FFA and Dairies
Much of Jason Hartschuh’s knowledge about a dairy farm was gained from working alongside his older brothers on his parents’ Crawford County dairy farm in central Ohio. However, the college junior – who was recently recognized nationally by The National FFA Organization for his work – says his understanding of his family’s business and the dairy industry as a whole was mightily expanded through the projects he developed as part of FFA.
Best Pasture Grass
It was in the 1950s and early 1960s that dairy operations began to take cows out of the pasture and develop confinement-feeding facilities. The primary objective was to gain better control of the amount and quality of forages and concentrates dairy cows consumed. As a result, milk production could be maximized.
Unique Vaccine Technology for Controlling Clinical and Subclinical Salmonellosis
Salmonella is a significant problem for dairy producers. A number of diseases, including acute neonatal diarrhea, pneumonia, gastroenteritis in adult animals and invasive septicemia, have been attributed to salmonella bacteria. Dairy operators across the country find that salmonellosis and subclinical salmonella infection have a significant impact on profitability.
Has drinking milk gone out of fashion?
Is it a trend? According to USDA’s Economic Research Service, U.S. per capita availability—essentially the same thing as consumption—of beverage milk in 2008 was 20.7 gallons, unchanged from 2007. For some idea of the significance of that, per capita beverage milk consumption had declined for the previous ten years in a row, and almost every year since the mid-60’s. Since the peak consumption year of 1945, it’s fallen an astonishing 54%. So what could be happening to turn things around?
Front-End Loader Safety Tips
A front-end loader is a versatile and valuable tool on any tractor. However, improper operation of the tractor-loader combination can be hazardous. The center of gravity rises as the loader is raised and the stability of the tractor is affected. If not used according to the guidelines stated in the operator's manual, this can result in a potential tipping hazard for the tractor.
Remember to always refer to the operator's and safety manuals for advice on proper use of your equipment. Adopt and follow the motto "low and slow" when it comes to loader use.
Wisconsin Dairy Farm Receives Grant
State Department of Administration Secretary Huebsch announced recently that BIOFermTM Energy Systems and Allen Farms have been awarded a grant to help fund a feasibility study for the “plug and play” digester EUCOlino. This project, which is also made possible by a unique partnership with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and its Foundation, will be the first installation of this new innovative technology in the United States.
4 Tips to Fine-tune Transition Cow Nutrition and Management
A barn full of healthy, productive cows is a wonderful sight to see. But this scene isn’t accomplished without help. Rather, it is the culmination of good management, proper nutrition and attention to detail, especially during the transition period.
Freshening the First Calf Heifer
The first-calf heifer must successfully adapt to numerous physiological and behavioral changes at calving. Strategies that reduce stress prior to calving should optimize the chance for success, says Noah Litherland, Dairy Nutritionist, University of Minnesota, Dairy Extension.
Stress reducing strategies should focus on adaptive nutrition and behavioral management prior to calving, According to the USDA, first-calf heifers represent approximately 36 per cent of the U.S. cow population. First calf heifers represent the present and the future of dairy farms.
