Results from an intake and digestibility study have recently been published in Crop Science. The study was conducted by J.C. Burns and D.S. Fischer, using a low endophyte tall fescue (Cajun), two novel endophyte tall fescues (Max-Q and HM4), and Persist Orchardgrass. While the primary purpose of the study was to measure and document the nutrient values and digestible forage qualities without the “confounding influence of toxic endophyte,” the study also substantiates those same nutrient values and digestible forage qualities for Persist Orchardgrass. This may be particularly valuable for beef and dairy producers, as well as hay famers specifically as it relates to comparing Persist Orchardgrass to novel-endophyte tall fescues such as Max-Q.

The new Kuhn Knight-brand VTC 180 and 1100 Vertical Maxx mixers are the newest vertical, twin-auger commercial mixers that are the ideal choice for dairy and beef producers. These models have a rugged build with high-end features and are designed for commercial producers who are feeding around the clock. Improved feed movement provides a fast, complete mix for a consistent, fluffy and palatable ration.

More than ever, dairy producers need to save money wherever they can. Especially during the summer months, cows under heat stress can cost producers big bucks. Research has shown that milk production losses alone range from $1.50 to $3 per cow per day.

Johne’s disease is an important animal health, and possible human health, issue for dairy producers across the country and around the world. It is not unique to the US, as it has been found in all parts of the world, but it is known to affect a large portion of the U.S. dairy cow population. 

 Chronic stress on farm animals, including dairy cattle can have harmful effects on their health, productivity and welfare. We, as dairy producers, try to reduce the amount of stress cattle receive by the way we conduct our animal routines and care, as well as diminishing environmental stress—so our dairy cattle can be healthy and productive as possible.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

“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.
 

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.

 
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.
 

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.”
 

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

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.

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.
 

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. 

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.”
 

 
Scott Auction brings the information on the Coolidge Dairy Liquidation Auction to you. Here at the American Dairymen.
LOADERS - TRACTORS: 2006 Cat TH460B telehandler, cab loaded, 4x4 w/quad steer & leveling syst, out riggers, extra long reach lift in place, 3300 hrs, dirt bucket, pallet forks & Miller Mfg. sq. bale grapple spike offered seperatly), very good, poor tires
 
2005 Cat 950G articulating loader, Cab, AC/Heat, 9' bucket, 11,500 hrs, good condition  
1998 Cat 938G articulating loader, Cab, AC/Heat, 9' bucket, 12,500 hrs, good condition

  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.

“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.