Located in Baconton, Georgia, Pecan Grove Dairy is a large commercial dairy operating in one of the most challenging climates for dairy farming in the U.S. With high temperatures and humidity common throughout the year, cow comfort and health require extra attention. Over the past eight years, the team at Pecan Grove Dairy has taken a thoughtful, data-driven approach to improving herd performance, animal welfare, and long-term sustainability.

A Focus on Cow Comfort in a Hot Climate

Operating in the Southeast means heat stress is always a concern. For Pecan Grove Dairy, cow comfort starts with the basics: ventilation, fans, sprinklers, and clean, well-maintained facilities.

“Keeping obstacles away from the cows so they can perform at their best—while making sure they’re comfortable—is what we’re supposed to do anyway,” Keith Shiver explains. Comfortable cows are healthier cows, and that philosophy underpins every management decision on the farm.

A Farm Transformation Built on Incremental Change

Although the dairy itself has been operating for more than 30 years, the current management team took over approximately eight years ago. At the time, the farm faced significant challenges, including a high pathogen load, facility limitations, and ongoing udder health issues.

Rather than looking for a quick fix, the team committed to a long-term improvement strategy. Facility upgrades came first, followed by a deep dive into fresh cow health, mastitis management, and milk quality. Even after infrastructure improvements, some herd health challenges persisted—prompting the search for additional tools to support the cows’ immune systems.

Introducing New Approaches to Mastitis and Fresh Cow Care

Pecan Grove Dairy began by carefully trialing AHV udder and fresh cow care solutions on a controlled, side-by-side basis. Traditional protocols were kept in place as benchmarks, allowing the team to compare recovery times, hospital pen duration, and return-to-production results.

“We started slow, tracked everything, and learned how the products worked for us,” Keith explains. Over time, positive trends emerged, leading to broader adoption for mastitis control, metritis protocols, and fresh cow support.

Today, treatments are more targeted. Only cows entering the hospital pen are treated, a shift made possible by improved overall herd health and consistent downward trends in somatic cell counts.

Using Activity and Rumination Data to Catch Issues Earlier

In December 2024, Pecan Grove Dairy installed an activity and rumination monitoring system. This technology has added a new layer of insight into cow performance and recovery.

The farm can now detect drops in feed intake or rumination almost immediately—especially critical for fresh cows. Early detection allows faster intervention, and the team has consistently observed quicker rebounds in rumination when protocols are implemented promptly.

“Seeing cows get back on feed faster and recover more quickly has been one of the biggest positives,” Keith notes. The data helps confirm what they’re seeing visually, reinforcing confidence in their management decisions.

Reducing Culling and Maintaining Herd Stability

One of the most meaningful outcomes for Pecan Grove Dairy has been reduced involuntary culling. Earlier in the farm’s transition, selling cows seemed like the only way forward. Over time, improved health outcomes allowed more cows to stay productive in the herd.

“That’s a big deal. Anytime you can reduce culling, it helps the entire operation,” Keith says. Herd stability has helped the farm shift from “digging out of a hole” to maintaining consistent performance in fresh cows and overall milk quality.

Dry-Off Made Simpler and More Cow-Friendly

Dry-off management has long been a challenge, especially for high-producing cows. Traditionally, cows would experience udder pressure, leakage, and visible discomfort. According to Keith, newer dry-off strategies have noticeably reduced distress.

“Cows aren’t bellowing the next day. They’re calmer and more comfortable,” he explains. Handling fewer tubes, especially during peak weeks when up to 150 cows may be dried off, has also reduced labor and simplified workflows.

Data on long-term udder health is still being collected, but early observations suggest potential benefits worth continued evaluation.

The Importance of Environment, Monitoring, and Expert Support

Keith emphasizes that no product works in isolation. Clean bedding, proper drainage, good fresh cow care, and disciplined daily management all play essential roles. As environmental challenges are addressed, results continue to improve.

Equally important has been consistent technical support by AHV Data Consultant Jenna Williamson. Monthly reviews, deep dives into milk quality data, and ongoing adjustments have helped the farm fine-tune protocols.

“These are newer approaches for the industry, and without that level of support, we might have given up early,” Keith reflects.

A Journey of Continuous Improvement

Pecan Grove Dairy’s story is not about instant results—it’s about steady progress, learning through data, and always putting cow comfort first. As the operation continues refining facilities and management practices, Keith expects herd health and performance to keep moving in the right direction.

“Over time, we’re getting progressively better,” he says. “It’s a journey—and we’re seeing the benefits as we go.”

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