Entries by info

Milk markets head downward as summer wanes | Wisconsin State Farmer

“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, […]

Dairy Herd Size Has Tremendous Impact on Costs | Dairy Herd

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 […]

When is the Time Right to Harvest Corn Silage? | Dairy Herd

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 […]

Using Cover Crops for Feed Production | Dairy Herd

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 […]

Extended Dry Periods Offer Opportunities, Risks | Dairy Herd

“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 […]

Commentary: Prices paid to dairy farmers are a disaster | Capital Press

“All dairy farmers in the Federal Orders will be hurt dramatically if the co-ops depool a large amount of the Class III milk. Coupled with the ridiculously low Class I price of $14.67 this will all mean dairy farmers will receive a pay price of around $15 per cwt. for June’s production.” – Arden Tewksbury […]

How to reduce metabolic disorders in transition cows

Managing the transition period can have a significant impact on future dairy cow performance. Check out this great article from FeedStrategy’s Helen Warren including a link to July’s Feed Strategy Digital Magazine and learn how nutrition can help reduce metabolic disorders in transition cows.  

‘Head-scratching’ price rise pushes cheese to record high | The Desert Review

Cheese sales are experiencing record high sales! “We’re all scratching our heads,” Tulare County dairy farmer Joey Fernandes said. “We just went through probably the worst April and May. If (the market) holds, it’ll be a huge recovery in the milk price.” What’s been “eye-popping” about the current market rally, said Joel Karlin, market analyst […]