More Tech, Less Worry (Sometimes)

Technology. To some farmers, it is a gateway to greater efficiency and the foundation of a portable office. Endless data is generated from technology that can be applied to make informed management decisions. Other farmers may be a bit more hesitant to embrace and utilize technology on the dairy. In a recent systematic review of farmers’ perceptions of automated technology for detecting lameness, key indicators of acceptance included the performance of the technology, the cost of implementation, and potential networks for demonstrating the use of the technologies (Dutton-Regester et al., 2020). Detecting lameness is just one use of the vast array of technological applications for dairies.

Producers rely on technological applications to improve productivity and reduce stress on animals. This should ease the burden on farmers as well. An aspect of technology that may not be given enough consideration when looking to improve efficiency is the management approach that accompanies the applications. For example, mobile devices in cooperation with cameras have numerous applications on the farm: they can provide a remote observation platform for monitoring calving or milking activity in the parlor; they can add a level of security in the milkhouse; and they can capture images or videos for sharing with professionals troubleshooting a problem.

Mobile devices can be an essential tool for many producers, with uses ranging from weather notifications to milk quality lab reports to communication with employees and family on the farm. Mobile devices can provide hours of entertainment (outside of work, of course), while also bringing professional development opportunities to our fingertips. For example, mobile devices can be used for learning, such as to convey safety videos and instructions, which allows the opportunity for convenient, job-specific training. This was demonstrated by workers from 40 dairy farms who increased their safety knowledge using mobile devices (Rodriguez et al., 2018). An additional safety benefit is the ability to call for help in an emergency or even to potentially locate someone who didn’t check in when expected.

Conversely, there are some downsides to mobile devices. While there are positive safety applications, the use of mobile devices while performing farm tasks can be very risky. A team of researchers from Penn State University found that 88% of the 143 youth that responded to a survey admitted to using technology such as texting, watching videos, playing games, or adjusting in-vehicle technology while operating farm equipment for work (Gorucu et al., 2018).

While our phones go with us everywhere, including on the farm, it may be a safer practice to put them down while performing certain jobs on the farm, such as treating sick calves. The use of mobile devices in the cowhouse or dairy barn was the most common risky practice reported in a survey of Finnish dairy farmers regarding the potential occupational transmission of cryptosporidiosis, with 90% of respondents admitting such activity (Suloaniemi et al., 2022). Practices that were reportedly lacking in the survey included use of a disposable or washable cover for the mobile device (3% had one) and washing hands before using a device (only 6%). A mobile device can serve as a fomite or inanimate object that can transmit a pathogen. Cryptosporidium spp. is resistant to chlorine disinfectants as well as alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The safer practice may be to check mobile devices after personal protective equipment (PPE) is removed and hands are adequately washed.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recommends 5 tips for sanitizing your cell phone.

1. Unplug the device before cleaning.
2. Use a lint-free cloth that is slightly dampened with soap and water. Alcohol-based wipes are another option.
3. Don't spray anything directly onto the device.
4. Avoid aerosols, abrasive cleaners, and cleaners with bleach.
5. Do not allow liquids or moisture near any openings on the device.

You also may wish to consult the cleaning and sanitizing instructions from the manufacturer of the device.

Producers should consider the risks and benefits of mobile devices on farms and then discuss practices with farm employees and family members as a safety reminder.

References:

Dutton-Regester KJ, Barnes TS, Wright JD, and Rabiee AR. 2020. Lameness in dairy cows: farmer perceptions and automated detection technology. Journal of Dairy Research 87(S1), 67–71. 

Federal Communications Commission. How to sanitize your phone and other devices. Updated 5/18/2020.

Gorucu S, Murphy D, Foster D, Hanagriff R, and Ewing J. 2018. Technology use among youth while operating farm equipment. Journal of Agromedicine, 23:4, 305-314, DOI: 10.1080/1059924X.2018.1501450.

Rodriguez A, Hagevoort GR, Leal D, Pompeii L, and Douphrate DI. 2018. Using mobile technology to increase safety awareness among dairy workers in the United States. Journal of Agromedicine, 23:4, 315-326, DOI: 10.1080/1059924X.2018.1502704.

Suolaniemi J, Autio T, Heikkinen J, and Räsänen K. 2022. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Finnish dairy farmers on cryptosporidiosis. Journal of Agromedicine.