In Elkhorn, technology is meeting tradition at Hurtgenlea Holsteins. Adam Hurtgen and his fiancée farm alongside his parents, managing 100 acres and 300 dairy cattle, all with the help of cutting-edge tools like robotic milkers and a new farm application that tracks data straight from inside the cows themselves.
The results? A healthier herd, a more efficient operation, and a glimpse into the future of dairy farming.
Hurtgen says one of their biggest innovations is the smaXtec bolus, a device that tracks internal temperature, rumination, water intake, and even provides calving alerts.
“We were actually the first farm in North America to put that technology on the farm,” he explains. “It allows us to be very acutely tuned in to which animals need assistance. It’s a whole herd, whole farm management tool.”
The system has even proven itself in unexpected ways. Early on, Hurtgen received an alert to breed a cow showing no visible signs of heat. Trusting the data, he followed through, and 28 days later, she was confirmed pregnant.
“It just further confirms that this system is real. It’s given you all the right data, it’s never wrong,” he says.
From better breeding outcomes to improved herd health, Hurtgen believes the investment in technology has paid off. His advice for other farmers thinking about precision dairy tools? Start small, track results, and keep animal care at the center of every decision.
