Dairymen Articles
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.
Canarm/BSM Agricultural Business Unit of Canarm Ltd
Canarm/BSM - the Agricultural Business Unit of Canarm Ltd. – is a leader in the manufacturing of livestock equipment for over 35 years! We offer a complete line of quality confinement equipment and ventilation to ensure your calves & cows are comfortable and healthy, while helping you maximize your bottom line.
Milking Parlor Efficiencies-Time is Money, or is it?
As the dairy industry continues to consolidate, cows are being milked more rapidly through larger milking centers on larger dairies than ever before. Parlor efficiency is critical, however jeopardizing milk quality for the sake of speeding cows through the parlor could result in severe problems.
The “Greenest Fans on Earth” Go Solar
The “Greenest Fans on Earth” Go Solar MacroAir Technologies introduces the first and only solar High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) Industrial Fan Solar energy has been called the wave of the future. MacroAir Technologies, a company founded on the very principal of innovation, is surfing that wave with the introduction of the MacroVoltaic fan. Receiving the highest certified rating, the MacroVoltaic fan is the only solar high volume low speed (HVLS) industrial fan on the market.
From Birth to Breeding
While this is a simple, non in-depth overview of dairy calf rearing, it gives producers an idea of the general concepts needed to produce high quality, high producing future dairy cows. Raising dairy cows begins with simple preparation and a basic understanding of what is required of calves and what demands will be applied to them. First, a producer must ensure that cows have an adequate pen or box stall in which to calve.
Quality Genetics
Genetic backlash is breeding some concern in dairy barns about the fertility and stamina of the world’s Holsteins. Leslie B. Morse Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor of Animal Science at the University of Minnesota has been at the forefront of genetic research related to Holsteins. He says selective breeding practices over the last 20 years focused on developing a highly productive cow and ignored some fertility and health characteristics that are now affecting resilience and fertility in dairy herds.
Will There Be Any Private Dairies Left?
The U.S. dairy industry has been steadily consolidating over the past thirty years, and analysts with USDA’s Economic Research Service say a big part of the reason has been what has been until recently the low cost of feed.
Manure Management- Sustainably Taking Care of Our Environment
As the growing phenomenon of going green, reducing our carbon footprint and being environmentally sustainable escalades across this nation and globe—we, as dairy producers, are already far ahead of many. You see, going green is something that your typical dairy producer knows a thing or two about. Something they practice daily, for the benefit of theirs and others; proudly demonstrating being good stewards to the land.
Assisted Birthing with Cesarean Sections
Many factors can require dairy producers to provide assistance to cows when the birth of a calf is delayed or complicated. The medial term dystocia is used to refer to this condition. Among general causes are oversized calves, calves that aren’t in the proper birth position (feet first) or an injured or sick cow. Genetics, nutrition and reproductive management are all important factors in reducing dystocia.
The Safety of rBST
Elanco Animal Health hopes thousands of studies - and the need to feed the world - will help Posilac make a comeback.
That’s the trade name for the recombinant Bovine Somatotropin (rBST) product marketed in the United States for the last 16 years, 15 of them by Monsanto. A flurry of bad publicity caused many retailers, supermarket chains, and ultimately bottlers and cooperatives to reject milk from cows treated with the hormone; in August 2008, Monsanto sold the product—both its assets and liabilities—to Elanco parent company Eli Lilly for $300 million.
VanEss Dairy Travels 1,500 Miles to Relocate in Northwest Iowa
“It’s not about the size of the dairy; it’s about doing a good job with cows. Our highest goal is simply to be very good dairymen. We want to take great care of our animals, and treat our neighbors with respect,” says Harvey Van Ess about VanEss Dairy located in O’Brien County near Sanborn, IA.
Four Generations Held Together by Guernsey’s
For over 50 years, in the rolling hills and valleys of northeast Missouri, there have been registered Guernsey cows on Timber Ridge Farms. Through the years, the Messer and Gates families have overcome countless obstacles and financial hardships to maintain their milking herd. Ethel Messer, matriarch of the Timber Ridge dynasty, grew up over the hill from where Timber Ridge Farms is located today in Jacksonville, Mo. In 1944, Sam Messer’s family moved into the area, and the couple married in 1950.
