MILK MONEY NEWS
February 19, 2007

Milk Money - a team-based program
for improving milk quality and profitability on Wisconsin Dairies

In This Issue...

Milk Money
The Program

Visit Us on the Web
Milk Quality
Your link to the World's Best Milk Quality Web site
UW Dairy Science
Resources at the University of Wisconsin's Dairy Science Department
Center for Dairy Profitability
Information to enhance your dairy's profitability
Valuable Links
Ag Source
Reporting, Analysis and Educational Center
National Mastitis Council
Information on udder health, milking management and milk quality
Tools
Resources to assist in mastitis and parlor management
Stop and Visit

WPS Farm Show
March 27, 28, 29, 2007 Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Milk Money: A Roadmap

Milk Money is a team-based program for improving milk quality and profitability:

  • Producers assemble a team of their own trusted advisors
  • The team meets to define and set measurable goals for that producer, with all perspectives put on the table
  • As a group, the team defines action plans to achieve those goals
  • Progress is monitored and measured over a period of four monthly meetings
  • That's just a summary of the Milk Money program - for more detailed information about the meeting process go to the Roadmap to Milk Quality

Why Milk Money Teams?

The part of Milk Money that participants like the best is working cooperatively as a team. A group effort makes it easier to accomplish milk quality goals, the structure keeps everyone on task, and program enthusiasm is contagious.

Also each team member brings different knowledge and skills to the discussion. This improves the potential for success through new untapped resources. In other words, "none of us is as smart as all of us". For more on Milk Money teams.

Facilitating vs Leading the Milk Money Team

The team leader is typically the farm owner/manager. They are the ones who sanction and sponsor the event. They ask for the Milk Money Team, they okay the team process, select the team members and decide when to end the team. It is their goals that must be identified and addressed.

The team facilitator’s purpose is to direct the process of exploration, discussion and consensus building so that the leader’s priority goals are addressed and the recommended action plans are established.

The facilitator may play several roles depending on the task at hand and the nature of the team environment, including establishing ground rules, coaching, and clarifying expectations of team members. For more on Facilitation and Leadership in Milk Money Teams. If you are interested in learning more about being a team facilitator for new Milk Money teams, send us an e-mail . Also, watch for more on optimizing the team process in future newsletters.

Milk Money Forms

The latest version of Milk Money Team forms are now available on line. Please use the forms found here with any new team that is formed.

Notice that there are some new offerings for producers on the Registration Form, including up to 20 Individual Cow Cultures.

Thanks.

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This newsletter is brought to you by the Milk Quality Team and the Milk Money program in the Department of Dairy Science at the University of Wisconsin, through the support of the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.