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.

Dave Nedved, age 53, grew up on a farm near Hayfield, Iowa. Like most producers of the day his father ran a diverse operation, raising chickens, hogs, and beef cattle as well as growing the feed to support them. The Nedveds also milked a handful of cows, although young Dave gravitated towards other chores. “My brother did most of the milking in the 60’s and 70’s,” he recalls.

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. 

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.

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