By Andi Anderson
The Four-State Dairy Nutrition & Management Conference webinar series will continue on July 9 at 12 noon CDT, focusing on improving transition cow management.
The session will be led by Dr. Robert Fourdraine, Assistant Director of Product Development at DRMS, who will share insights on enhancing dairy herd performance and farm profitability.
The webinar will explain how the start of a cow’s lactation plays a key role in its overall productivity.
According to DRMS data, cows that experience a weak start are more likely to face similar challenges in future lactation cycles. This directly impacts farm efficiency and income.
Participants will learn about the Fresh Cow Index, a new tool designed to monitor transition cow performance. Dr. Robert Fourdraine, Assistant Director of Product Development at DRMS, will guide attendees on how to use this tool to evaluate management practices and make better decisions. The tool helps farmers track progress and identify areas that need improvement.
Dr. Fourdraine brings over 37 years of experience in the dairy industry. His background includes expertise in animal science, dairy data management, milk recording, and producer-focused innovations. He has also contributed to national and international efforts to improve dairy systems, including serving on boards such as the National Institute for Animal Agriculture and the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding.
At DRMS, he leads teams responsible for product development and ensures tools are practical, accurate, and useful for farmers. His work focuses on helping dairy producers use high-quality data to improve herd management and profitability.
The webinar is free and open to producers, dairy consultants, and industry representatives. Participants are encouraged to register online at least one hour before the session. Contact details of organizers from Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin are available for further assistance.
This session offers a valuable learning opportunity for those interested in modern dairy practices, data-driven decision-making, and improving herd health through better management strategies.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-vm
Categories: Iowa, Livestock, Dairy Cattle