Software

This site provides access to software and information management resources to dairy professionals.

Downloading spreadsheets: you will be able to download spreadsheets by clicking on the link for the particular spreadsheets.

Each spreadsheet is unique; however, certain conventions are generally observed by authors.

Inputs are usually entered in cells with a pale yellow background, although in some cases other cells may contain inputs or assumptions used in calculations. In general, avoid changing cells that do not have pale yellow backgrounds. They may contain formulas or other spreadsheet functions. If these cells are changed, the rest of the spreadsheet may not properly compute the results desired. Some spreadsheets may be protected, i.e. may not allow any changes except in the specific input cells.

Be careful about what inputs you use; poor input data leads to poor conclusions. Be careful that the units of your input match the units called for (e.g. percents or fractions, pounds or tons, days or months, etc.).

In some spreadsheets, comments may be inserted into cells to explain some aspect of the spreadsheet. If there is a comment in a cell, the upper right hand corner of the cell will have a small red triangle. To read the comment, place the mouse pointer on the cell (no need to click) and the comment will appear. Move the mouse pointer off the cell and the comment will disappear.

Spreadsheets may sometimes contain macros (automatically executed commands). To start a macro, usually one must do a combination of holding the ALT key and typing another key (e.g. ALT P to print, etc.). If a spreadsheet contains macros, the sheet itself will provide instructions. Virus checkers often warn the user if a spreadsheet has macros, because macros may also be subverted to serve a destructive function.