In recent years and decades, the near-constant dry weather conditions of the western U.S. have not only made farming more difficult but also caused more frequent and more intense wildfires

Many factors contribute to positive results when managing cows in an automated milking system

Farmers have their reasons for why they choose to milk a certain breed of cows, and each breed features unique and valued characteristics

Cows are remarkable creatures, but it is up to us to unlock their potential by providing basic elements including water and enough access to it

Manure is typically a dairy cow by-product that is removed rather quickly, but before it is pushed down the alleyway or scraped into the gutter, a lot can be learned

Synchronization programs have vastly improved dairy cattle reproduction since their introduction in the mid-1990s

A properly formulated ration is one of the most valuable tools a dairy farm has to ensure cows remain healthy and productive, but balanced nutrients isn’t the only important factor of a diet

All the physical and metabolic changes that take place at calving cause stress on a cow’s immune system and elevate the risk for developing metabolic disorders

Individual dairy calf housing was a concept that arose in the 1960s. At the time, dairy farmers were struggling with high rates of calf morbidity and mortality

Most people who have spent time working with fresh cows would agree that clinical hypocalcemia, often known as milk fever, becomes more of a problem as cows get older

Fresh cow pens continue to grow in popularity, especially for larger dairies, farms that are building new facilities, or those looking to improve cow health and performance

Consumer expectations and farmer responses to whether cows should have pasture access may vary, and in between there is a lot to think about

With tight labor markets and constantly improving technology, there has been an exponential adoption of automated milking systems (AMS) throughout North America

Converting feed cost to milk income is the most basic description of my job as a nutritionist. It is really no different than an auto manufacturing plant that buys various pieces of metal, plastic

This country, Israel, has led the world in annual per cow production since the 1990s. Today, the 115,000 cows in the national herd produce 26,288 pounds of milk, 1,010 pounds of fat, and 880 pounds of...

We use colored clothespins to mark the cows that need attention when they are in the headlocks. This makes it quick and easy to spot the cows we need from the front and the back

U.S. milk production came in right at forecast for February, down 1% from last year. We’re often asked to interpret these reports as bullish or bearish, and this one is a tough call

While farms have made positive strides toward reducing fresh cow health problems, the transition period remains a challenge for our dairy industry

Whether playing music on the radio during milking or humming tunes to cows while training them, smooth melodies help keep our cows (and ourselves) calm

Separating a dairy calf from its dam shortly after birth is a standard farm practice. For years, this has been considered safer and healthier for animals and people