stickers<\/a> for the indoor calf pens. The stickers can be used for the calf\u2019s basic information, such as birthday, parentage, number, etc. Whatever works for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\nSimilarly, a clothespin would work just as well for the group pens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These can be used to identify calves that may drink slower than others, or that they are sick\/being treated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wall signs with instructions are also very helpful to maintain consistency. These can contain milk mixing instructions, a bedding schedule, or even vaccinations. If wall signs are not of interest to you, having clip boards placed around the facility with checklists\/reminders can be helpful to team members as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our cell phones are useful communication tools, especially apps that allow you to leave notes\/memos for multiple people. One of the apps that we use on our dairy is Slack. It is not specific to agriculture, but you can create different channels that allow conversations to be more specific, all in the same app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, we have channels labeled treated cows, days off, and a general channel. Some of the app\u2019s features require payment, but most of the use is free. Another very common one is Microsoft Teams, which also allows you to have different members and channels but requires a Microsoft payment plan.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n
While apps and computer programs can be helpful, nothing will beat in-person team meetings. Employees like to see managers taking an interest in their feelings and opinions, and a good manager will accept different points of view to find ways to improve. Within these meetings, you can also decipher what learning\/communication styles your employees have, which will build a stronger team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consistency is key when it comes to caring for all ages of cattle, and it takes a team to do so. Proper training, record keeping, and willingness to communicate creates a strong calf care team. There are many routes to achieve excellent communication skills, and it is up to you and your team to find what works for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grace Kline assists in the operation of Diamond Valley Dairy in Myerstown, Pennsylvania, with her husband and brothers-in- law. There, she cares for calves and heifers that are born both naturally and as a result of embryo transfer from deep-pedigreed show cattle. Grace has been caring for calves since her first job at 12 years old and has worked on four different farms, including an internship at Budjon Farms where she specialized in calves and show heifers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/calftel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/calftel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/calftel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/3-edited.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/calftel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/4.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n