Dickman and Sons Dairy milk 3,200 Holsteins in Coolidge, Ariz., and has seen incredible improvements in their overall herd health thanks to the CowManager system. In less than a year, the herd death loss has nearly been cut in half. Identifying those subclinical cows early has been invaluable.
What began as a trial in September of 2024 turned into a full installation in May of 2025. Heifers pregnant 200 days through freshening and all cows receive the CowManager ear sensor. Ben Dickman shared that this allows the farm team to monitor animals during the critical transition period and through lactation.
When asked why Ben decided to invest in a lifetime monitoring system, he explained, “We wanted to improve the reproduction in the herd as well as the health aspect. Being able to identify cows before visible signs appear has allowed us to make better, more informed decisions. We can focus our attention on sick cows faster, make decisions sooner, and treat or cull accordingly.
The savings they have seen in increased beef cow prices due to healthier cows being culled combined with lower death loss, pays for the CowManager system. “Our death loss was 3.7%, and now with CowManager, it is at 1.9% since we started on the program 10 months ago,” shared Ben.
“We are now saving more than a cow a week! The employees are so excited because they see how early detection really impacts our ability to save these cows. Factored over the year, that is nearly $225,000!” announced Ben. “There is a definite savings realized when CowManager is in my cows’ ears. The system more than pays for itself.”
In addition to improving cow health, the farm has also gained labor efficiency. Cows with health issues are sorted and treated at one time, which allows the farm team to care for identified cows and then move to the next task, instead of treating cows at various times throughout the day.
Ben uses CowManager with the Health, Transition, Nutrition, and Fertility Modules, as seen on his phone here. The Find My Cow Flash feature has identified a cow to breed. Notice the light in the orange tag in her ear.
Ben appreciates the fact that CowManager integrates well with his DHI+ system and all the relevant cow information is at his fingertips. He was also an early adopter of Find My Cow Flash, noting its benefits for heat detection, conception rates, and pregnancy rates.
The herd has also been supported by SSMC’s CowManager Sales Acceleration Specialist Dan Curtin, CowManager Specialist Jorge Ramirez, Director of Corporate Accounts Brandon Thesing, Account Manager Vince Weber, and independent A.I. Technician Raul Aceves.
Ben concluded, “We made a great decision! CowManager and the SSMC team stand behind their product with amazing customer support. The product aids in management, but the people, support, and training are vital to the overall package.”
Our lightweight sensor is designed to last a lifetime, offering a seamless and continuous monitoring solution tailored to your specific farm and your cow's life phase.
No more wasted hours spent walking around, searching for that one cow. Let Find my Cow find her for you.
Our Artificial Intelligence algorithm tailors the calf health alerts to your specific farm, to help you optimize your calf management at every stage of their behavioral development.
At Hanke Farms in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, efficiency and animal care go hand in hand. As a sixth-generation dairy farm milking 900 cows and raising all their young stock on-site, the team manages around 1,700 animals.
Technology is helping Hanke Farms take calf care to the next level. CowManager is proving just as valuable for the calves as it has been for the cows. This proactive approach reduces the need for intensive treatments and antibiotics, saving time, money and labor while supporting calf well-being.
When Heidi Taylor introduced CowManager ear sensors to their calves in the summer of 2024, the goal was simple: gain better insight into calf health while saving time in daily management. “Our overall experience with the calves is that we can treat them faster especially in our post-weaning calves. We can catch pneumonia quicker and get those calves treated quicker,” states Heidi.
The graphs share insights on individual animals and groups. Heidi shares how she utilizes the data visualization straight from her phone while walking pens in the barn to look at a calf that needs attention. Continuous monitoring of calves enables more efficient and targeted herd management planning.
For Heidi, one of the most practical advantages of CowManager is how easily it fits into her day-to-day routine. The flashing LED light on the ear sensor makes it easy to identify the right cow, heifer or calf, even in crowded pens. “The new feature of Find my Cow Flash has definitely saved us time, labor, and cost because we can locate the animal that is needed to be found quicker because the light is flashing,” says Heidi. This flash functionality streamlines workflow and enables Hanke’s team to operate more efficiently by walking less pens.
