Large Suppliers Lloyd and Daphne Holterman, Wisconsin USA presentation in Australia

Large producer Lloyd and Daphne Holterman, Rosylane Holsteins have a 1,700 cow dairy business with two farms at Johnson Creek Wisconsin USA, Rosy-Lane Holsteins LLC. Some points of interest: • This farm is a showcase for farm system measurement and decision-making based on consolidated (actionable) information. Biophysical and financial performance is assessed and then specific decisions are made based on that information. • This farm is a prime example of having a very well-defined breeding objective that is diligently followed over the long term, with cumulative performance against this objective measured via farm physical data. • There is a heavy emphasis on SOPs on this farm. If any aspect of farm team performance is seen as lacking, the rule of thumb is to re-examine the SOP first, to see if instruction and communication can be enhanced. • The farm, through attention to detail, recording, analytics, and decision-making culture, has a high degree of control over operating costs. • There was a plan for growth and a business structure set up to achieve this. • The growth has included a well-planned and described succession plan involving two long-standing employees who commenced with a $30,000 investment into shares in the operating business. • The business is split into 1 – the operating business (people, cattle, machinery etc) and 2 – Land. The operating entity pays a lease to the land entity.