For years, dairy producers and veterinarians measured animal welfare standards around the theme that good health leads to good production. As far as Nina von Keyserlingk is concerned, we must rethink that...
These tables compliment the article, "Economical substitutes exist for corn grain" which was printed in the March 25, 2015 issue of Hoard's Dairyman on page 218. Tables similar to that for protein were...
"Fuel Greatness" campaign stresses breakfast for children. Breakfast sets the table for the day's activities. Starting the day with a meal is the fuel that helps us stay active. Studies have shown that...
When it comes to milk production and meeting the needs of its citizens, 27 states fall short of even producing enough milk to fill beverage demand. Those states each produce less than 300 pounds of milk...
Only 1,631 farms left, but it was still the 22nd yearly decline in a row. "Get out while the getting is good" saw 1,631 U.S. dairies leave the industry in 2014. According to data released earlier this...
Up just 1,000 cells/mL, SCC reverted to 2012 levels this past year.After trending downward for nearly a decade, the somatic cell count average of herds enrolled in Dairy HerdInformation (DHI) testing rose...
With the right design, tie stalls can provide excellent cow comfort. If you're milking in an older setup, evaluate what changes could be made to foster comfort and production. by Emily Morabito and Jeffrey...
Editorial: The permanent fix for over-aged show calves There is no doubt that we are taking better care of our calves and heifers these days. Improved housing and ventilation, more vigilant attention to...
64th Annual Hoard's Dairyman Round Table: How these farmers got their start The road to farm ownership is rarely easy, but these four first-generation dairy farms are proof that options exist for young...
The People Side: The road to healing While we can't rescue someone from domestic abuse, we can extend our hand and be there as they determine their path
Week-long celebration promotes national ag program. We are in the heart of national FFA week, which started on Saturday, February 21 and concludes on February 28. The week is celebrated each year over...
Effluent planning can be done now to make harvest easier this year Growing up on a small dairy farm, silage effluent wasn't something I was overly aware of other than it smelled, and I tried not to get...
"The day your cows calve, they need to have on the best running shoes that you can give them," noted Karl Burgi, Sure Step Consulting, at the Leading Dairy Producers Conference. "If a cow is lame at transition...
Drought, less acreage, and rising global demand are reasons why. Droughts in the West and rising demand around the world are increasing the price of hay and other forages for U.S. milk producers. And...
Watch the cows to be sure your facility provides the resting space they need. Cows are busy creatures, and one of the most important activities they do is rest. "We want to see high-producing cows lying...
It makes sense that herds with a standardized milking routine would have much lower rates of clinical mastitis. Yet, many parlors lack the consistency cows crave. "The people we depend on in the parlor...
Two new apps are now available to help producers evaluate calves' respiratory health. Respiratory disease can be a devastating issue for the calf caretakers on your farm. According to Terry Ollivett from...
Poor nutrition and lack of physical activity among children have been hot-button issues long before First Lady Michelle Obama raised the flag of concern six years ago. However, the First Lady's efforts...
For the first time since 2007, the U.S. dairy and beef cattle herd has expanded. After reaching the lowest number of cattle since 1951 at the start of last year, 2015 is heading in the opposite direction....