Silent Threat
Whether a dairy farmer has 20 cows or 20,000, the need for a comprehensive biosecurity plan has never been more important. Even though bioterrorism threats have increased in recent years, international biosecurity is just one element of a sound plan to prevent the introduction or spread of infectious disease in a dairy operation.
Effects of Flooring on Lameness in Dairy Cattle
That’s Lame!
Lameness constitutes a significant burden on dairy herds. Severe mobility problems may force the producer to cull potentially productive cows. Less severe impairments can lead to delayed estrous, difficulty with natural breeding, lower milk yield, shortened lactation and weight loss. These issues directly impact profitability, and failure to recognize the underlying factor may again cause the dairyman to cull cows with good potential for productivity.
Robotic Milking
Augie and Mike Baumann of Buffalo Center, IA manage their 240-cow dairy herd a little differently than most producers. The majority of their Holsteins roam freely in one of four large pens in their 160x300’ cross-ventilation barn. Most of their time is spent either munching feed from concrete bunks or resting in individual free stalls complete with dual-bladder waterbeds.
Alltech’s Young Scientist Program Hopes to Attract 50,000
We here at the American Dairymen like to keep our reader infomed. News release from Alltech. Lexington, KENTUCKY]- With a growing need for natural animal health solutions, global animal health company, Alltech announced the launch of its annual Young Scientist Program today. Growing by leaps and bounds, past programs featured only undergraduate students, but expanded last year to include graduate students. This year the program is expanding once again as Africa and the Middle East will have their own local competition as well as adding an additional phase to the program.
2009 World Dairy Expo
The golden anniversary of the World Dairy Expo is just seven years away…and Expo manager Mark Clarke is planning for it. “We’re already trying to make plans for the 50th year,” says Clarke. “We’ve got the artwork and the theme done for the 2011 show. So you’re always well over a year out in advance, looking for the next show.”
Financial Stress
As was the case with most Americans, dairy farmers were blindsided by the financial crisis and the recession. Although operating costs rose sharply in 2008, milk production was still profitable; USDA’s Economic Research Service estimates U.S. producers returned an average of $4.71/cwt after operating expenses last year, compared to nearly $8/cwt in the record price year of 2007. When overhead costs are included, producers still netted 25 cents/cwt in 2007, and the net loss of $3.29/cwt is comparable to the returns throughout most of the decade.
Rodent Proofing your Dairy Barn
Randolph, Wisc. pest control specialist Kyle Stiemsma is describing a job he set up at a dairy last year. “The guys turned on their silo unloader,” he says, “and there were about twenty rats that jumped off the 60’ silo. About half of them survived, and took off running; every time they’d kick it on, there were rats running everywhere, and when they emptied out the silo, there were burrows all over the bottom of the silo.” The problem, says the owner of Terminator Pest Control, was lack of sanitation. “There was grass three feet tall and weeds everywhere.” To maintain co
Red & White
They were discriminated against by the Holstein-Friesian Association for decades; now, they’re a welcome part of the herd. They’ve been coming to America since the turn of the last century, but they didn’t have their own registry until 1964. And now…Red & Whites are one of the hottest things out there.
“I would say it’s definitely a growing thing,” says Nicole Stout, an executive manager of the Clinton, Wisconsin-based Red & White Dairy Cattle Association.
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Establishes, Dairy advisory committee and Requests Nominations
We here at the American Dairymen like to keep our readers informed on all dairy industry news releases. Advisory Committee Will Review Key Issues Impacting Dairy Industry and Generate Additional Ideas About How USDA Can Help Struggling Producers WASHINGTON, August 25, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that as part of USDA's continuing efforts to listen to and respond to the needs of producers in the dairy industry he is moving forward on establishing the Dairy Industry Advisory Committee and is requesting nominations.
J & D Mfg Free Products Every Hour During World Dairy Expo
Free Products Every Hour During World Dairy Expo
EAU CLAIRE, WI – AUGUST 18, 2009 - J&D Manufacturing is planning the launch of their totally fresh and innovative website www.jdmfg.com at the World Dairy Expo in Madison on September 29. In collaboration with the new site launch, there will be a drawing every hour in booth # 1101 to receive free heavy duty Scrapers and Kick Away™ Boot Brushes just for signing up to receive their e-newsletter.
