How JTP Farms simplified farm data analysis
Connecterra helped Jake turn data overload into actionable insights, saving time and improving decision-making. By integrating multiple data sources into one platform, he can track key metrics, optimize stocking density, and make informed changes—without spending hours analyzing data.
Running a dairy farm is a balancing act of managing resources, monitoring animal health, and staying profitable. For Jake Peissig, owner of JTP Farms in Dorchester, Wisconsin, time was his most valuable resource—and the hardest to manage.
With a herd of 475 cows and a lean workforce, Jake found himself struggling to make the most of the data his farm’s systems produced. He needed a way to turn that data into clear insights without sacrificing more time.
That’s where Connecterra came in. By integrating the Connecterra Platform into his farm operations, Jake was able to streamline data management, gain valuable insights, and make better decisions that benefited both his cows and his bottom line.
Here’s how Connecterra helped JTP Farms tackle its data overload and save time when it comes to data analysis.
Needing help managing the data overload
Jake felt a need to simplify his data process and analysis. “We had all these data sources—rumination, activity, milk yield—but no time to analyze them properly,” Jake explains. “I’d spend late nights trying to piece together information from different systems. It was exhausting, and I wasn’t using the data to its full potential.”
As a hands-on farmer managing a robot dairy, Jake’s workload left little room for deep dives into data. With a lean team of three employees, efficiency was critical.
“I’d have to take time away from my family or other tasks just to figure out what was going on. And even then, I often had to rely on my gut.”
Simplifying decisions by implementing one platform
Jake wanted to go beyond conventional rumination and activity data. The Connecterra Platform goes further by integrating data from multiple sources into a single, user-friendly interface.
“What really drew me in was the ability to track pen outcomes,” Jake says. “I could analyze stocking density, feed bunk space, milk per pen, and how changes like ration adjustments or milking permissions affected outcomes.”
Jake’s favorite feature, however, has been the Farm Timeline.
“I love the timeline because it’s so easy to record events,” Jake notes. “Whether it’s a power outage, a ration change, or a vaccination day, we can log it instantly from our phones. Later, we can analyze the impact of those changes—whether it’s three days, three weeks, or one month down the line.”
Improving time management and decision-making
For Jake, the most significant benefit of the Connecterra Platform was time savings. “If I didn’t have the platform, I’d spend so much more time compiling data. Now, I get notifications about issues I didn’t even know existed. It’s like having an extra set of eyes on the farm,” he says.
One example is how the platform helped Jake tackle overcrowding in pens.
“We’ve been really pushing pen numbers and stocking density. With Connecterra, I can bring in lying time, eating time, and rumination data for each pen. It’s no longer just a gut feeling—I can see exactly what overcrowding is doing and make adjustments.”
Jake also appreciates the flexibility the platform offers. “I’m not someone who checks the app multiple times a day. But when I have a moment, I can pull it up on my phone and get the data I need. It’s there when I need it, and it doesn’t demand constant attention.”
Building a partnership that evolves
Jake’s relationship with the Connecterra team has been another highlight. “They’re amazing to work with,” he says.
“When I have an idea or a request, they’re incredibly responsive. I’ve suggested changes, and sometimes by the next week, they’ve implemented them. That kind of partnership is rare.”
For example, he’s been able to set up customized alerts to monitor health trends like ketosis cases, further streamlining his management practices.
Simplifying farm life and planning ahead
For JTP Farms, Connecterra has been more than a data platform—it’s been a partner in transforming the way Jake manages his dairy. By simplifying data analysis, providing clear insights, and saving valuable time, Connecterra has enabled Jake to focus on what matters most: running his farm efficiently and spending time with his family.
Looking ahead, Jake is confident in his ability to tackle challenges with the platform by his side. “It’s a tool that keeps evolving to meet my needs,” he says. “For the time it saves and the insights it provides, it’s more than worth it.”
