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Healthy cows are about biology. Healthy farms are about economics. You need both. In this month’s “Protecting Your Profits" discussion, hear expert insight on biological vs. economic health from Dr. Joe Bender, Associate Professor of Clinical Dairy Production Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania – New Bolton Center.

Biological health refers to the physical health of your cows, including freedom from disease, longevity, and comfort. Economic health centers around the cow’s financial viability, productivity, and cost efficiency of your herd. It’s easy to pick out a biologically unhealthy cow – you’ll often see physical signs like lameness, sickness or thinness. Economically unhealthy cows, on the other hand, are harder to find. Dr. Bender shares:

• How to balance both sides of the biological and economic health equation (the cow level and the business level).
• How ratios demonstrate the economic health of your farm.
• How to move items from the liability side of the equation to the asset side.
• Practical ways to balance strong milk production with strong economic health, so you have the right formula to make a good product and take good care of your cows and employees.

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