CWT Auditors Begin Auditing Nearly 300 Farms in Latest Herd Retirement
Here at the American Dairymen we like to keep are readers up to date on the Dairy Herd retirement.
Details Released On Latest Cow Removal ARLINGTON, VA – CWT’s field auditors are now in the process of visiting the first of the 294 farms that have been tentatively accepted in the program’s eighth herd retirement. When the auditors complete their task – likely by the end of September – 87,000 cows that produced 1.8 billion pounds of milk will have been removed from the nation’s milking herd.
Dairy Situation and Outlook, July 17, 2009
University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension University of Wisconsin-Madison
Milk prices were expected to show some slight improvement by now, but that hasn’t happened. July cheese prices have not show continuous strengthening.
Dairy Crisis
Woody Bryant has been milking cows a long time, and he says conditions for dairy producers are the worst he’s seen since the early 70s. “The things that we buy are so high compared to the price of the milk,” says Bryant, a former National Dairy Board chairman whose farm is in Lonoke County, Ark. “And of course our biggest expenditure is feed, and it’s extremely high.” Government statistics tell the grim story. From the record highs dairymen enjoyed just two years ago, farm gate prices for milk have fallen by more than half; in March, the average for Class I milk was just $9.43/cwt.
CWT Announces second Herd Retirement of 2009
“Connecting Cows, Cooperatives, Capitol Hill, and Consumers”
Friday, July 10, 2009 (703) 243‐6111 ext. 375 Contact: Jim Tillison
CWT ANNOUNCES SECOND HERD RETIREMENT OF 2009
Time Frame to Submit Bids Shortened, Maximum Bid Level Set
ARLINGTON, VA – Cooperatives Working Together announced Friday that it will conduct its second herd retirement of 2009. In order to have a more immediate impact, CWT is shortening the time frame for producers to submit bids. A maximum bid level is also being announced for this round.
National Dairy Board’s 25th
It’s the silver anniversary of the National Dairy Promotion and Research Program . . . but even its supporters acknowledge these are not golden times for dairy producers.
“I think 90% of the dairy producers in the nation are dipping into their equity to stay afloat right now,” says Joe Lyon, a dairyman from Toledo, Iowa. “At this price per hundred pounds of milk, very, very few, if any, are making any money, paying their feed bills, their vet bills and everything. It’s tough, and it’s part of the whole economy…the dairy industry’s in a crisis right now.”
Replacement Heifers
For the last five years, production of milk replacement heifers has been on the rebound in the United States. But US born replacements may decline in coming years, for the same reason they’ve been rising, Canada, long prohibited from supplying the US dairy cow market, is back in business. Imports of Canadian breeding cattle were barred on May 20, 2003, the day the Canadian Food Inspection Agency revealed a native-born cow had tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, better known as mad cow disease.
Scott Auction
Scott Auction brings the information on the Coolidge Dairy Liquidation Auction to you. Here at the American Dairymen.
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2005 Cat 950G articulating loader, Cab, AC/Heat, 9' bucket, 11,500 hrs, good condition
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Surviving High Feed Cost
The current economic downturn has presented serious challenges for many Americans. Dairymen have certainly not been exempt. Rising grain prices have inflated the cost of many traditional feeds and spurred the conversion of grasslands to row crop farming. Competition with recreational users for “marginal” land has further reduced pasture availability. More recently, high feed costs have been coupled with lower milk prices, further squeezing producers.
Nutrition in Dairy Reproduction
A lot goes into achieving a successful calving rate in your herd-including, of course, what goes into your cows. University of Minnesota Extension dairy nutritionist Noah Litherland says one of the biggest challenges in dairying is getting cows back into positive energy balance after calving; he says strong feeding strategies for both dry and fresh cows are part of the solution, and it's important to ensure there's adequate macro- and micro-minerals in the diet.
