Maximize your winter grazing with the right mix of annuals! Cereal rye provides early forage, while ryegrass extends the season—helping your herd gain up to 2 lbs/day. Plan ahead, graze smart, and get the most from your pastures.
Read the full article by Hay & Forage Grower.
For more insights on dairy farm management, contact us at Cornerstone Ag Management. We’re here to offer support for maintaining healthy practices on your farm.
Cornerstone Ag Management was recently featured in an article discussing the transformative role of data analytics in the dairy industry. By leveraging advanced tools like Topcon’s smart feeding technology, the company enables dairy producers to enhance efficiency, streamline feeding processes, and make informed management decisions. This integration of technology with expertise is paving the way for smarter, more sustainable dairy operations.
Learn more about how analytics is reshaping the industry in this Topcon Positioning Article.
For more insights on dairy farm management, contact us at Cornerstone Ag Management. We’re here to offer support for maintaining healthy practices on your farm.
This summary is based on the article “What is the best bedding choice for cow comfort in stall barns?” from Progressive Dairy.
Selecting the best bedding for cow comfort in stall barns depends on factors like cow cleanliness, comfort, udder health, and hoof condition. Sand, sawdust, straw, and composted manure solids each offer different benefits, with sand often being recommended for cow comfort and reducing bacterial growth. However, material cost, availability, and ease of cleaning are important considerations for farmers. Choosing bedding that balances cow health with operational efficiency can improve overall dairy farm productivity.
For more insights on dairy farm management, contact us at Cornerstone Ag Management. We’re here to offer support for maintaining healthy practices on your farm.
This summary is based on the article “Are We Creating Resistant Bacteria by Feeding Waste Milk to Calves?” from Dairy Herd Management.
Feeding waste milk to calves has become a common practice on dairy farms, but it may contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Waste milk often contains residues of antibiotics given to cows for treatment, and when calves are fed this milk, the bacteria in their gut may adapt, leading to resistance.
Farmers are encouraged to take a more cautious approach when feeding waste milk. By pasteurizing the milk or limiting the use of antibiotics, they can help prevent the spread of resistant bacteria, which is crucial for the long-term health of the herd and the safety of the milk supply.
For more insights on dairy farm management, contact us at Cornerstone Ag Management. We’re here to offer support for maintaining healthy practices on your farm.
What is the Biggest Challenge in Animal Agriculture? The Answer Might Surprise You!
Dr. Robert Hagevoort from New Mexico State University sheds light on the complex challenges and opportunities facing the dairy industry today. From sustainability efforts and animal welfare to technological advancements and labor management, the 2023 Milk Business Conference in Las Vegas revealed key insights.
Despite hurdles like regulatory issues, labor shortages, and consumer preferences, there’s optimism. The industry is making strides in sustainability, embracing technological innovations, and improving dairy cow welfare. Moreover, addressing labor challenges through talent management and development is crucial for future success.
A Changing Workforce
The journey from cow manager to people leader is not without its trials. However, Hagevoort’s message is clear: embracing leadership and focusing on people management is crucial for the dairy industry’s success. As the industry adapts to these internal and external challenges, the path forward is marked by resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to both the animals and the people who care for them.
Check out Karen Bohnert’s article in Dairy Herd Management for more information.
Contact us today and let’s discuss how we can apply these insights to your operation for growth and resilience.
In a significant development for the U.S. dairy industry, a bill was introduced aimed at enhancing USDA organic dairy programs and data collection. Known as the Organic Dairy Assistance, Investment, and Reporting Yields Act, this legislation proposes improved data collection methods, the establishment of safety net programs, and increased investment in organic dairy infrastructure. Meanwhile, September marked a 15-month low in U.S. dairy cull cow marketing, but the year-to-date numbers remain the highest nine-month total since 1986.
Fluid milk sales saw a decline of 1.8% in August 2023, although there were positive gains in whole and flavored whole milk categories. Organic milk sales also increased by 2.5% compared to the same month last year. In addition, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has stopped accepting cash payments over $100, transitioning to digital payment methods for many programs. Stay tuned for more industry updates.
To learn more: Read the full article by Dave Natzke with Progressive Dairy
Widmar said the drought of 2012 remains unique in the crushing effects delivered by continued, extreme heat and lack of rainfall as summer marched on. In contrast, 2023 netted out to be considerably less severe than 2012. “While drought conditions were widespread and persistent this year, they didn’t get worse as the corn and soybean crops entered their reproductive stages,” the economist stated.
And while conditions were definitely spotty, he said as a whole, 2023’s drought indicators did not approach the extremes of 2012, noting it’s a good reminder that “the worst since 2012” can still be a long way from 2012-like conditions.
To learn more: Read the full article by Maureen Hanson with Dairy Herd Management
Amidst a fluctuating dairy landscape, Springers appear to be holding their ground! Maureen Hanson from Dairy Herd gives us a look into how these key players are shaping the industry’s future.
“Dairy cow culling is at near-record levels and scorching August heat has docked milk production throughout most of the country. USDA estimates indicate about 21,000 head of dairy cows were culled from May to June 2023, and that pace has continued through much of the summer.
Except for data generated during the dairy buyout program in 1986, dairy slaughter rates hit record highs in four separate weeks during June and July. But the news isn’t all grim. Healthy beef slaughter prices have made those cull cows quite valuable, and feed costs have tempered a bit through the summer. Milk prices also are gaining ground since the abysmal lows of July, and springer values were stronger in most reported markets over the past month, climbing an especially impressive $200-400/head in California.”
To learn more: Read the full article by Maureen Hanson with Dairy Herd Management
“Within dairy specifically, all eyes are on the milk price into the coming months, with values falling slowly but steadily recently. This price pressure, coupled with still high cost of production, will mean that some dairy farmers might struggle to achieve profitability this year. Data shows that cows’ numbers began to contract in November and December, and if margins remain tight, Rabobank expects additional declines in the herd size.”
“Even if cow numbers contract, Rabobank still expects stronger milk supplies this year versus 2022, likely climbing around 1% during this calendar year. This additional volume, coupled with a return to stronger production in the EU as well, means that demand will need to keep pace to avoid further milk price declines.” –
Read the full article by Lucas Fuess with Dairy Herd Management
“The soybean processing industry is entering a new era driven by the demand for low-carbon fuels like renewable diesel, which can be made with tallow, recaptured vegetable oil, canola oil, and of course, soybean oil. This push for more sustainable fuel is helping drive the rapid expansion of new soybean crushing facilities across the U.S.
According to the American Soybean Association (ASA), 23 soybean processing plant expansions and new builds have been announced, adding nearly 750 million bushels per year in crush capacity. Many of the crush plant announcements are being driven by the growth in renewable diesel. Of the 23 crush plant announcements, 13 are for new plants and 10 are for expansion of current plants, at least two of which have been completed. If projections are on target, the extra demand for soybeans could push prices an estimated 13% higher in the coming years.”
Read the full article by Taylor Leach with Dairy Herd Management
