Crisis management is intimidating to address but essential for long-term success. When I was 12, my family had an experience that significantly altered our operation. At 11 p.m. in the middle of wheat...

Dairy challenge competition allows students to connect the dots between classes, experiences and instinct. I was the buzzer beater in junior dairy bowl. I studied and studied the questions, and on many...

Digital dermatitis in heifers can change hoof shape without causing lameness. By Maggie, Seiler, Hoard's Dairyman Editorial Intern A good set of feet and legs is imperative for a cow to live a long and...

If there was one job I truly despised as a kid growing up on a dairy farm, it was helping bed the calf barn, which housed our calves from 3 months of age to around 500 pounds. I just never found a way...

It was drilled into my head from a very young age to watch out for calves with droopy ears, sunken eyes and clear signs of illness. Many producers use physical and behavioral signs such as these to detect...

Research sheds additional light on the specific effects of mastitis on reproductive efficiencies. The dairy cow's internal balance can often be a fragile thing, and it is never more apparent than when...

Discussing policy and practices with consumers is all about talking with them, not at them. by Maggie Seiler, Hoard's Dairyman Editorial Intern As a nation, consumers are no longer interested in just the...

Over the past year, I have repeatedly been asked how I became interested in dairy cattle considering I grew up in a state more well-known for beef and wheat. Many times, that conversation prompt leaves...

Evaluating body condition throughout lactation and the dry period can be an important health indicator. This semester I decided to take a beef science course with the intention of comparing that industry's...

As I boarded the plane to leave World Dairy Expo last week, the imminent threat of snow had me dreading the predictions of an equally miserable winter to come. Maybe I am jumping the gun, but the Old Farmer's...

Style, silkiness and correctness featured in Guernsey show. Ohio proved to be a good state to be from during the Guernsey heifer show on Thursday night. Heifers from that state swept Junior Champion, Reserve...

Featuring deep classes and fancy cows, the International Brown Swiss Show did not disappoint. The cows paraded in with the traditional fanfare of the New Glarus Yodel Club and the Swiss bells around the...

Building on tradition and strong cow families, Scott and Laurie Langmaid, along with their three sons, continue to breed outstanding females at Vermont Pond View Farm. Scott and Laurie Langmaid and their...

With his usual gusto, Michael Heath had the music turned up in the ring and headed toward the four cows he had pulled out for Grand Champion of the show. He walked the group once then doubled back to slap...

Four-year-olds TJ Classic Minister Venus-ET and Marynole Excite Rosey emerged at the top of the deepest Jersey cow class of the day and stayed side by side throughout the afternoon

Completeness, balance and strong udders described the cows that Judge Molly Sloan found to the top of the classes throughout the day at the Junior Holstein Show on Tuesday

Judge Wallace made his selection from 257 head exhibited in the International Ayrshire show. The sound of bagpipes faded, and Judge David Wallace walked toward the middle of the ring tapping the winning...

Expo seminar said the key to answering the hard questions is showing you care. by Maggie Seiler, Editorial Intern Answering the onslaught of consumer concerns is a very real challenge facing dairy producers...

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker joined World Dairy Expo and New Holland to slice the ribbon on the New Holland Pavilions. After months of planning, discussion and round-the-clock construction, the New...

The craze over yogurt has been building steadily over the last several years as studies have repeatedly shown a broad spectrum of health benefits associated with the product. Researchers have found yogurt...