“Fertility is a multi-factorial challenge but the success of this program shows that fine-tuning existing management practices and the adoption of cutting-edge nutrition technologies can have a significant impact on farm profitability,” CopRice model farm manager Ellen Fitzgibbon said. With 5 areas of focus, this demonstration study had impressive results. “Heifers were fed CopRice calf […]
“Ensuring feed changes are made gradually especially around weaning and when starting to feed forages are beneficial for optimum rumen adaptation and proper absorption of nutrients. Measure height and weight of calves and heifers often, especially after weaning, pre-breeding, and calving time periods.” If you need help with forage and lab analysis or diet programs, […]
“The seasonal change in available natural light, from 16 to 18 hours of daylight in spring to 8 to 10 hours/day in winter, can have a 5 to 10% effect on milk production,” says Kevin Harvatine, a dairy nutrition physiologist with Pennsylvania State University. “As a result, milk production is highest in April and lowest […]
Do you have questions about feeding practices for fresh cows? Contact us for more information on the specific feeds and additives that can benefit fresh cows. “Research continues to show that management and feeding practices within the first 2 to 4 weeks after calving have a long-term positive or negative impact on not only milk […]
“There remains a lot of uncertainty as to where milk prices are headed for the remainder of the year and for next year,” writes Bob Cropp. “Until the coronavirus comes much more under control and things return more to normal, the demand for dairy products will be depressed.” Read the full article from Bob Cropp, […]
A recent article by Dairy Herd’s Jim Dickrell reviewed the United States Department of Agricultural Research Report from July 2020. “While not totally surprising, a new study shows almost a two-fold difference in the total economic cost of producing milk between the nation’s smallest and largest dairy farms.” Read the full summary, here. Abstract from […]
With Fall just around the corner, do you have a harvest date on your schedule? Do you estimate your harvest date by calculating the days after pollination and running plant moisture samples, or another time-tested method? “Proper harvest timing is key when it comes to storing high quality corn silage,” says Casey Guindon, an educator […]
“Milk pricing in the U.S. is incredibly complicated. One particular feature of milk pricing that always seems to rub dairy farmers the wrong way is negative producer price differentials – a line item on the dairy farmer’s milk check that reduces the mailbox milk price. Negative PPDs occur when the classified value of milk in […]
Cover crops are a great resource for helping to capture soil nutrients, preserve moisture and generally improve soil health, but they can also lend a huge hand in feed production. “There are plants that we’ve considered as nothing more than a cover crop that we’re actually finding feeds really, really well for dairy cattle,” says […]
“With low prices for slaughter cows, some farmers have opted to dry off cows early in order to reduce herd milk production. This approach keeps cows in the herd and reduces feed costs, says Mike Hutjens, an Extension dairy nutritionist with the University of Illinois.” Learn more about how monitoring body condition is critical! Check […]
