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...

Handy Hint: April 25, 2016 A row of clean bottles I was looking for a way to rinse calf bottles thoroughly and efficiently. I took 1-inch PVC pipe, 4 feet long, and connected it to the hot water line....

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...

Handy Hint: April 10, 2016 Keep winter's wrath away from calves Here in southern Pennsylvania we received nearly 3 feet of snow during one storm in January, and I needed a way to keep that snow out of...

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...

Handy Hint: March 25, 2016 Gates are easier to open To easily open and close gates, Dave Clark of Godfrey Dairy developed this double-hook system. By creating a U-shaped pipe, one half of the U-bend fits...

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...

Handy Hint: March 10, 2016 Racks help bundle tires Tires that cover bunker silos at Hillcrest Dairy are more organized after creating a number of iron "tire racks." As tires come off the bunker to expose...

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...

Handy Hint: February 25, 2016 PVC pipes track calf feeding Keeping track of which calves get fed milk twice per day, once or not at all is handled rather easily for the calf feeders at Paint Creek Heifers...