DAVE ZAPPA FROM RUEDINGER FARMS SHARES HIS EXPERIENCE AS AN nTELL PILOT
OVERVIEW
Ruedinger Farms is a 4th generation dairy farm in Van Dyne, Wisconsin with 1,500 Holsteins owned by John and Karen Ruedinger. Jamie (Ruedinger) and Dave Zappa also work on the farm managing many of the day-to-day operations and decisions. As the farm’s dairy manager, Dave’s knowledge and input has been instrumental in iYOTAH’s development of initial KPAs (Key Performance Areas) for the nTELL platform.
Having worked at Harley Davidson for several years prior to joining the farm, Dave brought a keen understanding not only of the farm’s operations but also the importance of training and developing employees to iYOTAH.
WHAT WE DID
Using nTELL powered by iYOTAH Solutions, Dave now meets once a week with the herd managers and feeders.The team reviews the overlaid data from multiple siloed data sources via iYOTAH’s platform and collaborates on how they can increase feed consistencies as well as operational efficiencies. The team then creates specific goals and uses incentives to “gamify” the opportunities for continual improvement.
Dave sees it this way, “It may take an hour of time during the week to meet with our team, but it motivates us and keeps everyone engaged in trying to improve the operation. With involving our team on the nTELL platform they are consistently looking for ways to improve the performance of the dairy."
"With involving our team on the nTELL platform they are consistently looking for ways to improve the performance of dairy" says Dave Zappa.
CONCLUSION
As Dave sees the Key Performance Areas (KPAs) expand on iYOTAH’s platform, he will be looking for opportunities to involve additional employees and advisors to help optimize their operation. “I’d encourage dairy managers to engage their team on using the platform. Empowering your team to think alongside of you has great benefits.”