One of my most treasured childhood pastimes was to dress up the newest litter of kittens in baby clothes. I certainly did not need a collection of baby dolls when I had living, breathing, responsive kittens
For most 17-year-old teenagers, managing the family business and finances is not the first thing that crosses their mind in the morning. The same held true for Michael Oosten . . . until his father unexpectedly...
It’s been 10 years since genomic testing was introduced to the dairy industry. This valuable tool has provided breeders across the globe the opportunity for much faster genetic progress
Twenty-five years ago, I graduated high school. I couldn’t leave central Oregon fast enough; not because I had a bad childhood, but because I always knew my life was destined for somewhere else....
Managing growth is of fundamental importance to the heifer enterprise of a dairy farm. We know a heifer needs to meet certain growth goals by certain points in its life to meet a farm’s production...
Certainly, everyone close to the dairy industry has recently become aware of the latest release of undercover videos obtained by ARM (Animal Recovery Mission)
Wars are typically high in both casualties and wounded winners. Neither is a particularly positive outcome. Sizing up the trade war between the United States and China on the dairy front, the “econo
In the past, it was generally recommended that dairy farms raising their own replacements on an ongoing basis needed enough heifers to equal 90 to 110 percent of their total cow numbers
Take a look at long forage particles in your feed. They may be slowing your cows down at the feedbunk.It is time to update our recommendations for optimal ration particle size
Rest is one of those things we don’t always talk about. Honestly, I almost feel a twinge of guilt when I do talk about it. I am not convinced that life was always this way
Despite living in the home of John Deere and being surrounded by hundreds of acres of corn, my three children — Tyler, 15; Cassie, 13; and Jacob, 9 — are a minority
Originally included in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, known to many of us as the farm bill, it has finally reached the point where dairy farmers must decide their level of participation
Several years ago, I found out that I am allergic to cow dander. It is not an intense allergy but rather a nuisance that includes itchy eyes, sneezing, a stuffy nose, and a lot of clearing my throat
Our understanding about cow comfort is continually improving. However, assessing and translating these needs to fit specific situations can be a challenge
Host any type of social event, and the combination of food and fellowship typically brings people together, whether it be in the kitchen, around the table, or at a picnic