Story perspectives

California Dairy Innovator Boosts Profit with Data-Driven Cattle Strategy

12/3/2025

Summary

Story summary

Tony Lopes transformed his family's California dairy operation over seven years, now milking 5,000 cows and producing 3,800 beef-on-dairy crossbred calves annually.
He initially explored beef-on-dairy during an expansion, focusing on genetics and economic returns.
The operation now uses data-driven decisions, based on economic data rather than tradition, to optimize cattle traits for profitability.
Lopes plans to expand calf intake and collaborate with operators across the western United States.

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Story summary

Tony Lopes transformed his family's California dairy operation over seven years, now milking 5,000 cows and producing 3,800 beef-on-dairy crossbred calves annually.
He initially explored beef-on-dairy during an expansion, focusing on genetics and economic returns.
The operation now uses data-driven decisions, based on economic data rather than tradition, to optimize cattle traits for profitability.
Lopes plans to expand calf intake and collaborate with operators across the western United States.