Latest News From Derek Nolan

How to Increase the Marketability of Beef-on-Dairy Calves
How to Increase the Marketability of Beef-on-Dairy Calves

No matter when beef cross calves are being sold, steps can be taken to make them more marketable.

Benchmarking to Gauge Operating Finances
Benchmarking to Gauge Operating Finances

Labor costs are becoming a larger piece of the operating cost pie.

Managing Mastitis Through Changing Environments
Managing Mastitis Through Changing Environments

Somatic cell count averages for 2022 were highest in the year's late fall and winter months. Below are some considerations for managing mastitis as the weather changes.

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The Basics of Carbon Credits

Many discussions about becoming carbon neutral have been geared toward carbon credits and markets. Some calling it a potential gold rush for agriculture. However, the carbon market can be very confusing to understand.

2023 Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference Three-Minute Thesis Contest
2023 Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference Three-Minute Thesis Contest

The inaugural edition of the Three-Minute Student Thesis (3MT) contest with a poster component was held in conjunction with the 2023 Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference in Dubuque, Iowa on June 7-8.

Cows Will Tell You What is Wrong with a Facility Design
Cows Will Tell You What is Wrong with a Facility Design

As we transition the cows into a new facility, take time to watch the cows' usage of the facility. Cow behavior in the facility will indicate what may need to be adjusted.

Increased Feed Efficiency Leads to a Decreased Carbon Footprint
Increased Feed Efficiency Leads to a Decreased Carbon Footprint

Focusing on feed efficiency can impact our farms’ profitability and be a way to benchmark our future goal of being carbon neutral by 2050.

Revisiting Benchmarks for Age of First Breeding
Revisiting Benchmarks for Age of First Breeding

When it comes to the optimal time for breeding, size is more important than age.

Questions to Answer Before Innovating the Farm with On-Farm Processing
Questions to Answer Before Innovating the Farm with On-Farm Processing

On-farm processing has gained a lot of traction over recent years to help farms meet their economic and business goals. However, a dairy processing center is not a simple addition to the farming operation.

Should She Stay, Or Should She Go?
Should She Stay, Or Should She Go?

Oftentimes, estimating cow value around the time of culling is oversimplified.

Recycled Bedding's  Impact on Milk Quality
Recycled Bedding's Impact on Milk Quality

Reclaimed sand and recycled manure solids help farmers lower bedding costs. When bedding meets quality thresholds, farms that use recycled bedding produce the same quality of milk as those that use fresh bedding.

Managing and Measuring Heat Stress
Managing and Measuring Heat Stress

The time of consistent heat stress is upon us. Heat-stressed cows produce less milk, have reduced fertility, and have higher SCC. Providing proper heat abatement can have both an economic and welfare impact on the farm.

Harvest Considerations for Maximizing Starch in Corn Silage
Harvest Considerations for Maximizing Starch in Corn Silage

As corn planters are finally starting to roll in the Midwest, planning for the finished product can never start too early.

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Consider Stocking Density Economics

The milk price outlook has been a welcomed change. Increasing the number of cows in the herd may be a way to capture the benefit of high milk prices. However, feed prices and animal behavior should also be considered.

Mating Decisions for Beef x Dairy Crosses Just as Important as Conventional
Mating Decisions for Beef x Dairy Crosses Just as Important as Conventional

Six things to keep in mind when considering sire and dam selections in a beef x dairy crossbreeding program.

Diet Considerations to Prevent a Displaced Abomasum
Diet Considerations to Prevent a Displaced Abomasum

Incidence rates for displaced abomasum (DA) range from 1% to 6%, and up to 90% of DA's happen within the first 30 days in milk.

Tips for Transitioning a New Corn Silage Crop into the Diet
Tips for Transitioning a New Corn Silage Crop into the Diet

Transitioning new corn silage into the diet can impact milk production and cow health. The following are three tips to help make the transition a smooth one.

Utilizing Cover Crops as a Forage Resource for Heifers
Utilizing Cover Crops as a Forage Resource for Heifers

Cover crops can benefit dairy producers as a forage source for young stock by saving higher quality forages for lactating cows.

Plan For a Profitable Fall by Reducing Shrink
Plan For a Profitable Fall by Reducing Shrink

A slight percentage decrease in shrink can have a big impact on profitability.