Agriculture-related careers represent 11% of Wisconsin’s workforce – that’s nearly 1 in 9 Wisconsin jobs involved in agriculture. Sustainability matters from the farmer’s gate to the consumer’s plate. Each step of the supply chain has their own priorities when it comes to preserving resources and ensuring success for the next generation.
Advisory specialists support sustainability by helping farmers meet their goals. These individuals work closely with farmers to implement new technology or use existing resources to achieve optimum efficiency.
Hear from DeLaval, Inc. Dairy Advisor, John Gerbitz, about his role and how sustainability impacts his work with farmers.
Name: John Gerbitz 
Hometown/County: Cottage Grove; Rock County Farm Bureau member
Job Title: Dairy Advisor; DeLaval, Inc.
Summary of job description: I use my knowledge of dairy management and DeLaval products and software to help customers get the most from their equipment. This may involve on-farm or remote software training, consulting with customers and industry partners or finding ways to make DeLaval herd management software meet customer needs. About 70% of my work is related to robotic milking and about 30% is related to parlor milking.
How do you help farmers be more sustainable? I help farmers to understand the information generated by their milking equipment and use that information to meet their goals. Those goals may involve profitability, production or even quality of life. I have the opportunity to learn from many farmers and share what I have learned. Robotic milking is unique in that it can make farms more sustainable in several ways. It can make the labor supply more sustainable. It can improve cow health and longevity with improved information and better comfort. It can also make the dairy business more attractive to the next generation.
What terms/words do you associate with sustainability in the field? I believe sustainability is about maximizing the business and its assets for the next generation. This includes maintaining and improving the structure and scope of the business so that it will be profitable and desirable for the next generation. It also includes maintaining and improving the land, equipment and buildings so that the business will be profitable for the next generation and in harmony with the community.
Thank you, John, for your commitment to Wisconsin agriculture!
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