Setting Calves Up Right: Dr. Jacey Benzing on Calf Health, Teams, and Dairy Success

Why people, protocols and consistency matter most in calf programs

Calf health is often discussed in terms of protocols and products, but Dr. Jacey Benzing emphasized that people ultimately determine success. In a conversation with Uplevel Dairy host Peggy Coffeen, Benzing shared how communication, training and leadership influence whether calf programs perform as intended over time.

Early-Life Management Sets the Trajectory

Benzing stressed that the first hours and days of a calf’s life are critical. Colostrum quality, timing and consistency remain foundational, but only when protocols are executed correctly every time.

“You can have the best protocol written down, but if it’s not followed the same way every time, it doesn’t matter,” Benzing said.

She noted that small lapses early on can create health challenges that follow calves long after the neonatal period.

Teams Drive Daily Outcomes

While tools and diagnostics can support calf programs, Benzing said outcomes still depend on the people doing the work.

“Calf care is not a one-person job,” she said. “It takes a team that understands why they’re doing what they’re doing.”

Clear expectations, shared responsibility and accountability help ensure protocols are carried out consistently rather than interpreted differently by each employee.

Training Reduces Variation

According to Benzing, inconsistency is one of the most common sources of calf health problems. Variation in how tasks are performed can undermine even well-designed protocols.

“When we see problems, it’s usually because something is being done differently by different people,” she said.

Regular training, repetition and clear communication help reduce that variation and create confidence across the team.

Leadership Signals Priority

Benzing emphasized that leadership involvement sets the tone for calf programs. When owners and managers stay engaged, teams are more likely to prioritize calf health.

“If leadership doesn’t value calf care, the team won’t either,” she said.

Visible support and follow-through help ensure calf care remains a core focus rather than an afterthought.

Benzing’s insights show that strong calf programs are built through consistent execution, shared ownership and leadership that reinforces priorities every day.

For more from this conversation with Dr. Jacey Benzing, listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or watch the full episode below.