Is pregnant cows' milk really a health threat? A human health concern accuses milk from pregnant cows, which is customarily high in estrogens, of affecting blood estrogen levels in humans. High levels...

Dairy trade: Think beyond the exchange rate by Corey Geiger, Managing Editor The Mexican peso buys less goods and services these days when compared to the U.S. dollar. While that is true, USDA's Gabriel...

A case of distracted eating. Eating is a big part of our lives. Food is central to many social events; it brings us comfort; and most importantly, food provides the nutrients we need to survive. Despite...

Dairy helps everyone prosper. Dairy brings a unique value proposition to the economic table. Dairy also brings great value to the food table

How long can corn farmers hold on? Low corn prices the last two years have been a relief for dairy and other livestock producers. Now, however, it may be time to start worrying about how much longer corn...

Feeding consistency is difficult with robots. Automated milking systems come with advantages that include customization of both milking schedules and feeding of concentrates based on individual cows' requirements....

Invest where it matters most. When margins are slim, farmers are forced to make tough decisions. While it is tempting to cut corners wherever possible, not all cuts yield comparable results. The key is...

Agriculture's bridge to worldwide customers. It ranks among the least-discussed divisions of USDA. However, the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) has one of agriculture's tallest tasks by linking U.S....

Dairy farms have grown for a reason. Dairy farms continue to evolve. While many of us know that, Ben Brancel, secretary of Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, delivers...

Farm wages climb with no end in sight. Labor cost is an important factor in determining dairy farm profitability. In general, it accounts for about 15 percent of total expenses for a typical dairy enterprise

Sorting behavior starts with calves. Cows are creatures of habit, and as science is showing, the formation of their behavioral tendencies begins early in their lives. According to Emily Miller-Cushon,...

Dairy manure needs legal clarity. Last year an eastern Washington Federal Judge found that storage and application of dairy manure in ways that may lead to leaching of nitrates to groundwater constituted...