Peyton Fernandes was recently featured in the March issue of California Dairy. In the cover story, he shared how adopting CowManager technology has helped transform productivity and deliver measurable returns on his family’s operation.
Better Data, Healthier Herd, Strong ROI
Saving $4 Per Cow Per Day
Fernandes works alongside his father and brother at Legendairy Farms, a 4,500-head Jersey dairy operation. Although the farm has been using CowManager for just over a year, the results have already been significant. According to Fernandes, the system has generated a 25% return on investment with an additional $30.50 in income per cow.
A key driver of that return is improved reproductive performance. CowManager has increased pregnancy detection rates by 6% and improved heat detection accuracy by 8%, helping the farm team identify more cows at the right time. Actual conception is up 4% because CowManager provides a more precise window for insemination. With the cow monitoring system, the average number of open days has decreased from 109 to 105, saving about $4 per cow per day.
Impactful Benefits
California Dairy highlighted how these gains translate into real operational benefits. Improved conception rates are just one piece of the puzzle. Fernandes also reports saving $3,742 in veterinary costs by reducing the need for manual pregnancy checks, as CowManager detects if a cow is pregnant. Labor efficiency has improved as well, freeing up time for other priorities on the farm.
Perhaps the most impactful benefit, however, is herd longevity. By identifying health issues earlier, Fernandes is able to treat cows sooner and avoid unnecessary culling. Combined with stronger breeding efficiency, these improvements create compounding value across the operation.
Improving Day-to-Day Operations
Technology also plays a growing role in improving labor efficiency at Legendairy Farms. Fernandes currently uses a CowManager scanner and wand system that sends real-time cow data directly to his phone while cows are in stanchions, helping him quickly identify animals that need attention. Looking ahead, he plans to implement an automatic sorting gate to further reduce labor and minimize lock-up times. “For every 30 minutes they’re on their feet when they shouldn’t be, they produce one to two pounds less milk,” said Fernandes.
“CowManager pays for itself in breeding alone,” Fernandes noted in the article. “It has made our life a lot easier for sure.”
As more dairy producers look to improve efficiency, animal health and profitability, this real-world example highlights the practical impact of integrating smart technology into everyday operations.
About California Dairy
This article was previously published in the March 2026 issue of California Dairy.
Benefits of CowManager
Always Know When to Inseminate
Inseminating 10 to 22 hours after receiving a heat alert is known to be a success. This makes mating and breeding a breeze!
Catch Diseases Early, Reduce Sick Cows
Get alerted immediately when a cow isn't ruminating or eating, and intervene proactively. Pick up on diseases like mastitis and ketosis in an early stage.
Improve Herd Performance
Your cow's ears are full of vital information. Monitor their rumination, eating, inactivity, activity, ear temperature, and high active behavior.