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May 10 2016
The Washington Post reporter left countless positive comments about the dairy industry out of his article. Temple had the email evidence to prove it. The last thing I expected when I wrote my blog about...
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May 6 2016
Each year new knowledge and skills were gained. So, how do teams that win, well . . . win? I asked one of those teams, "Why did you win?"
May 4 2016
It doesn't come naturally to most people, but delegation is essential to effective team leadership. Most of us, at some point in our lives, will find ourselves in a leadership position. While many dairy...
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May 2 2016
Research indicates multiple rations save money and resources, but it depends on the farm. No doubt efficiencies and economics are top of mind for dairy producers. This is not a new situation. Dairy producers...
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April 29 2016
Mental health issues are more prevalent in nonmeat eaters. Vegetarians are crazy! That might be the sentiment of those who relish a succulent steak and cannot fathom eliminating beef, lamb, pork, or poultry...
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April 27 2016
For years, California dairy and livestock farmers have grazed their cattle in Point Reyes National Seashore Park, but that partnership may soon come to an end. By Abby Bauer, Hoard's Dairyman Associate...
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April 26 2016
A recent interview in The Washington Post with the renowned animal welfare specialist leaves many in dairy circles with unanswered questions. With all due respect to Temple Grandin, and the research she...
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April 25 2016
Saturday is World Veterinary Day and our opportunity to stop and say thanks to an integral part of the farm team - veterinarians. "Do you know what that is?" This was the prompt that started many a conversation...
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April 22 2016
When it comes to controlling lameness, the most effective footbath immerses each hoof more than once. Is lameness an issue in your herd? If so, you are not alone. According to Nigel Cook, D.V.M., from...
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April 20 2016
Looking back, the intense fat-related studies of the 1960s and 1970s did not prove that removing saturated fats and replacing them with vegetable oils made people healthier. That was the hope of the research...
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April 15 2016
Ration strategies for groups of dairy cows summarized. Maximize production, but don't waste resources. That sums up the art and science of formulating rations for milking groups. The challenge is that...
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April 14 2016
Science shows that "farm kids" are less likely to have allergies, but what about those of us who do? Science has proven over the years that children who grow up on dairy farms run a lower risk of developing...
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April 13 2016
The Peterson Farm Bros. put their agriculture advocacy efforts to music in a string of parody videos. With one YouTube video, the Peterson Farm Bros. became an overnight sensation. Before bursting into...
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April 11 2016
Behavioral changes and bacterial cultures both show early promise in identifying metritis cases. Characterized by discolored vaginal discharge and an offensive odor, metritis is a top health and reproductive...
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April 8 2016
Who do consumers trust? Some days we think people are so naïve to believe everything they read. Other times, they are so skeptical of even the most logical and safe practices. I laughed when I read...
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March 30 2016
Products marketed under a farm name resonate well with consumers . . . but does a name always tell the whole story? What's in a farm name? For some dairy producers, their farm's name has been carefully...
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March 18 2016
Strategize for ways to minimize heat stress. Even though we are not ready for sunglasses and shorts, warm weather will be here soon. Mike Brouk, Kansas State University, presented "The latest on beating...
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March 9 2016
Adverse economic and environmental impacts would result if genetically modified organisms were eliminated from farming. Technology has given our agricultural industry legs to grow, opportunities to be...
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March 2 2016
A few factors play a big role in the quality of colostrum. While breakfast may be our most important meal of the day, for calves, that first feeding of colostrum is the most critical meal of their lives....
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Feb. 24 2016
Calf jackets can provide much needed warmth for young animals on cold days. A few mild days in the Midwest made it feel like spring was on the way, but since it is only February, we can be fairly certain...