Managers of all levels on dairy farms have a tough job. They juggle many schedules and a demanding workload that never takes a day off. Maybe more difficult is dealing with employee disagreement
A survey of Iowa dairy farmers revealed their efforts to enhance fresh cow care. The transition period is fittingly named, as a dairy cow goes through a flood of transitions the 60 days precalving to 30...
Farming isn't easy by any means, but certain moments make all the hard work worthwhile. As many of you know, milk prices as of late have been entirely too low for a dairy farmer's comfort. It has a lot...
Internships, like the Hoard's Dairyman editorial internship, let college students "try on" a job before graduation and entering the real world. A new school year has just begun, but it's not too early...
Milk is one of the most requested and least available items at food banks. By Darleen Sichly, Oregon Dairy Farmer Is anyone else looking at the calendar and wondering how in the world it's September already?...
The "truths" told by advertisers sometimes go too far. I was in the Milwaukee airport recently for an early morning flight, and I stopped at a coffee vendor. While in line, I was reading their promotional...
We can help reduce animal stress when milking by maintaining a calm environment. Amidst the humming of fans and the constant rhythm of the milking machines, I tend to do some of my best thinking while...
Passion is the main driver that shines through all the hard work and stress dairy farming can bring. Today's dairy farmers don't fit into one mold; they come in all shapes and ages, with varying levels...
Let mortality be a reminder to live and love fully. At the urging of a good friend, I started listening to podcasts while traveling. If you're looking for a way to make your next road trip thought-provoking...
Important nutrients and immune building molecules are all components of a calf's first meal, but that colostrum may also be a vehicle for some unwanted guests. Are bacteria derailing your carefully crafted...
Hoard's Dairyman compiles details on dairy colleges. School is about to start or has already begun for a few. It's a new school year with new teachers, and maybe even a different school. For high school...
Dairy farming can consume every minute of every day if you let it; don't forget to pursue your off-farm passions, too. A wise person once told me, "Be careful how you build your fortress, as you can create...
Steps can be taken to measure the impact of soil compaction and, more importantly, avoid it in the first place. Bigger tractors and heavier machinery allow crop growers to cover more ground in a shorter...
Utilizing a bedded pack, adequate feedbunk space, and careful monitoring, this herd gets their special needs cows back in business quick. Every operation is unique and different, but there are some ideas...
Grocery stores, restaurants, and schools/work places were all popular locations for weekly food purchases. Dairy is what they have in common. Domestic dairy sales are an important part of dairy's business,...
Attempts to connect with consumers can be a trap. When I attend the state fair, I expect to see a lot of youth having a great time and spending time with their friends. That is not all I found on the last...
4-H livestock projects were blasted at a recent HSUS annual conference. Like many of you in the dairy industry, some of my best memories and closest friends are from my time in 4-H
The Hoard's Dairyman Farm earned national recognition from the American Guernsey Association. The Guernseys on the Hoard's Dairyman Farm have proven once again that they can compete with the best Guernsey...
Social media should not replace face-to-face advocacy. Almost every co-op meeting, checkoff organization conference, or dairy industry event includes a speaker or breakout session about telling our story,...
