“Despite the rollercoaster when it comes to prices because of the pandemic, fewer dairy farms appear to be closing up shop, at least in a couple of states.

With a focus on the bottom line, a growing trend in the dairy industry is adding beef genetics to the calf crop. That was one of the topics of discussion during our virtual Farm Journal Field Days. Two extension specialists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Penn State sharing their thoughts with Dairy Editorial Director Anna-Lisa Laca, on choosing beef semen to raise high-quality crossbred calves.”

Be sure to check out the recent article by Dairy Herd Management, AgDay TV

“Feed costs typically are the largest expense on a dairy operation and managing those costs contribute to a dairy’s ability to be profitable. These costs include purchased feed, but also the true costs to produce crops raised on the farm. Home-raised feeds vary in type, quality, and quantity, but more importantly, the cost to produce a given feedstuff is unique to each individual operation. Many farm businesses overlook planning and tracking the costs associated with home-raised feeds despite the integral relationship with profitability.”

If you need help calculating or adjusting your feed costs, we offer custom and unbiased consulting and hands-on support, contact us for more information.

Be sure to check out the recent article by Dairy Herd’s Robert Goodling and this additional resource from PennState Extension for calculating crop costs.

“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 starter, calf grower and heifer pellets, together with home-grown hay, to deliver an adequate intake of metabolisable protein to support bone and muscle development and allow puberty to be reached as early as possible.After mating, heifers were maintained on a growth rate of 900 g/day.”

Did you know we offer custom and unbiased nutrition programs and hands-on support? Contact us for more information.

Be sure to check out the recent article by Shepparton News

“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 in September.”

Along with the timing of feed delivery, did you know that lighting can have a major impact on milk production? Even light pollution from the milking parlor/holding area can disrupt cows internal clocks and decrease yield.

Be sure to check out the recent article by Dairy Herd’s Jim Dickrell!