Installed in February 2022, CowManager has proven its value in the cow herd at Hanke Farms. The system has helped produce healthier, longer-living cows while reducing the need for synchronization.
“We’re spending only half of what we used to on synchronization shots,” said co-owner and herd manager Doug Taylor.
“We have more older cows now because they’re getting pregnant sooner, and we find sickness quicker, which has prolonged the life of our cows. With CowManager we’ve been able to catch ketosis earlier than before, which helps reduce DAs. Over the last couple of years, we’ve cut our DAs in half by being able to catch these cows early enough to get them treated.”
For Hanke Farms, CowManager continues to deliver time savings, herd health improvements, and helps every animal reach its potential. “It definitely is a benefit to our farm, and we are so glad that we expanded CowManager to our youngstock,” said Heidi.
Our lightweight sensor is designed to last a lifetime, offering a seamless and continuous monitoring solution tailored to your specific farm and your cow's life phase.
No more wasted hours spent walking around, searching for that one cow. Let Find my Cow find her for you.
Our Artificial Intelligence algorithm tailors the calf health alerts to your specific farm, to help you optimize your calf management at every stage of their behavioral development.
A new year on the farm doesn’t start with big promises. It starts with feeding cows, watching behavior, making breeding decisions, and trying to stay ahead of problems before they cost time, money, or affect animal health.
CowManager Farmer Stories are built on real, day-to-day use of the system – across different herd sizes, farming systems, climates, and countries.
At the end of 2025, many farmers let us know how they like working with CowManager. By sharing their feedback with us, we continue to tailor our service to their needs. And by sharing these voices, farmers can learn from each other and make better-informed decisions for their own operations.
No matter where a farm is located, cost is always part of the conversation. In Ireland, dairy farmer Sean Corby put it plainly: “Like all farmers, I’d like tools to be cheaper – but CowManager is a fantastic product and working very well here so far.”
That balance between investment and results is familiar everywhere. Farmers weigh every decision carefully, and value becomes clear only when a system proves itself over time.
For Canadian farmer Lynn Moore, that proof came through years of use. “I believe I’ve had CowManager since 2015 and I couldn’t be happier. It’s an excellent product; keep it up!”
Sticking with a system for nearly a decade isn’t about features on paper. It’s about consistency, trust, and knowing the system supports better decisions year after year.
Want to read more real farmer experiences? Visit cowmanager.com/farmer-stories and see how dairy farmers around the world use CowManager to stay ahead of the herd. Or check out the CowManager YouTube channel for more Farmer Stories videos.
With the right results and support, a tool becomes a partnership.
For many farmers, confidence in technology grows step by step. In the United States, producer Ryan Carbaugh from Waterside Farm described how results in one part of the operation led to broader adoption.
“I enjoy CowManager. It really works. We started using it on our heifers and had instant success: heifers bred on first and second services. We’re now experimenting with it in our tie stall barn and pasture setup. Seeing those results made me jump in.”
That’s how technology earns its place on a farm. Not through promises, but by delivering results where it matters most.
For others, the value goes beyond performance alone. Catching issues early can make the difference between a small intervention and a serious setback – for both cows and farmers.
In Germany, animal welfare is a top priority for farmer Uwe Petzold: “We’re very satisfied. From an animal welfare point of view, I think the system should be mandatory. We were able to treat cows before major problems occurred.”
Real experiences – positive, critical, and practical – help set realistic expectations and support better decisions on-farm.
As this new year gets underway, these voices reflect what dairy farming truly looks like: constant decisions, tight margins, and a clear focus on tools and services that help keep cows healthier and farms running more efficiently.
Come meet us at many dairy events this year! We’d love to connect and discuss all things cow monitoring. You can find our CowManager Specialists at events all over the globe. Check out our dairy events calendar for 2026.
