Dairy DMI documentation
Dry-matter intake records should show the math and the source
A clean total is not enough by itself. Reviewable DMI documentation explains which animals were included, what they ate, which dry-matter values were used, how pasture intake was estimated, and when assumptions changed.
Build the calculation by animal group
Separate groups when body weight, life stage, milk production, ration, or pasture access differs. Record the group name, number of animals, date range, feeds offered, as-fed amounts, dry-matter percentages, and calculated dry matter.
Keep source information with the worksheet
Purchased feed
Invoices, tags, supplier records, ingredient information, and the dry-matter value used.
Farm-raised feed
Field, harvest, storage, yield, inventory, sample, and laboratory records when available.
Pasture
Grazing dates, animal groups, paddocks, forage estimates, season, and the method used to estimate intake.
Animal assumptions
Head count, average body weight, production group, and the source or reasoning behind assumptions.
Preserve changes over time
Date each version. When forage tests, feed amounts, herd counts, or grazing conditions change, retain the prior worksheet and explain the new assumption. This is more dependable than continually overwriting one spreadsheet.
Review DMI beside grazing records
The calculation and the daily grazing trail should tell a consistent story. Compare dates, herd groups, pasture access, supplemental feed, and exceptions. The companion organic dairy grazing record guide explains the daily record side of that trail.
Use the rules that apply to your operation
Recordkeeping tools do not determine compliance. Follow current USDA organic regulations, written certifier instructions, and the operation's approved Organic System Plan when selecting methods and supporting documentation.