Mobile solutions help deliver more on every farm visit

As a dairy consultant, every farm visit brings a new set of challenges and opportunities. Whether it’s reviewing herd performance data, collecting genetic samples or fine-tuning treatment protocols, no two days, or dairies, are the same. That’s exactly what keeps Zoetis representative Sara Naillon motivated and mobile. And increasingly, it’s what makes DairyComp’s mobile solutions and the high-performance tech that powers them, indispensable.

“Every day, every call, every farm is different—and so are the relationships and outcomes,” said Sara, who recently shared how versatile and mission-critical these digital tools have become in the field.

From improving data accuracy to reducing cow lock-up time, mobile solutions are reshaping what’s possible for consultants and, in turn, the producers they serve.

On-the-go versatility with Pocket CowCard

When you’re juggling training sessions, protocol changes, breeding strategy reviews and genetic sampling, time and consistency are everything. VAS’ mobile apps, such as the Pocket CowCard app enables consultants and producers to stay aligned with accurate, real-time data entry right in the barn.

“It provides a tool for the dairy to be consistent and have an accurate recording system in the field, not just in the office.”

Pocket CowCard (PCC) is a go-to for consultants and producers working with DairyComp who need fast, offline access to records and protocols in the field. Whether it’s updating treatment protocols after switching antibiotics or monitoring compliance, PCC simplifies the process and reduces risk. 

“If I were to have a farm change to an antibiotic of Zoetis’ in the fresh cows, it is easy for me to use PCC to update their commands and protocols to ensure proper compliance with treating that animal and drug residues.”

PCC also makes time-consuming tasks like genetic sample collection more efficient. “I use PCC quite often myself when it comes to genetics on farm in the heifer corrals. It’s quick, easy, and user friendly,” notes Sara. 

High-performance devices ensure speed and accuracy

When paired with Pocket CowCard, Zebra handhelds and Allflex® wands make data collection seamless and far more accurate than traditional methods.

Using the wand to scan an animal’s EID and linking it to a TSU collection tube via the Zebra device, consultants can avoid transcription mistakes and move quickly through their on-farm work. Whether it’s for DNA testing or managing field studies and hormone protocols, the combo of software and hardware enables streamlined execution and better outcomes.

“It is extremely fast and efficient compared to taking blood or hair samples back in the day—or a manual record-keeping system that is subject to so many human errors.”

Why performance and reliability matter

Real-time herd management data is the standard in which dairy producers and consultants make decisions off of every day. Today, technology downtime, especially when it comes to capturing information cowside, isn’t just frustrating—it’s costly. “This is, in most farms, the only way they keep records for performance measurements, breeding strategies, drug residues, and data collection in general. Without these devices, most dairymen would be flying blind,” said Sara. 

That’s why device reliability is so important. Consultants need their tools to be ready and resilient, especially when producer confidence and herd performance are on the line. For consultants using mobile tools like PCC, it isn’t just about saving time or making life easier—it’s about contributing directly to the customer’s success.

“We talk about it a lot, but with the use of PCC, Zebra devices and Allflex® wands, cows aren’t locked as long compared to those farms that don’t utilize these tools. And we all know, lock times correlate to cow health and productivity—which is money in (or out of) every dairyman’s pocket.”

Ready to Make Mobile Work for You?

Whether you’re a seasoned consultant or just starting to explore mobile tools for dairy support, Pocket CowCard and high-performance devices can help you do more with every farm visit.