• Have a specific question?
• Want to request more information or research?

Advantage 1-on-1 is a service designed to help dairy producer's access information and answer
specific questions pertaining to the dairy business. The focus of Advantage 1-on-1 is the dairy
producer and providing what he or she needs in a timely manner. This enables the producer to make
informed and timely decisions, creating an advantage for dairy farms in North Carolina. Whether you
have a specific inquiry, such as the impacts of including a particular mineral supplement into your
ration, or a more general request for information about parlor designs, leasing vs. buying equipment,
or anything else dairy related, Advantage 1-on-1 is your primary resource. There is no fee for this
service, simply contact one of the NC Dairy Advantage Team Members with your request.

• Trying to increase profitability?
  
• Figuring out how to work smarter, not harder?
  

The complexity of dairy farm management continues to grow and many producers strive to simplify their business in order to manage more effectively. One way to assist is through NC Dairy Advantage's Dairy Farm Profit Teams. The Dairy Farm Profit Team is a producer led group that helps to address various areas of the dairy operation with the goal of increasing farm profitability and farm
management efficiency. The producer decides who is on the team, perhaps a veterinarian, nutritionist, accountant or even all three. The producer also decides when and how often the team will meet with almost all meetings commonly held at the farm. Members of the Dairy Farm Profit Team provide insight into areas of the business, report back on research, answer questions, and offer suggestions to help the producer make more effective and efficient farm management decisions. For more information contact the NC Dairy Advantage Program at 919-740-1762.

According to an NC dairy farmer in 2009: "The profit team convinced me to start a transition group which dramatically improved fresh cow losses. It cost very little, mostly a little time, but the payoff has been great. This combined with other recommendations from the profit team have made more improvements on our farm. With the current milk price situation, there is no doubt that we would have already considered going out."

• Looking to diversify or expand your operation?
  
• Have an innovative business/marketing idea?
  

North Carolina leads the Southeast in the number of value-added dairy enterprises and is setting an example for new and innovative dairy businesses and marketing opportunities. NC Dairy Advantage, through the Specialty & Artisan Dairy Network, provides assistance to dairy producers considering value-added opportunities to grow and diversify their operations. The Specialty & Artisan Dairy Network can help assess the feasibility of your business idea, research innovative ideas, create a
business and marketing plan, and provide access to information for value-added dairy entrepreneurs. Whether you are looking to bottle milk or make cheese, the Specialty and Artisan Dairy Network can assist you with your efforts. Contact NC Dairy Advantage today for more information.