Charles E. Gardner, DVM, MBA, DABVP

Formal reprimand, suspension, dismissal all appropriate at times

Dynamic evaluation of operation can be enough to ignite change

Six animal management systems work together to drive performance

Go beyond asking questions to find definitive answers

Help producers create profit

Over the past 10 years, we have become accustomed to some roller coaster milk prices. They actually have been rather favorable for producers for much of that period. At present time, however, they are very low, and it looks as if they will remain low for some time.

Veterinarians are often asked to talk to various groups regarding animal health and management issues. Financial compensation may or may not be offered, but is usually not enough to justify the time needed for preparation and presentation.

The tension at the office was palpable. People spoke in short, terse sentences. Small talk was absent. Doors and drawers were closed with a bit too much force. There was no laughter at all.

Recently I interviewed a man for a job as manager of one of the Agway T.S.P.F.TM Heifer Farms. This position involves overseeing the care of 3,500 animals, supervising a staff of 13 people, adhering to a budget, and interacting with customers and potential customers.

"Oh, by the way. One of the drug companies is arranging for one of their veterinarians to come in and evaluate our mastitis problems. I think he is supposed to be here on Friday."

"Just the facts, just give us the facts." That is my best recollection of one of the favorite phrases of Sergeant Joe Friday, on the TV series "Dragnet". I am not showing my age too much, am I? Anyway, there are many times in dairy practice when we really need facts to back up the suggestions we give to our clients.

Many dairy veterinarians benefit by being skilled at training lay people to do appropriate tasks. This is true for in-house practice procedures, and also for things done by lay people on client farms.

"Most dairy producers tend to fall into one of three categories; those who are interested in maximizing profit, those who are interested in achieving excellence, and those who are pursuing a way of life."

I find myself reluctant to do performance reviews, and feel almost apologetic to employees when I schedule them. Perhaps it is the formality involved, or the fear of criticism that makes performance reviews take on an atmosphere of tension.

"Where were you when the terrorist attacks occurred in September?" I imagine that question will come up often in the years to come, much as it does regarding the assassination of JFK or Pearl Harbor for previous generations. I think I will always remember being in the fitness room of my hotel in Vancouver, B.C., while attending the annual meeting of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners.

There is a line from a song in "The King and I" that goes, "For if you become a teacher, by your students you'll be taught!"

Relationships fascinate me. They contribute much to the satisfaction and happiness we derive from life. They are also the source of much pain and sadness.

Recently there has been a lot of discussion on AABP-L concerning a Web site that advertises prescription drugs at very low prices.

"It seems like he gets shot out of a cannon every morning, and then just starts running from that spot. He's a great vet, but he's just so busy it's hard to get him to do anything that's not an emergency."

"It doesn't make any difference. I'll soon be out of business anyway."?This statement came in response to a suggestion I made to a client while still in practice. I was surprised. The person speaking was a friend as well as a client, and I knew he ran a profitable operation. He was usually upbeat and optimistic, but this morning there was irritation in his voice.