms, a long-standing family-run operation, has recently returned to using DairyBase after a period of absence. Kelly Deeks Hari Hari dairy farm JJJ Farms is turning to data-driven management with DairyBase, the DairyNZ tool helping farmers make more informed decisions about costs, herd health, and productivity. JJJ Farms, a long-standing family-run operation, has recently returned to using DairyBase after a period of absence. Initially, the farm’s involvement was spearheaded by the previous generation, but with new insights and a stronger network of local farms, the benefits are clearer than ever. “In the past, it was more my dad’s thing,” says Gavin Davie, who now runs the daily operations, managing staff and livestock. “At the time, we probably didn’t fully understand its potential. But now, with more West Coast farms participating, the data is far more relevant to us.” Previously, limited participation from the West Coast meant that local farms were grouped with those in Nelson and Tasman, skewing the data. Now, with around a dozen West Coast farms involved and more joining, farmers can analyse costs, milk production, and animal health in a way that reflects regional conditions more accurately. A key reason for JJJ Farms’ return to DairyBase was the need for streamlined financial and operational data. With responsibilities divided, Gavin handling farm operations and his mum Karen managing wages and invoices, keeping track of expenses and performance metrics was challenging. “By having everything in one place, we can clearly see costs versus milk solids, animal health expenses, labour costs, and more. That’s going to be really valuable.” Access to real-time data is transforming decision-making on the farm. “It’s just like herd testing,” Gavin says. “This season, I’ve done five herd tests just to get the most accurate data. Sometimes cows miss a test due to late calving or sample issues, but with multiple tests, we ensure we get the full picture.” Technology has also played a major role in this shift towards data-driven management. With farm management apps like MINDA from LIC, decisions can be made on the spot. “It’s pretty cool being able to access data on your phone while checking on the cows. Especially when you’re dealing with unpredictable weather like we did this spring, which was extremely wet. You’re making on-the-spot decisions every half hour.” Having detailed records helps identify patterns in herd health and recently, a mastitis case reinforced the value of data tracking. “Dad (Steve) was helping with milking and picked a cow with mastitis. She’s seven years old, and when we checked her Ryan Arnold 0275 484 586 | Tommy Arnold 0275484587 | atacon@xtra.co.nz ARNOLD TRANSPORT LTD Transporting goods throughout the South Island including lime, fertiliser & stock feed, timber & logs, rock, woodchip and all general goods. Proudly supporting JJJ Farms Ltd ELECTRICAL & HEATPUMPS LTD DELORE 9 62 Pine Tree Road, Hokitika m 03 755 8644 | 027 291 6699 k office@delore.co.nz K www.delore.co.nz We proudly support JJJ Farms Ltd Electrical Heatpumps LED Lighting New Builds & Renovations Heat Transfer Systems records, we saw she’s had mastitis three times before, so what’s the point of keeping her? We wouldn’t be able to make such decisions without accurate data on hand.” With tools like Dairy Base becoming more relevant and herd management apps becoming more accessible, JJJ Farms is embracing data to optimise operations. “When I was growing up, I don’t remember any farms doing this kind of stuff,” Gavin says. “Now, it’s changing the way we farm.” • Plant & yard upgrades • Backing gates • Water pumps & tanks • Teat spray systems • Farm ef uent systems • Registered machine testing • Galv pipe & steel • Rubberware & hose OR COME IN AND SEE US AT 15 HAU HAU ROAD, HOKITIKA E westlanddairysheds@xtra.co.nz Hari Hari Motors Proudly Supporting JJJ Farms Ltd 03 753 3133 hariharimotors@xtra.co.nz
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