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...
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...
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...
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...
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 Guernseys on the Hoard's Dairyman Farm have proven once again that they can compete with the best Guernsey herds in the nation. Each year, the American Guernsey Association recognizes the top
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...
Who has the priority? Raising healthy, well-grown calves is more than putting milk in a pail and dropping grain in a bucket. A newborn's chance for success starts as soon as it hits the ground. Colostrum...
Careful attention during the first three months of a calf's life sets the stage for a lifetime of productivity on Hillcrest Farms. By Caitlin Rodgers, Georgia dairy farmer How important are the first 100...
As the number of dairy farms continues to consolidate, the enthusiasm of some young people who want to learn more about dairying does not. The Hoard's Dairyman Farm has provided one such opportunity
Local 4-H youth exhibit Hoard's Dairyman Guernsey cattle. As the number of dairy farms continues to consolidate, the enthusiasm of some young people who want to learn more about dairying does not. The...
Building an extensive photo library sets us apart. Hundreds of photos appear within the pages of Hoard's Dairyman, as well as on our website, www.hoards.com, and in our weekly electronic newsletter, Hoard's...
It takes careful attention to all details, large and small, to reach the highest levels of milk production. When our milking herd finally broke the 100 pounds of milk per day average, a lot of changes...