The U.S. dairy industry is in the process of figuring out its carbon “Hoofprint”
Coops and producer groups are teaming up with others up and down the dairy marketing chain, in an effort to gauge the industry’s impact on the generation of greenhouse gases thought to contribute to global warming. Part of the program involves a comprehensive survey being sent to about 8,000 dairy farmers, which asks questions about practices like on-farm energy use, feeding practices, and pasture, manure and water management.
The Farm up on the Hill
“You can only manage a business so long and stay on top. You need to change from time to time to keep that edge,” says Gary Boyke, a third generation dairy producer, who with his wife, Rose own a 1350 cow dairy farm in eastern Wisconsin, just three miles southeast of Fond du Lac. “Fond du Lac is a community of nearly 45,000 people, and we’re known as the farm up on the hill overlooking the lake.” That lake is Lake DeNeveu, a 90 foot deep, 80-acre spring-fed lake, one that area residents treasure for its recreational and aesthetic values.
Wick Buildings offers a brief overview about the tax breaks available for Agricultural Buildings in 2009.
All of us with the American Dairymen are proud to keep you informed and have posted this article to up date you on two programs that are available for agricultural buildings in 2009. We would like to thank Wick Buildings for submitting this article to us.
There are essentially two programs available for Agricultural Buildings in 2009. One is called Section 179 and is a Tax Expensing program. The second is an accelerated Bonus Depreciation schedule for qualifying buildings. We have put together a list of frequently asked questions but encourage you to speak with your accountant or tax attorney to assure you have the necessary information.
Milk-price drop bodes ill for LA dairy farmers
After spiking in 2007 and staying high for most of 2008, the price dairy farmers get for their milk is falling and will likely make for a difficult year for Louisiana’s dairy industry. While many farmers are enjoying lower production costs compared to a year ago, these aren’t enough to offset the decline in milk prices, LSU Agricultural Center scientist Wayne Gauthier said. “I’m afraid for the Louisiana dairy industry we’re going to continue to see a shrinking at the farm level,” he said.
Merial: New Data Finds Parasite Control Critical To Cattle Profitability
DULUTH, Ga. — March 9, 2009 — Researchers at Iowa State University concluded that of all the pharmaceutical technologies examined, parasite control in cow herds had the greatest effect on breakeven prices — providing a value of $201 per head.1 This represents a 21 percent increase from similar data reported in 2007.1 “The original data was based on feed and cattle prices prior to the recent increase in these areas,” says Dr. John Lawrence, professor, economics department, Iowa State University. “Now, the question is, does the increase in feed and input costs make a difference in the effect of efficiency-gaining technologies? The answer is yes.”
What Should US Obligations Be Toward Global Agriculture?
US food and agriculture priorities should be focused on small farmers, particularly the small farmers who make up 600 million starving people in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia. That is the opinion of nearly 11 hundred US adults, and nearly 200 Members of Congress, the executive branch, corporations, and both governmental and non-governmental organizations involved with international development projects. And why should the US help fund more than $8 billion over 10 years to do that, you ask? The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, which has an agricultural leadership group composed of some potent thinkers, pushed Congress toward improvements in its international trade philosophy during Farm Bill debate.
Cow Comfort Innovations in the barn
"If somebody develops a new thing," says Kevin Janni, "and it works, I'm very willing to describe it." But first, says the University of Minnesota professor of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, he wants to see that it works-and the first time around, he may not be entirely sold.
The phenomenon of compost dairy barns provides an example. A Minnesota producer came up with the idea in 2001. "They actually talked to us before they did it," Janni laughs, "and I was not enthused.
But the local Extension educator stayed in touch with them; some other people here on campus worked on the bedding and they got it going, and we decided that there's lots of interest in it, and so we started making presentations."
Compost Bedded Pack Barns
Is a compost bedded pack barn the best option for your dairy?
Associate Professor of Dairy Science, Marcia I. Endres, says answering that question involves numerous factors. "Each manager has to choose the system that works best for them," she explains. "Whether or not this is an efficient way for them to house their cows depends on many things, including the type of bedding materials that are available and economically priced, and how dedicated they are to managing the bedding to keep it aerated and dry."
