April 25 2013
Silage piles aren't always a best buy. Producers and consultants often jump to the conclusion that flat feed storage is the most economical. They could be wrong
April 10 2013
Fewer social upsets during the transition period lead to healthier, more productive cows after calving. Even without completely new facilities, social stress can be managed during the transition
March 25 2013
The goal of a total mixed ration (TMR) is to provide a balanced diet supplying the nutrients necessary for maintenance and growth. However, on farms, the quality of the TMR may vary between days (in relation...
March 10 2013
If we use a multi-prong approach to better hoof health - much like our udder health plans - we can see less disease and lameness, paired with more milk. Your nutritionist isn't to blame for your hoof health...
Feb. 10 2013
For good health and high milk yields, cows need to be fed the proper levels of bioavailable minerals. For mineral nutrition, the 2001 Dairy NRC is still the best starting point, but these requirements...
Feb. 10 2013
Breeding for enhanced immune responsiveness improves the health of your herd. It's now possible with the patented High Immune Response (HIR) system
Feb. 10 2013
California and Wisconsin account for 34 percent of the nation's milk. However, market forces impact milk checks differently. The dramatic upward runs in grain prices over the last 18 months have hampered...
Feb. 7 2013
The replant window for corn can be quite narrow. Even though corn is a crucial ration ingredient, as the growing season progresses the decision to plant another crop
Jan. 28 2013
Raw milk has become a popular topic in recent years. Hoard's Dairyman has collected articles from our past issues to better help producers and consumers understand the ongoing debate behind of raw milk....
Jan. 28 2013
It ought to be an old saying by now: Consumers have the right to make choices, but expect some of them to be dangerous or stupid. In the case of raw milk, consumers are doing both. This time, though, the...
Jan. 28 2013
Those who support the legalized sales of raw milk do so with a zeal and passion that is rarely seen in our industry. Despite proponents' strong personal beliefs, science is not on their side. A study recently...
Jan. 10 2013
Frost seeding red clover into wheat stands will not reduce grain yields. However, it can prevent soil erosion, provide nitrogen credits and be fall forage in this double-crop system. If you grow wheat...
Jan. 10 2013
Tackling Johne's around the world While the human risk of contracting Johne's is unclear, many researchers and countries continue to search for new eradication methods. Reducing Johne's risk on your farm...
Jan. 3 2013
Another year has arrived in our dairy industry. What will it bring? More rain when needed? Better milk prices? Greater success in your dairy business? A new year is always a time to look back and reflect...
Jan. 3 2013
If you grow wheat as part of your dairy cropping mix, this could be a good time to try "frost seeding" red clover to boost forage production. But it is important to follow seeding recommendations. The...
Dec. 15 2012
I am working with a 600-cow dairy that is experiencing a unique pneumonia-like situation. The dairy is very well managed. When the symptoms appear, they are across all lactating cows, are random and begin...
Oct. 19 2012
What's in your milk? This article appeared in the January 25, 2012 issue of Hoard's Dairyman on the Young Dairyman page. The article discusses the components of typical farm milk from dairy cows
Sept. 25 2012
The simple design can limit induced stress. When used routinely, cattle can accommodate to its function, leaving a positive impression. She wrote this series with Paul Rapnicki, D.V.M., formerly with the...
Sept. 10 2012
Make parlor trips peaceful Two or three times a day, free stall herds move cows from their home pen to the holding pen. By keeping a routine and using cows' natural tendencies, we can keep the trips low...
Sept. 10 2012
Total mixed rations (TMRs) have become widely recognized as the optimal way to provide a consistent balance of nutrients. Despite our best efforts in formulating and delivering the ration to cows, though,...