Ask the Hoof Trimmer
I have a question related to sand bedding. We converted to sand bedding about a year ago and it seems that we’re now getting more lameness then before. Our problems seem to be mostly white line defects in all four feet. Our professional hoof trimmer has tried different trimming methods and he’s doing his best to keep the problems under control. The floor is quite wet, causing the hoofs to be soft, and the barn is filled to maximum capacity. Do you have an answer for our lameness issues?
June Dairy Month Highlights Dairy Industry
As the month of June approaches, dairy leaders, farmers and communities are preparing to celebrate dairy’s month long celebration: June Dairy Month. The June Dairy Month tradition began in 1937 as a way to help distribute extra milk when cows started on pasture in the summer. Now 74 years later the rich tradition of June Dairy Month continues with communities, companies and people from all over the United States participating. Although it has evolved over the years, June Dairy Month continues to be a celebration between farmers and communities.
Ask the Hoof Trimmer
I recently received a question by telephone about rubber flooring and what it does for the animal. I would like to share this conversation with you, from a hoof trimmer’s perspective. I have to admit that it is a subject with differing opinions, environments, climates, and you name it, and that I certainly do not have all the answers to the flooring options that are available.
Breed - American Milking Shorthorn
One of the oldest recognized breeds in the world, Shorthorn cattle originated in Northeastern England in the Valley of the Tees River. Much of the early improvement work took place in the counties of Northumberland, Durham and York. Shorthorns, the most numerous in the British Isles, America and Australia, are either red, red and white, white or roan, the last named color being a very close mixture of red and white, and found in no other breed of cattle. The Milking Shorthorn breed is best known for its versatility.
Product Review – Lawnmowers
When people drive by your property, the care of your lawn is one thing they’re sure to notice. You want your yard and/or property to look welcoming to your friends, family and neighbors and one easy way to keep things looking up to par is to keep on top of your mowing. You’ll need a mower that’s dependable and gets the job done with as little hassle as possible, but looks like a professional landscaping crew was just at your place. With one of these models, you can enjoy that look, and you may end up enjoying your property and tending to it even more.
A Fresh Focus on Udder Management Improves Quality and Cash Flow on the Dairy Farm
Dairymen have always taken pride in producing a wholesome product for consumers, and with today’s tight margins, producers are taking an even closer look at the management of milk quality, somatic cell counts (SCC), and udder health to recover lost dollars and improve cash flow.
Hay and Silage Balers
Case IH - RB 454
The Case IH RB 454 Series Round Baler packs more of your valuable crop into a weather-resistant and edible package for your cows. This baler’s pickup gently gathers as many nutrition-packed leaves as possible using more tines – from 72-128 depending on the model. These tines pick up wide windrows and eliminate the need for gathering wheels to fill the bale chamber’s sides for firm, square-shouldered bales. The pickup’s forward location allows you to see windrows feeding and the hand crank raises for convenient transport.
Dairymen’s Directory of Dairy Cows for Sale and Dairy Farms
The American Dairymen Breeder Directory contains over 200 dairy farms in the United States as well as a listing of dairy cattle breeders. Published 12 times a year, American Dairymen contains feature articles on farm equipment, dairy farmers, and the latest information on the dairy industry. Our web site offers back issues of the magazine as well as its extensive data base of dairy farms.
