February 2010
Reducing Commercial Fertilizers
In these difficult economic times, it’s important for dairy producers to get the most out of their soil nutrients—both on and off the farm. Carrie Laboski, associate professor and Extension soil scientist with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, says whether nutrient needs are being met by manure varies with the size of the farm and its cropping pattern. “It’s not really a ‘one size fits all’ approach,” she says.
Neogen Offers New Vet Sleeve Designed for Women
LEXINGTON — Neogen has added veterinary sleeves designed specifically for women to its comprehensive line of quality veterinary care products. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the new PolyPetite sleeves will be donated to the Markey Cancer Foundation.
The new pink PolyPetite sleeve combines the quality of Neogen’s Ag-Tek products with a smaller cut to better fit women.
Fast Hay Movers
Need help moving those large hay bales? Fast Hay Movers has the solution! Large round hay bales can now be transported using an ATV/UTV safely, easily and quickly.
Equipment Notebook-Farm Trucks
If the purchase or sale of a used truck is in your plan for 2010, these figures will give you an idea of the prices used farm trucks brought at auction during 2009.
Quite a few 1960s GMC models were reported sold at auction in 2009. A 1961 GMC 3500 said to be in fair condition brought $1,000 at a September auction in Oklahoma. A 1962 GMC 4000 listed in good condition went for $1,600 in October 2009 in Indiana.
A 1963 GMC 4000 said to be in poor condition brought $900 at a September 2009 auction in Nebraska.
Organic Creamery Introduces Organic American Cheese Slices
DCI Cheese Company expands popular organic cheese brand to meet demand
RICHFIELD – DCI Cheese Company (DCI) is pleased to introduce an extension to its Organic Creamery line: Organic American cheese slices available in eight-slice straight stack and 16-slice twin stack packs. The new pasteurized process slices are available in the specialty cheese section of select retailers across the country.
USDA Issues Final Rule On Organic Access To Pasture
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced details of the final regulation regarding access to pasture for organic livestock operations. This rule amends the National Organic Program (NOP) regulations to clarify the use of pasture in raising organic ruminants.
Keep Sodium Bicarbonate for Buffering in Dairy Cow Rations
The modern dairy cow has a greater capacity to digest feedstuffs and convert them into milk. The genetic potential of modern dairy cows for milk production is a true balancing acts between level of milk production and supply of additional nutrients to the small intestine. Maximizing rumen fermentation increases VFA production, providing more energy and microbial protein. Still greater fermentation leads to more acid production decreasing the rumen pH.
Seed & Feed
Dairymen are looking forward to 2008, according to Dr. Dan Undersander. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Agronomy Professor and Extension Forage Specialist says although there is a lot of concern over high input costs, the high prices for all of the commodities, the grains and the hays and the milk, are causing a level of optimism that we haven't seen in a long time. The high price of hay means it's crucial for producers to maintain their forage stands - and that means turning over alfalfa after no more than three years.
Kemin acquires encapsulation technology and expands ruminant portfolio
DES MOINES, Iowa – January 6, 2010 – Kemin Industries Inc. announced today that it has acquired a majority share of an Italian manufacturer of encapsulation technology and products sold via distribution by Soda Feed Ingredients. This acquisition expands Kemin’s already robust product portfolio of animal feed ingredients to include unique encapsulation technologies and new ingredients for the dairy industry.
Best Ag Education for a Future Producer
Ariel Waldeck is a strong advocate of a college education. The University of Kentucky student is majoring in both Agricultural Communications and Integrated Strategic Communications; she’s also active with collegiate FFA.
