Connecting the dots Liza Bohlmann Editor: The Dairy Mail Embracing the information overload Never lose touch with reality get out and see how research translates on the farm Future farmers will rely more on information technology to make swift and accurate management decisions some have already arrived. So, are we ready to deliver that information they need? Access to information is a blessing, but it can be overwhelming. Start by asking the right questions Dont believe everything you hear or read If you dont know where to start, talk to your mentors, industry leaders, advisors or colleagues you trust to find out which sources of information they use most. Web-based information is both a blessing and a curse as anyone can now publish anything! Farm profitability Farm profitability Environmental impact Environmental impact Udder health Udder health Heat stress Heat stress Longevity Longevity Reproduction rate Reproduction rate What do we really know about the things that matter most? Do we test new information? Do we rely on knowledge from the past? Do we correct wrong interpretations of the right data? Do you know what she wants? Our jobs are to understand the cow better and to use that knowledge to improve farm efficiency and profitability. So what is out there? Who do we believe? How do we use the information we have access to? Literature Real research and reference works Technical and scientific publications Great for researchers, but is this what the farmer wants? Websites and e-newsletters MPO e-Newsletter (send request to Publications Hoards Dairyman Dairy Exporter Progressive Dairyman Cow Management (CRV) The Dairy Mail Liza Bohlmann Editor: The Dairy Mail