L-R: Chris Sigurdson, CEO SSMC; Brandon Thesing, Key Account Manager SSMC; Dan Curtin, Schaap’s SSMC Sales Representative; Thijs Griffioen, CowManager; Jared Krull, CowManager; Alexander van Tienhoven, CowManager.
December 18, 2025 – CowManager, a global leader in smart cow monitoring solutions, recently recognized its CowManager Success Story of the Year, Up and Coming CowManager Specialist, CowManager Specialist of the Year, and the Dr. Ray Nebel Legacy Award winner during the winter CowManager Training Summit.
“It is an honor to recognize these award winners and share their success stories,” says Gerard Griffioen, founder of CowManager. “Our partnership with Select Sires allows us to collaborate with industry leaders and exceptional U.S. dairy producers. We are proud to take part in this summit and celebrate those who exceed expectations.”
Schaap Dairies, based in Eastern New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle, has been named the 2025 CowManager Success Story of the Year. The Schaap Family Dairy network includes three operations—Pleasant Hill Dairy, High Lonesome Dairy and North Point Dairy—collectively managing about 20,000 cows.
The dairies first experienced CowManager through an XL Program trial and have since fully implemented the system, including the company’s sort-gate technology at all three locations. Since then, they’ve seen notable improvements in pregnancy, conception and heat-detection rates, resulting in stronger overall reproductive performance.
Carson Hillberg of Select Sires Members Cooperative in California has been named the 2025 Up-and-Coming CowManager Specialist. Hillberg was recognized for consistently going above and beyond for both colleagues and customers, exemplifying what it means to be a true team player. He has played a pivotal role in the success of the XL Program, guiding large-herd dairies from initial trials through full adoption.
His contributions extend across several key areas, including CowManager sort gates, calf trials, blinking wand technology and system integrations. Hillberg is also on track to finish near the top of the leaderboard for tag sales in 2025.
L-R: Thijs Griffioen, CowManager; Dr Ray Nebel; Brandon Thesing, Key Account Manager SSMC; Chris Sigurdson, CEO SSMC; Jared Krull, CowManager; Alexander van Tienhoven, CowManager.
L-R: Tom Stigter, CowManager; Thijs Griffioen, CowManager; Jared Krull, CowManager; Alexander van Tienhoven, CowManager.
Matt Staner of CentralStar Cooperative in Wisconsin earned the 2025 CowManager Specialist of the Year Award. This award honors Stef Booijink and is given annually to a Specialist who demonstrates exceptional system knowledge, extensive installation experience and expert guidance on system integration.
Staner was recognized for his passion for the product, outstanding customer support and meticulous attention to detail. His accomplishments in 2025 include completing six installations, further underscoring his dedication and expertise.
Brandon Thesing of Select Sires Member Coop in Minnesota received the Dr. Ray Nebel Legacy Award. This award honors Ray Nebel, Ph.D., retired vice president of technical services and a driving force behind Select Sires’ partnership with CowManager. Thesing was recognized for his exceptional work ethic, collaborative approach to promoting and selling CowManager, and his commitment to going above and beyond to meet customer needs. A true advocate for the cow monitoring system, he is dedicated to making a meaningful, everyday difference for producers.
In addition, CowManager recognized Jared Krull for his outstanding leadership, dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence. As Vice President of Sales and Service at CowManager USA, Krull has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth across the United States.
His strategic vision and hands-on support have helped producers not only adopt CowManager’s technology, but also maximize its value on their operations. His contributions continue to strengthen CowManager’s presence in the U.S. market and elevate the success of producers nationwide.
At CowManager, we believe a successful dairy producer is a prepared dairy producer. With our revolutionary cow monitoring ear sensors, we ensure they’re always ahead and prepared for what’s coming, with actionable insights. We believe in working together to help dairy farmers reach their goals, whatever their ambitions are. Whether they have 20 or 20,000 cows; with CowManager they’ll have eyes on all of them.
In the United States, CowManager is distributed and supported by Select Sires Inc. For more information on CowManager, contact your CowManager Specialist at Select Sires.
