Author: Kevin Haase, CentralStar Cooperative Director of DHI Services
We recently discovered some very exciting news about CentralStar Cooperative; we have more cows enrolled and on test than any other National DHIA (NDHIA) organization. Becoming the largest DHI organization in the United States is no small feat as we only began offering DHI Services in 2000, and since that time our industry has seen tremendous attrition in the number of dairy herds. Even still, CentralStar continues to consistently grow the number of cows on DHI test. While it’s accurate to attribute some growth to mergers, it’s essential to highlight three key factors that contribute to this success.
People
Our team of over 100 DHI Specialists provides reliable service and quality data from which you make decisions. Their work ethic is second to none, making it in their nature to go the extra mile to ensure data accuracy for you.
Innovation
Through our research and development arm, AntelBio™, we continually explore solutions that can save you time and money, while offering more in-depth insights from which to manage your herd. Our rigorous research efforts through the years have resulted in the routine use of DHI samples to analyze a variety of production, health, and physiology traits, including pregnancy, Johne’s disease, BVD, and more. Because of this work, you can access previously unavailable insights through a routine DHI sample, eliminating on-farm labor to find, sort, and lock up cows, enhancing cow comfort, while saving you time and money.
Advocacy
CentralStar actively advocates for your interests by being a member of Dairy Records Management Systems (DRMS) as well as NDHIA which allows a voice with Quality Certification Services (QCS), and the International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR). As members of boards and committees with these organizations, the CentralStar team can help shape future improvements and drive change in the DHI system for you and the industry.
100+ years and going strong
Despite its long history, DHI data remains the cornerstone of successful dairy operations. Its significance cannot be understated. If you are not yet experiencing the advantages of CentralStar’s DHI Services to “get more” from your milk and herd data, I encourage you to talk with your CentralStar team or email me at [email protected]. At pennies a day, DHI is arguably one of the best investments you can make to improve herd performance and profitability.