Magazine

The Empire State Milk Quality Council (ESMQC) has been the administrator of the Super Milk program in NY, a program that recognizes dairies that produce exceptionally high-quality milk. Farms look forward to adorning their barns [Read More …]

Are You Waiting for the Easy Bus?

Recently, I was listening to a short speech by Kara Lawson, Head Coach for the Duke University women’s basketball team where she explained to her players that life can be challenging. Yet, the best lesson [Read More …]

5 Strategies for Minimizing Cyber Risks in Agribusiness

AI-driven “smart” agriculture technologies, such as autonomous tractors, robotics and remote sensors, have the potential to transform dairy farming by boosting yields, cutting costs and reducing waste. In fact, the global market value of smart agriculture [Read More …]

HPAI Latest Herd Protections – Preventing and Responding to Bird Flu

As of this writing, 41 California dairies had been confirmed as infected with HPAI. A handful of additional herds will likely be confirmed this week. A single Merced turkey farm has also been infected and [Read More …]

Part I – Making Money – Milk per Cow

The prior post covered the impact of current component levels on producer revenue. The impact is very powerful. This post and the next three posts will cover opportunities to increase revenue. The four posts will cover the following elements. Part [Read More …]

Part II – Making Money – Milk per Cow

This is Part II of the series defining ways to increase producer revenue. Part I covered increased components. This post will cover the state-by-state milk per cow and the annual percent increases in milk per cow. More milk [Read More …]

Survey Gathers Insights from Both Producers and Veterinarians on BRD Treatment Plans

More than 500 beef and dairy producers and veterinarians share a glimpse into their management priorities when it comes to treating for BRD. In a survey, 520 U.S. beef and dairy producers and veterinarians were [Read More …]

Farmer Focus: GreenGold Dairy of Nehalem, Oregon

There’s an adage that says, “If you’ve seen one dairy, you’ve seen one dairy.” From different climates, to facility types, to technology use, even to the breed of cows, no two dairies are the same. [Read More …]

Get to know your dairy (stuff)

The Texas Association of Dairymen (TAD) spends a remarkable amount of time discussing s**t (or stuff, or manure, or waste) in one form or another. The technology involved in the handling of manure continues to [Read More …]

Healthful milk protein puffs are an easy snack to swallow

Catering to an aging population in the U.S., Cornell food scientists have devised a nutritious snack made from milk proteins envisioned for people who have trouble swallowing and lactose intolerance. These protein puffs dissolve in [Read More …]

Greener Cattle Initiative is Game Changer for Dairy’s Future

Cows and other ruminant animals produce enteric methane as a natural part of their digestive process. Enteric methane is the largest single contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the beef and dairy sectors, and the [Read More …]

Invest in Your Class of 2026

Do kindergarteners enter the first day of school with their sights set on a cap and gown? Probably not. But viewing calves as new students could help us turn healthy calves into heifers which graduate [Read More …]

Producers are Making Money with $22.05 per cwt.

The August 18 post covered the pricing trends of the commodities used to price produce milk. One had upward trends and the rest had lower trends. This post will concentrate on trends in component levels and their [Read More …]

MPC Members Provide Dairy, Digester & Farming Education to California Air Resources Board Members, Staff

Two days ago, one of the most consequential events of my professional 30-year career working with dairy families took place at Bar 20 Dairy Farms in Kerman. The Shehadey family, Milk Producers Council, and Dairy [Read More …]

Dairy farming in 2050: 3 key mega challenges to prioritise and solve

Methane reducing interventions, more focus on welfare and disease prevention, and application of data and technology. These are some of the key mega challenges to solve to safeguard a healthy, viable and sustainable dairy sector [Read More …]

Effects of Federal Order Reform Go Beyond Milk Prices

Situation: The USDA released a recommended decision on new Federal Milk Marketing Order price formulas. Industry participants have until September 13 to provide feedback and concerns on the decision. Impact: It is important for anyone who [Read More …]

Are You Playing by the Rules?

I recently reread Tim Ferriss’ first book entitled The 4-Hour Workweek and noted a special recommendation that he made. It was based upon an old Chinese Proverb, which advised us to always know what we [Read More …]

Local Restauranteur Launches New Line of Premium Melting Cheese

A perfect compliment to comfort food classics like fries, hot dogs, beef, baked potatoes and more. After using a specific melting cheese for menu items for 45 years, Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar of Highland [Read More …]

Innovations in Dairy: UNH Researchers Drive Advancements in Dairy Farming

From Nutrition to Technology: UNH’s Multi-Faceted Approach to Dairy Research The Northeast’s dairy industry has changed dramatically over the past 50 years, and it will continue transforming and evolving for the next 50 years, as [Read More …]

Time of Insemination is Important

Artificially inseminating (AI) dairy cows at the correct time relative to the time of estrus (heat) onset is essential to maximize fertility rates. This article will discuss the signs of heat expression, methods to detect [Read More …]

Late Summer Forage Seeding for Hay and Pastures

Late summer forage seedings present the farmer with the highest chance of success when done properly. This guide will help ensure it is done properly. Late summer seeding of forages is generally the most successful [Read More …]

The Two-step Approach to a Healthy Lactation Cycle

Protect the health and comfort of your cows during dry-off and freshening for a more profitable lactation cycle. “Our goal as producers is to raise healthy cows that make milk, and the only way to [Read More …]

Corn Silage Dry Down Update: Week of August 26, 2024

A weekly check-in on silage crop moisture progression at several locations across Pennsylvania. Corn silage moisture content continues to be a critical component of harvesting a high-quality and high-yielding forage crop. Extension Educators across Pennsylvania [Read More …]

Product Development and Research Team Driving Sales and Trust

The dairy checkoff has various strategies designed to reach every corner of the industry to drive sales and build trust in dairy. I may be biased, but I truly believe the crown jewel of [Read More …]

The Power of Fly Bait Rotation for Long-Term Success

Maintaining a successful fly control program in any operation requires more than just using a single fly bait repeatedly. Fly populations can quickly develop resistance to insecticides if continually using products with the same active [Read More …]

Financial Impact of USDA Proposed Changes to Federal Order Pricing

The USDA is proposing changes in the formulas used to price producer milk. This post will analyze the impact of these changes on producer milk prices. The most major change is in processor “Make Allowances” [Read More …]

Financial Impact of USDA Proposed Changes to Federal Order Pricing – Part II

In the prior post, the USDA proposed changes to milk pricing in the Federal Orders were reviewed with specific analysis of Class III pricing, the largest category. This post will cover the changes in cheese pricing [Read More …]

What If Perfect Came Along?

I have recently met with a number of bankers about refinancing one of my Clients. One of them said the deal was too big for them to finance alone, another one said the deal was [Read More …]

Fly Control That Goes Above and Beyond

Are nuisance flies causing trouble in hard-to-reach places around your operation? Look no further than Starbar® Aviator™ Fly Bait Aerosol, the innovative and convenient solution that takes fly control to new heights. With its easy-to-use [Read More …]

How Many Households Are Buying Dairy?