More Livestock Infected with MRSA
US - A strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is reported to be becoming increasingly prevalent in pigs, dairy cows and chickens, according to a recent survey. Although this strain rarely causes illness in humans, Food Animal Concerns Trusts is calling for greater restrictions on the use of antibiotics for livestock. Livestock herds could become a vast breeding ground for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a formerly rare bacteria found mostly in hospitals but now spreading beyond health care settings, reports Oregon Live.
Dairy Product Exports Up Fifth Year in a Row
Last year will be a tough act to follow when it comes to dairy exports. A new report by the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) notes that the numbers were up in several categories. For example, the U.S. sold to buyers outside its borders dairy products valued at $3.822 billion, says USDEC. The report notes that 2008’s overall success was no flash in the pan. It was the fifth year in a row that U.S. dairy exports rose.
Genetics For Improving Dairy Cow Longevity
As genetic research develops over the next 10 years, dairy producers will find more definitive data about sires that will allow them to select their cows based on longevity, udder health, calving performance and a variety of other important genetic data. That information, combined with the growing body of research about enhanced dairy environments, should allow dairies to obtain high production rates and improved dairy cow health.
University of Wisconsin Associate Professor, Kent Weigel, says the AI use of proven sires has led to rapid genetic change within the dairy cow population.
It's all in the Taste
Mention Newton, IA, and what comes to mind? A major brand of appliances? How about Maytag Blue? Blue cheese, that is. Yes! That’s right. Maytag Blue cheese has been produced on the Maytag Dairy Farms since 1941, and in this age of technology, Maytag cheese makers are still using the same hand-making production that they created over 67 years ago. And according to blue cheese lovers, Maytag Blue cheese is “Bon Appetite” and according to cheese connoisseurs as America’s finest blue cheese.
Dairy Outlook: Favorable Milk Prices, Cheese Production Picks Up
Farm milk prices were favorable for the past two years, 2007 and 2008. The Class III price for 2008 averaged $17.44, $0.60 lower than 2007, but the second highest on record. However, the Class IV price averaged only $14.65, $3.71 lower than 2007. As a result, the average U.S. all milk price was $18.79, $0.79 lower than 2007, but the second highest on record. With high feed and energy costs dairy producers needed these higher prices. Unfortunately, 2009 is starting out with dairy product prices and milk prices at levels not experienced since the depressed period of 2000 to 2003.
Market Analysis
(January 20, 2009) Market analyst Mary Ledman, Principal of Keough Ledman and Associates in Libertyville, Illinois, said in Tuesday’s DairyLine that she was surprised that Friday's Milk Production report showed more cows were added in December but explained that the all-milk price in November was strong so that carried into December, but she pointed out that 20,000 cows have been added to the nation’s dairy herd since October and “That doesn’t give those in the corporate buying seat any worry that we’re going to run out of milk any time soon.”
Dairy farmers face challenges whether they are starting out or established
Dairy producers and others attend the 42nd annual N.D. Dairy Convention held recently in
MANDAN, N.D. - Dairy producers today run the gamut from young couples just starting out, to generational families continuing in well established multi-family farm businesses, to retiring dairy farmers unable to pass on the dairy farm because their children are moving on to other non-dairy farming careers.
Matching hay quality to range cow's nutritional needs
Nevada Northeast/Central Area livestock specialist DAN NELSON, Nevada White Pine County Extension agent and JASON C. DAVISON, Nevada Northeast/Central Area Forage and alternative crops specialist Feeding range cattle through the winter is the most costly aspect of many livestock operations. However, if hay quality is matched to the nutritional demands of cattle, the purchase of supplements can be reduced and herd production can be increased. This can be accomplished by simply planning the sequence of hay feeding.
ND 2008 corn estimate might be off by millions
The federal government's estimate of North Dakota's 2008 corn production includes millions of bushels of grain that are covered by snow and might never end up in farmers' bins. Farmers in eastern North Dakota last year were unable to harvest about 10 percent of the state's corn crop because of heavy rains followed by early snow. As many as 20 million bushels of corn might still be in the fields, said Tom Lilja, executive director of the North Dakota Corn Growers Association.
