Capital needs are a primary concern for most dairy operations given the intensive nature of the agriculture industry’s demand for equipment and facilities

When we turn the calendar from December to January, it feels like we are starting a new chapter with blank pages because we really do not know what this year will bring

Looking back 25 years, I was at a crossroads in my vision for what secondary education to pursue. At 17 years old, I’d developed curiosity in dairy farming and cropping, but I also enjoyed fixing...

Mastitis, the inflammation of one or more mammary glands, is one of the most important diseases in dairy production

When you compete at this level, you will find geniuses that you didn’t know existed

when a pendulum swings out farther in one direction than normal, it may swing back too far in the other direction. A correction can take some time later on

A dairy sitting in the valley with Brown Swiss cows scattered across green pastures in the background is home to Carter Bratland and Viking Valley Farm

One of the many perks of living on a dairy farm is the fact that we are surrounded by wildlife

Over the past 15 years, our industry has evolved, grown, and improved by leaps and bounds

The United States and Canada are big trading partners, in agriculture and beyond, and this is a relationship that benefits both countries. For U.S. dairy products, however, the path into Canada is not...

Chelsea was a bright young vet student like they all are. She was spending most of her Christmas break at our practice getting some hands-on learning to add to her education

One of the more popular songs, “My Favorite Things,” is one that I heard many times over the years and can easily be pulled into my head

Something happens to us when we age — quiet times of reflection occur more often, at least for me

In my life’s journey, I put people into two different categories: drains and radiators

Calves enter a world filled with bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These organisms can make them sick or even lead to death

Having just wrapped up a phone call with a nutritionist regarding farm programs related to sustainability and carbon credits, the time is right to revisit the topic

Russ was so excited to tell me about his new plans for calf rearing, even though some of those plans had been forced upon him

We all have had that special calf that we could designate the princess of the farm — a calf that stands out above the rest

Here's the challenge: Cow milking routines are designed to facilitate a gentle, quick, and complete milk harvest

Dairy producers must constantly evaluate their operations to limit economic losses and secure a profit