At Wagner Farms, efficiency isn’t just a goal, it’s part of the culture. For calf and herd manager Laura Raatz, staying ahead of herd health and daily tasks means relying on tools that make work faster, easier, and more accurate. That’s why the new CowManager Find My Cow Flash feature has quickly become an essential part of her routine.
“The CowManager Find My Cow Flash has helped us manage smarter,” Laura explains. The bright LED flash built directly into the tags allows her to pinpoint animals in seconds, even in busy pens or larger facilities. “You can pinpoint those animals much faster by them having that bright LED flash that’s in those tags.”
Each morning, Laura starts her day by reviewing the animals that appear on CowManager’s health list. With a few quick taps, she activates Find My Cow Flash for the cows that need a physical check. “Then you go ahead and go out and find your animals. It’s super fast, easy, and efficient.”
Wagner Farms has used CowManager tags with calves for some time, but Find My Cow Flash has taken that to a new level. Whether it’s feeding time or a routine walkthrough, Laura and her team can now instantly locate specific calves that need attention. The feature has scaled seamlessly first with calves, then into the heifer facility, and now throughout the entire cow facility.
“It makes it easier as you’re walking through pens to specifically find those animals,” Laura says. No more guessing. No more extra time spent scanning groups of animals. Just quick, clear identification.
Laura Raatz at Wagner Farms.
The team at Wagner Farms is excited about what Find My Cow Flash means for their future. Every improvement in efficiency helps them do what they do best: take exceptional care of their animals.
“Our team here at the farm is super excited about being able to implement this into our day-to-day routine,” Laura says. “And that’s part of our culture—being more efficient and, by the end of the day, having happier, healthier cows at Wagner Farms.”
With Find my Cow Flash, the flashing light on the ear sensor makes it easy to identify the right cow, heifer or calf, even in crowded pens. Activate the light from your app or desktop and spot your cow in seconds.
Find out more*Written by Tara Bohnert, CowManager Performance Specialist for the USA.
In this article, CowManager Performance Speciliast Tara Bohnert explains the value of data on the dairy. Without insights, producers oftentimes rely on guesswork to make decisions. Bohnert explains that, thanks to data, you can turn that gut-feeling into data-driven decision making.
I grew up in the era dial-up internet, road atlases and my first smart phone was a BlackBerry. I learned to breed cows in high school and through internships and industry have been lucky to work with herds of every size and all around the globe. Yet, here I sit still below the average age of a US dairy farmer.
The evolution of dairy farming over my lifetime is enough to write multiple books on. However, the part I am most excited about is the move to data-driven decision making. For once we have the tools available to let the cow be the source of truth and remove the bias.
Wearable activity systems were once a very operational tool letting users know when cows were in heat or how many steps they took. Today’s insights allow dairy producers to be more proactive than ever, giving users a competitive advantage. Those that go beyond the basics make a transformational change in how they dairy.
There are pieces of data from a sensor system that offers insights to managers and employees within the entire dairy. Imagine the productivity of stakeholder meetings when everyone brings facts verses opinions to the table. From calves to cows – every animal on the dairy has a voice.
There’s no doubt that dry cows are the most under the radar group of cows on the dairy. They require minimal labor and minimal inputs. Yet they give us some of the biggest warning signs during the dry period on how their transition to lactation is going to go. Dairies that use these insights to navigate this crucial time get their cows off to a healthier start – which leads to gains in productivity and reproduction.
When we talk about creating clear visions for the future and cultural shifts amongst staff, it is imperative that the team sees the value of technology and how it works for them and not the other way around. The quickest way to kill a good investment is by internal sabotage. After all, data-driven decisions don’t just happen in the office, they come to life in the barn.
Get a glimpse of all the benefits and possibilities of using CowManager. A local representative will give you a tour through the system to show you how easy to use our app is and how it monitors your cows 24/7.
Request a Free DemoCowManager, the global leader in smart dairy cow monitoring technology, is proud to have sponsored the World Dairy Expo Virtual Farm Tour featuring Wagner Farms Inc. of Oconto Falls, Wisconsin. For more than two decades, Expo’s Virtual Farm Tours have showcased some of the world’s most progressive dairy operations, highlighting excellence in genetics, technology, community engagement, environmental stewardship, and cow comfort.
