A34—Lancaster Farming, Saturday, February 4,1984 BY W ISH WILLIAMS GUTHRIESVILLE - An update on the latest farm management technology and programs available to increase the efficiency -* dairy farm management was given to over 100 farmers Wed nesday at the Chester County Dairy Day. Sponsored by the Penn Siote and Chester County Cooperative Ex tension Service, the program featured a panel of five speakers who stressed the need for efficient management. “The management tool of the ‘Bo’s” is how Penn State Dairy Specialist, Jud Heinrichs, referred to on-farm computers. In a talk on “What Computers Can Do For You,’’ Heinrichs said on-farm computers can be used for herd management, ration balancing, accounting, crop records, in ventory management and fun. Personal computers are becoming easier to use and less expensive to buy, he said. The sales of personal computers is projected to increase dramatically in the next three years. He cautioned farmers con sidering purchasing a personal computer to shop around because of the many models that are available. “Find the software programs you want first, then buy the hard ware that will run it,” Heinrichs told dairymen. “There are bet ween 250-300 software programs currently available that are ap plicable to Pennsylvania dairymen.” While the cost of computerized feeders for a small herd might be difficult to justify, almost any size farm could benefit from a personal computer in the office for management, he said. Computers allow for daily monitoring of records. Com puterized feeders and milking systems allows farmers to manage by exception. A daily check quickly lists cows that have fallen off in milk production or aren’t eating properly. Computers help to put needed SERVING THE FARMERS FOR 111 YEARS HAMBURG SAVINGS cnr (TPCiV TRUST COMPANY Hamburg, PA Phone: 215-562-3811 A FULL SERVICE BANK PAUL B smiMigpraiiDi] STEEL TANKS OVER 150 IN STOCK 275 Gal. to 20,000 Gal. Can Be Used For - • Feed and grain bins • Livestock water tanks • Feeding troughs • Toils & Bridges • Manure Storage • Fertilizer Storage PAUL B. ZIMMERMAN, Inc. Hardware • Farm Supplies Custom Manufacturing • Crane Service Box 128, R.D. #4, Lititz, PA 17543 Wood Corner Rd., 1 Mile West of Ephrata Phone:7l7-738-1121 Chester Co. Dairy Day stresses need for efficiency management data in orderly files that can be easily accessed. Heinrichs also spoke on the importance of monitoring calf and heifer growth. He recommended that dairymen spend one afternoon each year weighing and measuring replacement heifers. Each county Extension office has measuring sticks, weight tapes and recording forms available for use by dairymen. The completed recording form can be sent to Penn State where the data will be plotted on a graph against the breed standards for height and weight. How nutrition affects reproduction was the subject of a presentation made by Mike O’Connor, Penn State reproduction specialist. A properly balanced diet not only improves milk production, it is essential for good reproduction. Research has demonstrated that excessive protein in the ration increases the number of days open USED (Turn to Page A3B) You Ain’t Saved Nuttin Till You Shopped E.M. Herr Farm & Home Store pv New FROSTEXII Heating Cable $- ae '1.19/pt I eO J/Ft. 50 FT. OR MORE CHAIN SAW SALE Semi-Chisel Chain Will UPS Anywhere H & S MANURE SPREADER CLEARANCE SAVE OVER 30% Less Than Competitive ( Brands Speakers at the Chester County Dairy Day are pictured here with Cheryl Fairbairn, Chester Co. Extension agent and program coordinator. From the left are, Jud Hen dricks, Jack J. Kirkland, Cheryl Fairbairn, Nelson Stoltzfus, and Mike O'Connor. "2 FERSALE" safer won’t overheat even when overlapped use on any pipe even plastic more reliable new design for long life regulates its own heat output without a thermostat cut it to any length 14" 16” 18" 20" SAVE UP TO 30% Dnar# On Manure Spreader Aprons w/Gratz Chain & Silage Wagon Aprons IAIH.Y ORDiR SPCCIAL 1550 Gal. Polyethylene Tank Reg. 599.95 SAVE *lOO $49995 la r-S 2/18.95 2/21.95 2/23.95 2/26.95 Also Available: Pick Up Tanks-425 Gal. $32995 ANTI-FREEZE pa\ Sno-Flo Permanent R eg- 4.39 Anti-Freeze $0 OO 1 Gal. 1 Z,TT —' Case Price 6 Per Case 55 gallon drum Sale *154.00
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