Here's Why It's Important to Conduct Measurement and Evaluation

Measurement and evaluation are the only way success or failure can be determined in the dry-cow program. It is the most challenging component of the 100-Day Contract^SM program and requires the teamwork of everyone on the dairy.

Before monitoring and evaluation can start, you need to know your herd's current performance. This is available through reports generated from cow data. Once goals are set and the new program actions begin, this baseline can measure progress toward your goals.

Success of the 100-Day Contract program requires all managers and employees to streamline and follow procedures, record and interpret data consistently, and work together to identify and solve problems. It must be an ongoing, fine-tuning process to keep the program on course.

Measurement and Evaluation Actions

When adopting actions in the dry-cow program, establish an implementation system that defines:

• What has to be done by whom - Use the checklist as a guide to assign work responsibilities
  
  
• Why and how it will be done - Standard operating procedures ensure consistency
  
  
• What is not acceptable - Critical control points keep the program in check
  
  
• What actions to take when goals are not met - Problem solving can uncover weak links