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An Approach to Scoring Management on Large-Scale Dairies

Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, Tulare 93274

Roger Ruppanner

Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616

Barrett D. Slenning

Kingsburg, CA 93631

John E. Kushman

Department of Agricultural Economics, University of California, Davis 95616

ABSTRACT

Management is a complex, difficult-to-measure variable responsible for significant production differences among dairies that are otherwise similar. This study presents an approach to quantifying management by having different types of experts rank dairies (in their own area of expertise) using 12 management categories and specified indicators within each and then aggregating the resulting scores in an overall index. Nine dairies in the Tulare milkshed were visited and ranked. Then validity of the resulting index was supported when a nonexpert in the area's milkshed revisited and scored the same nine dairies 3 yr later. The index has proved useful as a variable in an econometric model of the Tulare dairy industry. Research plans include further confirmation of the index by having other nonexperts test it on a larger sample of dairies. The usefulness of components of the index also will be explored. It is thought that the methods used here eventually may be applied by anyone interested in evaluating the management component of dairies.