This year’s tour, hosted on Friday, October 3, 2025 in Mendota 1 of the Exhibition Hall, spotlighted the Wagners’ fifth-generation dairy and their deep commitment to people, animals, and the environment.
Owned and operated by Hank and Pam Wagner, along with their son Shawn Wagner and daughter Laura Raatz and her husband Tyler Raatz, Wagner Farms is home to 950 cows milked in a double-16 parallel parlor. The family’s focus is on developing functional cows that combine strong production with good health traits for long-term sustainability.
During the Virtual Farm Tour, Laura Raatz delivered an engaging and inspiring presentation, offering attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the family’s daily operations, technology integration, and commitment to continuous improvement. Her thoughtful insights and enthusiasm reflected the family’s dedication to both their people and their cows, earning praise from attendees for her clarity, warmth, and authenticity.
At Wagner Farms, People are the cornerstone of success. Team members are treated as an extension of the Wagner family, contributing to a farm culture rooted in teamwork, efficiency, and enjoyment. The Wagner’s believe that creating an environment where people love what they do helps fuel passion and drive long-term success. Mentorship, milestone celebrations, and camaraderie are everyday parts of life on the farm.
Animals are at the heart of every decision. From birth, calves receive attentive care guided by precise management systems—including the CowManager Youngstock Monitor. This technology supports growth rates exceeding 2.5 pounds per day and has helped the farm achieve an exceptional near 0% death loss—or as they proudly describe it, a 100% survival rate.
Environmental stewardship is equally important to the Wagners. As a demonstration site for conservation practices, Wagner Farms showcases innovative systems that enhance productivity while protecting natural resources. Their autonomous irrigation system delivers water and nutrients directly to crops, reducing nutrient loss, lowering costs, easing manure management, and increasing yields—demonstrating how technology can drive both sustainability and profitability.
CowManager’s sponsorship of the Wagner Farms Virtual Tour reflects its mission to empower dairy producers with data-driven insights that improve herd performance, animal welfare, and farm efficiency. Through innovations such as lifetime monitoring, the CowManager App, and the award-winning Youngstock Monitor, producers can make proactive decisions that lead to healthier cows and more efficient operations.
“Supporting events like the World Dairy Expo Virtual Farm Tours allows us to highlight producers who exemplify the best in dairy farming,” said Gerard Griffioen, founder of CowManager. “The Wagner family represents the spirit of innovation, care, and leadership that defines the dairy industry today.”
Curious to dive into the data? Request a free Demo and get a glimpse of the system.
Request a Free DemoMadison, USA – September 30, 2025 – CowManager is proud to unveil its latest innovation, Find my Cow Flash—a smart, time-saving solution that helps producers locate a cow, heifer or calf. Featuring a built-in flashing LED on the CowManager ear sensor, the Find my Cow Flash light is activated remotely via the CowManager smartphone app or desktop. Producers can now easily identify individual animals that need extra attention, whether in a crowded pen, during sorting, or in low visibility conditions.
“If a cow is in heat, sick or in the wrong pen, Find my Cow Flash helps producers cut down on labor and boost daily efficiency. Calf raisers also benefit—the flashing light makes it easier to quickly identify and locate a sick calf, whether she’s lying down in a hutch or in a group pen,” says Gerard Griffioen, CowManager founder.
“We’re excited to deliver a smart, integrated solution that simplifies complex tasks—because finding the right animal shouldn’t slow a producer down.”
Find my Cow Flash is fully integrated with all CowManager solutions. This tool empowers producers to take immediate action following a health, fertility or location alert, saving valuable time, labor and operational costs; minimizing lock-up times; and reducing stress on both cows and the farm team.
From large-scale dairies to smaller operations, Find my Cow Flash is designed to boost productivity across all herd sizes. The system increases accuracy and helps ensure that no alerts or actions are missed. “It’s a practical, effective tool for farms aiming to improve overall herd management and profitability,” says Griffioen.
