Water is the most essential nutrient in dairy farming, yet it is often overlooked. A recent DairyHerd article featuring Dr. Vern Osborne emphasizes water’s critical role in cow health, productivity, and facility management. Key areas include water quality, nutrient supplementation through water, facility design, and sustainable practices.

Osborne describes water as the “mega molecule,” essential for every cell function. Transition cows, in particular, benefit from nutrient-enriched water to maintain energy balance during stress. Facility design also matters; strategically placed bowls, troughs, and moving water features stimulate natural drinking behaviors.

Water quality directly impacts intake and herd health. Osborne recommends full chemical analysis of water sources and mechanical filtration methods for consistent, safe quality. Looking ahead, practices like rainwater harvesting and improved filtration will be vital as environmental and economic pressures grow.

Prioritizing water management enhances cow well-being and strengthens long-term farm efficiency.

Read the full article on DairyHerd.

For personalized guidance on optimizing water systems for your operation, contact Cornerstone. We’re committed to supporting your farm’s success.

As dairy and beef diets evolve towards higher corn silage content, it’s time for forage growers to rethink alfalfa management strategies. With cattle showing a clear preference for diet consistency, the shift towards more corn silage has influenced alfalfa’s role in nutrition, leading to a reevaluation of alfalfa harvest intervals and heights.

John Goeser highlights the need for flexibility in alfalfa harvest strategies, suggesting that longer intervals could yield more while providing the structural fiber needed in corn silage-heavy diets. This approach not only meets current dietary trends but also promises longer stand life and greater yield.

As the dairy industry leans more on corn silage, understanding the balance between quality and quantity in alfalfa becomes crucial. Let’s navigate these changes together, optimizing forage production to support efficient and sustainable dairy operations. 

Considering how to adjust your forage growing strategies? Contact us for insights and support in making informed decisions.

To learn more, read the full article by John Goeser in Hay and Forage.

The Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor unveils helpful insights on the state of U.S. agriculture. Economists forecast a downward trend in the financial health of the sector, driven by high production costs, global competition, and more. With wide-ranging views on 2023 crop yields and commodity prices, the survey reveals a mixed outlook on livestock and a watchful eye on potential recession threats:

“Main Takeaways from the June Survey
Highlights from the first Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor include:

• The perceived financial health of U.S. agriculture is trending lower and is expected to continue to decline over the next 12 months.
• Production costs, global competition, geopolitical risks, drought and demand headwinds are among the main drivers.
• The majority of agricultural economists expect farm income to drift lower, with some expecting levels to land closer to the five-year average in 2024.
• High production expenses are the biggest obstacle in 2023.
• 2023 crop yield estimates vary widely among the economists surveyed.
• Economists expect crop prices to drift lower in 2023 and 2024.
• Beef cow supplies are forecast to continue to decline this year.

A Current and Future Snapshot of the Agriculture Economy

The monitor shows the perceived financial health of U.S. agriculture has moved slightly lower over the past year, and economists expect that trend to continue over the next 12 months.”

To learn more: Read the full article by Tyne Morgan

“Focusing on the six freedoms of a cow proves to be beneficial for increasing your dairy’s return on investment (ROI). The six freedoms of a cow outlined by a dairy farming training organization are space, rest, water, air, light and feed. These freedoms have aligned benchmarking goals to help producers realize higher returns on current and future farm investments.”

“In the U.S., a dairy cow on average stays in the herd for 2.8 lactations. This means many cows are culled before they reach their highest and most productive lactation, typically achieved during the fifth or sixth lactation. Reasons for culling include reproduction, mobility and illness. Also bringing down the average is a longer-term trend for promoting genetic superiority, which involved incorporating younger animals into herds faster. Slowing this trend down are higher rearing costs for replacements and economics.”

Read the full article by Amelie Mainville with Progressive Dairy