ROGER S. THOMSON, D.V.M.
I am a practicing dairy veterinarian since 1979. I have worked in both Ohio and Michigan, and have clients ranging in size from 50 to 3000 cows. I grew up on a dairy farm in Southern Michigan, which gives me an appreciation for the economic and management challenges that face dairy owners and managers today.
I started my practice in 1989 and named it “Team Management Concepts” because I am a strong believer in the power of team work. I believe team work is essential for any successful work force, and beneficial for the various consultants that are supporting each farm. I insist on team work in all of my consulting efforts. I offer training in leadership and time management to owners and employees.
I provide consulting in reproductive programs. I insist on making practical recommendations that have a proven “return-on-investment” track record. I believe a commercial dairy farm is not a place to perform research, because it must focus on profitability in all of its decisions.
I am passionate about milk quality. I operate my own microbiology laboratory, which includes mycoplasma identification. I perform milking parlor evaluations for correct procedures and maximum efficiency. I offer milking equipment analysis following standard NMC protocols. I enjoy the challenge of troubleshooting elevated SCC’s or outbreaks of clinical mastitis cases.
RACHELLE BENNECKE, D.V.M.
When I was a child, I thought I wanted to become a baker. Wow, I really fell short of that! Now it has been nearly six great years since I graduated from Michigan State University’s esteemed College of Veterinary Medicine.
One of the main reasons I chose the direction of dairy medicine is the opportunity to work with great people and build on-going relationships. This aspect of Team Management Concepts is probably the most rewarding to me. Team relationships have been part of my life since I started playing basketball at the age of nine. I think a team approach to dairy is essential – the numerous cogs in the wheel need to be able to work together efficiently to maximize the benefits to our clients. I spend most of my professional time doing herd health visits – I am the lucky one who usually is toting the ultrasound around – and routine emergency work.
My areas of interest are calf health/management and reproduction strategies. When I’m not at a dairy, you might find me working on a few hay burners (aka horses). I do have a life outside of work, and it is filled with my family. We have 3 children – 7years, 5years, and 1year old. They keep me busy being a taxi driver, tutor, referee, nurse, and mom. They are a great bunch!
MATT FULWELL, D.V.M.