For more information about CowManager and Find my Cow Flash, contact your CowManager Specialist at Select Sires. Also, visit CowManager at World Dairy Expo Booth 4204 for a Find my Cow Flash demonstration.
Joanna Frankenberg
Email: j.frankenberg@cowmanager.com
Note: Contact us if you’d like an image of the flashing ear sensor.
At CowManager, we are committed to providing dairy farmers with the tools they need to succeed. Our revolutionary cow monitoring ear sensors help farmers stay ahead with actionable insights on herd health, nutrition, fertility, and more. Whether you have 20 or 125,000 cows, CowManager ensures that farmers always have eyes on their herd.
Hamilton, New Zealand – August 14, 2025 – CowManager, a global leader in smart cow monitoring solutions, is excited to announce the establishment of its own office in Hamilton, New Zealand. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in CowManager’s journey, bringing us closer to our New Zealand customers and enhancing the service, support, and innovation that our farmers rely on. The official transition to CowManager NZ will take place on Saturday, August 16.
Since tagging our first cow in New Zealand in 2014, CowManager has steadily grown to support hundreds of forward-thinking farms across the country. Over the past 10 years, our presence has built a solid foundation, and now, with a direct presence in New Zealand, CowManager is accelerating its efforts and continuing to help farmers thrive with enhanced support and capabilities.
“We’ve seen tremendous growth and success over the years, and now it’s time to take the next step,” says Jared Bekhuis, Managing Director of CowManager NZ.
“By adding specialists and establishing our direct presence in New Zealand, we’re enhancing our capabilities to deliver faster, more expert service exactly where it’s needed. At the same time, we are expanding our portfolio with exciting innovations like Draft my Cow, the Youngstock Monitor, and Find my Cow Flash. These new solutions will provide our farmers with even more powerful tools to optimize their operations and improve herd management. And we’re just getting started-keep an eye out for even more cutting-edge advancements that will further transform the way we support our farmers.”
This transition opens an exciting new chapter for CowManager. With more resources and local expertise, we’re better positioned to offer tailored solutions and increased responsiveness, helping farmers achieve even greater success with our innovative solutions.
“New Zealand’s dairy sector is world-renowned for its excellence,” Bekhuis adds. “We’re proud to contribute to its ongoing success and invest in the future of every farmer we serve.”
The contracts between CowManager and our valued customers will remain unchanged. Your terms, support, and service remain intact, with no alterations to your agreement.
With a stronger local presence, CowManager NZ will work even harder to deliver the best possible experience for our farmers. As always, we are here to ensure that you’re well-supported and prepared for whatever comes next in your dairy operation.
We look forward to continuing our journey together and working with you to achieve even greater success.
At CowManager, we are committed to providing dairy farmers with the tools they need to succeed. Our revolutionary cow monitoring ear sensors help farmers stay ahead with actionable insights on herd health, nutrition, fertility, and more. Whether you have 20 or 125,000 cows, CowManager ensures that farmers always have eyes on their herd. Learn more at www.cowmanager.com/newzealand.
As of today, the updated dashboard is available in the desktop application. The dashboard offers you insight into all modules at a glance: Fertility, Health and Nutrition.
The innovative system converts the collected cow data into clear graphs and alerts that are immediately available in a single overview. The dashboard also integrates our updated ‘insemination moment’, which displays the expected optimal insemination moment of the cow.
You can create a personalized overview using the drag-and-drop option. This allows you to put together your personal home screen, so it perfectly suits your priorities and working method. Moreover, this customized screen can be set as the default home page.
We offer a convenient option for inactive modules: To try out a different module, you can request a free trial period with just a single click.
A successful farmer is a prepared farmer. Always be ready for what's coming. Run your business proactively and make fact-based decisions with our data.
Advisors can dive into and analyze cow data, including alerts and graphs, dating all the way back to the install date.
Optimize your farm management by finding cows in heat and catching sick cows earlier, improving your herd’s health and production.