Corn, grass or alfalfa silage should have nothing in common with the spoiling food found in many shop refrigerators. Yet, personal experience and research have shown spoiled forage exists on more farms...
Not ALL proteins are created equal. As it turns out, whole milk delivers 32 percent more amino acids to the human diet than the best available plant source. Once this groundbreaking research makes its...
A few weeks ago, one of our parish's Lenten living bulletin inserts raised concerns with an important part of our parish family, mainly those involved in agriculture. After hearing from a number of our...
The dawn of the scientific community's ability to edit genes in dairy cattle is upon us. Where might the technology fit and how will it be received by consumers remain unanswered questions. Genetically...
For years, a great number of us have relied on immigrant labor to milk cows and handle other farm tasks because most locals are unwilling to apply for farm jobs. With improving economic conditions in Mexico,...
Recent milk check articles have done an excellent job explaining the current weaknesses in dairy markets both here and abroad. Unfortunately, little has changed in the past few months except the possibility...
With their knowledge of farm buildings, equipment and livestock, farmers bring unique skills to fire departments that prove valuable in emergency situations. Farmer-firefighters know shop setups, livestock...
While all cows eventually leave the herd, groundbreaking research on six critical health issues should lead to healthier cows and fewer earlier-than-necessary herd departures. Genomics has allowed us to...
James S. Baird enhanced the appearance of Hoard's Dairyman for multiple generations of readers. His contributions included dynamic cover photos, creative graphics, captivating Christmas covers and, of...
Barring a court injunction or higher ranking federal legislation, those selling food in Vermont must use package labels to declare foods that contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). No matter where...
In following these three fundamentals, the Rodgers family has pushed past a 32,000-pound herd average despite Georgia's hot and humid climate. With herd health closely monitored, Hillcrest Dairy only needs...
USDA's release of the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report in mid-February provided neutral to slightly negative news for U.S. dairy producers. On the input side, feed costs could...
The dairy business is part of the agriculture commodity community. An agriculture commodity means the raw product looks the same no matter where it is produced around the world. Corn looks like corn whether...
Significant scientific evidence that does not support benefits often associated with tail docking. by Brandon Treichler, D.V.M. The author wishes to thank Gatz Riddell, D.V.M.; Fred Gingrich, D.V.M.; Dave...
Editorial: Dairying's educational dilemma Since the land grant system was signed into law by President Lincoln, dairying and all of agriculture have benefited from a university system that collectively...
Milk checks depend more on butter. From the time milk leaves the cows until the time it leaves the farm, dairy farmers see the milk they produce as a single liquid product. But they know that it's actually...
Americans do not consume enough of four primary nutrients. Dairy delivers three of those four dietary needs - calcium, potassium and vitamin D. The final version of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans...
Editorial: Dietary Guidelines Reaffirm Dairy Dairy products bring a host of healthy attributes to American diets. That is why the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, along with USDA, reconfirmed...
The health of your dairy herd will have a huge impact on your ultimate success. The same is true of reproductive performance. Your veterinarian should be deeply involved in both of these areas. He or she...
The USDA is rewarding young dairy and livestock veterinarians who work in underserved areas of the country with a loan repayment option. Escalating veterinary school costs often push new grads toward higher...