OLD TOOLS WORK
It seems an easy thing to forget about some of the old tools at our disposal. And I do not mean an old beat-up tool that doesn’t function anymore. I am referring to some of the old tools that just somehow get lost to the wayside and unused. It also seems an easy thing to let the new shiny technologies of the world overshadow some of the things which work well and certainly already existed for a reason.
Through that, things can tend to be easily forgotten and overlooked. Sometimes if we remember to just look for the simple tools available, we can find efficient and simple work in using them. Old tools and those who still use them can truly bring strong value and experience. And in turn, this can help us all learn more about ways to strengthen daily operations.
I was recently privileged to be a part of some great customer meetings. And in one particular group, there was a discussion about a hoof knife. This, to me, is a fine example of an old tool that I just do not see utilized anymore. That fellow shared how he keeps up on his cows’ hoof trimming himself, and how that helps his heard health and strength immensely.
I realize this is an intimidating task for many, and bringing in the hoof trimmer can be easier under certain circumstances. But if there is an opportunity to learn from an experienced dairyman, on how they keep up on their herd’s hooves, I’d think taking that would be very worthwhile. How many tools could really help us all if we just had someone to take the time and show us? I realize getting and having the tool is the easy part. It is the experience of efficiently using said tool that is definitely the hard part.
The next tool that feels relevant to this topic would be cow tape. Or in other words, the tape measure that is used to determine the body weight of the animal. I know most dairy farmers have them somewhere covered in dust hiding in a drawer. But I will admit, I rarely see them being utilized. Maybe there are other times to know those weights other than when there is a sale about to occur. Have your animals’ weights changed over a long period of time? Are there more crosses in your heard now? A ration could be set for 1,300# big old Holsteins, when maybe that is not entirely accurate anymore. Taping the cows can be a simple helpful tool which can ultimately help you understand and better pinpoint their feeding needs and requirements.
Those are just two simple examples of tools, relevant to the dairy barn, that seem pushed aside to me. And perhaps they are silly examples and wouldn’t really move any dials for anyone who doesn’t use them now. But the point holds relevance, nonetheless. How many other good tools out there did we just stop using? It is very easy to end up doing things the harder way. All the old timers used to tell me to, “work smarter not harder.” And perhaps here I am, just pretty much saying the same thing!
I think especially in the dairy world, or with all raising of livestock, experience is the true teacher. Therefore, there is huge value in gaining experience from trusted folks within our communities. Looking for ways to simplify should always be a part of the businesses our world revolves around. And utilizing tools and experience from trusted friends and family, can progressively help in gaining experience that gets to that efficient simplification. In other words, a tool does not always have to be a hammer, it can be the ally showing us how to pound nails too.