Your farm, your data: How to protect it and make it work for you
Data is one of the most valuable assets on your farm. When it’s accurately recorded, organized and connected to actionable insights, it enables smarter, more profitable decisions.
Protecting your data is essential to achieving success. By safeguarding it, you’re empowered to make better decisions, avoid risk and demonstrate sustainability practices to your supply chain partners. Ensuring your data is securely stored, transparently managed and in your full control also gives you peace of mind and time to focus on your herd.
Your data is always yours
As the makers of DairyComp, the industry’s first-of-its-kind herd management solution, VAS operates with a clear principle: You own the farm data entered into DairyComp and maintain ultimate control over its use. This is a foundational commitment you should look for in any technology your dairy uses.
You should know that your identifiable data will never be shared without your explicit consent. Double-check your contracts and agreements to ensure this is the case. For example, VAS uses a detailed end-user license agreement (EULA) to outline data usage rights and ensure transparency and accountability with their customers. Additionally, customers have the ability to turn on and off integrations with other on-farm technologies, giving complete control over how data is accessed
Ways you can protect your data
Choosing the right data partners is critical for safeguarding your data, but there are additional steps you can take to proactively protect it. Here are some things to consider:
Physical security
Limit access to sensitive areas like farm offices and computer rooms. To secure these spaces, consider implementing access controls such as locks or security cameras.
Cybersecurity best practices
Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts and systems, and ensure they are updated regularly. Enable two-factor authentication where possible and keep all software, including antivirus programs, updated.
Access management
Keep a detailed record of who has access to your data, including employees, consultants and third-party vendors. Regularly review this list to ensure it is current and accurate. When someone leaves the organization or no longer requires access, revoke their permissions to minimize potential risks. Also, double-check the access levels of those who can see and edit your data. If someone should only be able to view data, their access level should reflect that. VAS technology includes these features as part of the system, giving users full control and visibility over their data.
Find a trusted partner
Protecting your data requires more than secure technologies—it demands a trusting partnership. A reliable partner will offer secure data storage systems, encrypted communications and access controls to ensure only authorized individuals can access sensitive information.
VAS software provides a clear audit trail that details who accesses data and when. It also requires secure logins to prevent unauthorized access.
“Trust is built over time through proven reliability,” says Kevin Muxlow, COO of URUS, in this episode of the American Dairymen podcast on farm data security. VAS is proud to have a 42-year history serving dairy farmers and has worked diligently to gain and maintain trust. Before investing in new technology, consider a partner’s reputation and explore other farmers’ experiences with them.
By taking proactive steps to safeguard your data and aligning with trusted partners, you can confidently harness the full potential of your data to better manage your farm while protecting this valuable asset.
Make sure you’re taking full advantage of your VAS technology to secure your data. Contact your local farm performance consultant or the VAS support team to get your on-farm data protection plan in place.
Not a VAS customer? Reach out to learn how VAS protects your data and empowers you through secure and transparent data management.
