Thanks to his mechanical talents, this dairyman kept two first-crop alfalfa harvests on track. Near dusk on Sunday, May 22, I set out with our Hesston hay mower to cut the last field of first-crop alfalfa...
How youth activities helped me step outside of my comfort zone. Small, quiet, and shy. Those were some of the words that best described me as a young child. I preferred working with my animals and keeping...
It's more than just a number. At the National Guernsey Convention held earlier this week in Minneapolis, Minn., members listened to a presentation on genomics by Laurel Mastro of Neogen Corporation. While...
Being part of a breed association goes beyond genetic benefits to lifelong connections and friendships. Summer marks the season for barbeques, s'mores around the campfire, and family outings and vacations....
Welfare and economics must both play a role in determining how many cows fill a barn. One size does not fit all. There are many areas on the farm to which this saying readily applies. One of the most pertinent...
Consumers will not hear what we have to say about the dairy industry unless we take the initiative and find ways to tell them. "To the consumer, our story doesn't exist unless we tell it." Dairy farmers...
Custom hire is a smart business decision for our farm. While my husband and I milked our cows last night, a swather zipped through our fields, mowing down our first crop of alfalfa, along with the triticale...
Top animal welfare expert praises animal care, impressed with newest lameness research. Temple Grandin visits Vir-Clar Farm in Fond du Lac, Wis. "I saw dairy cows who have a wonderful life today." That's...
The standard of excellence begins with the boss when it comes to animal welfare. What's the hardest part of initiating a training program for animal welfare on today's dairies? If you ask Luís Mendonça,...
Determining which cows are open early speeds the reset process. While we all like to hear that a cow is confirmed pregnant, there also is value in knowing that she is not. At that point, she can be quickly...
Practicing healthy habits at an early age can influence one's lifestyle for years to come. Stretching out sore, tired muscles after an evening of training for your next 5K race is something most runners...
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...
The newest book from the Hoard's Dairyman bookstore sheds light on prevention, management, and treatment options for limiting antibiotic use. Antibiotics have been an important part of dairy animal welfare...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
