Widmar said the drought of 2012 remains unique in the crushing effects delivered by continued, extreme heat and lack of rainfall as summer marched on. In contrast, 2023 netted out to be considerably less severe than 2012. “While drought conditions were widespread and persistent this year, they didn’t get worse as the corn and soybean […]
Looking to catch up on the latest in the AG industry? The September USDA Milk Production report indicates a trend of decline. Overall milk production dropped by 0.2% compared to last year, marking the third consecutive month of decreased production. The cow population also shrunk, featuring 36,000 fewer heads than last year and 6,000 fewer […]
Ever wondered what influences the digestibility of fiber in dairy diets? Gonzalo Ferreira from Virginia Tech dives into the factors that play a pivotal role in determining fiber quality and its digestibility. “The concentration of neutral detergent fiber, hereafter referred to as fiber or NDF, is the major determinant of the digestibility and energy concentration […]
Amidst a fluctuating dairy landscape, Springers appear to be holding their ground! Maureen Hanson from Dairy Herd gives us a look into how these key players are shaping the industry’s future. “Dairy cow culling is at near-record levels and scorching August heat has docked milk production throughout most of the country. USDA estimates indicate about […]
Did you know that adjusting light exposure can affect early lactation milk yield? Mike Wolf from AgProud shines a light on how short-day lighting during the dry period could enhance milk production. 🐄💡 “Utilizing short-day lighting in barns housing dry cows for the entire 60-day dry period may positively impact milk production during the upcoming […]
Did you know cows can tell us if they’re happy with how they’re milked? A recent article from DairyHerd.com gives insight into our bovine buddies and their milking preferences. Just goes to show, when it comes to their well-being, every detail matters! Rhonda Brooks writes, “Teat end scoring provides Paul Virkler with some valuable insights […]
Accurate and precise information is paramount in modern herd management. Whether it’s choosing the right tools, monitoring electrical interference, or regularly assessing identification accuracy, every detail matters: “Does it matter if a data point is off here and there? Or a couple of cows are in the wrong pen? Or you miss a milk weight […]
The Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor unveils helpful insights on the state of U.S. agriculture. Economists forecast a downward trend in the financial health of the sector, driven by high production costs, global competition, and more. With wide-ranging views on 2023 crop yields and commodity prices, the survey reveals a mixed outlook on livestock and a […]
The wildfire smoke drifting from Canada into the United States has prompted a call to action for those with underlying lung conditions or asthma, including children and the elderly, to minimize outdoor exposure. But this warning extends beyond human health; it’s a risk to our animals, too. Rhonda Brooks writes “Look for the following signs […]
Navigating the turbulent tides of the dairy farming industry can feel overwhelming, especially as financial pressures mount and the future remains uncertain. The challenges are real, but so are some solutions. Pauly Paul writes in his article in AGProud: “Borrowing money to pay the bills? If that is you, you are not alone. As a […]
