Newsletter Articles
We’ve got work to do
When it comes to raising heifers that last in the milking herd – we’ve got our work cut out for us. New research published in the April 2011 Journal of Dairy Science shows that a large number of heifers never become productive or are culled before their full lactation potential.
FULL STORY »
Is she going to calve soon?
New research suggests that an automated system for monitoring cows during the transition period could help minimize cow and calf losses associated with dystocia.
FULL STORY »
Corn gene provides resistance to multiple diseases
Researchers at North Carolina State University have found a specific gene in corn that appears to be associated with resistance to three important plant leaf diseases.
In a paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, NC State plant pathologists and crop scientists pinpoint the gene — glutathione S-transferase — that seems to confer resistance to Southern leaf blight, gray leaf spot and Northern leaf blight, a trio of diseases that cripple corn plants worldwide.
FULL STORY »
Good news about FMD
A new study of foot-and-mouth disease shows that cattle afflicted with the virus are only infectious for a brief window of time — about half as long as previously thought. This finding suggests that the controversial control measures used to halt the disease's spread, such as killing large numbers of livestock, could be reduced.
FULL STORY »
Widespread commodity sell-off, U.S. dollar skyward
It was a day of removing risk, seemingly form every portfolio on Earth; dairy did not go completely unscathed. The market opened weak and, despite modestly rising cheese prices, futures remained weak into the close. Corn weighed on dairy prices, so did the increasing U.S. dollar value which had its single biggest one-day price increase in over six months.
FULL STORY »
What is your opinion on the decision not to lower the U.S. SCC regulatory level to 400,000 cells/ml?
Yes / No / Not Sure
FULL STORY »
Commentary: Another missed opportunity to improve milk quality
When one of our readers heard that the somatic cell count standard in the U.S. won’t be upgraded to 400,000 cells/ml, he responded:
“Get in the game folks !!! If other countries can easily achieve and abide by the 400,000 SCC standard and do it within as harsh environmental conditions as any State, then don't use that excuse to say it can't be done. 400,000 SCC is achievable. If there is a will, then there is a way. Get in the game folks !!!”
We agree.
FULL STORY »
Dairy industry defends flavored milk
Chocolate milk is in the headlines again. After a number of schools banned flavored milk from school cafeterias in the past year, these dairy products are returning to some lunch trays, albeit with somewhat modified formulas.
FULL STORY »
Milk production grows for 14th straight month
Milk production in the top 23 milk-producing states totaled 15.8 billion pounds in March, up 2.4 percent from the same month a year earlier.
FULL STORY »
Top dietary trends that could impact dairy
The Dairy Council of California has identified dietary and consumer trends that are likely to impact the dairy industry in the next one to three years.
FULL STORY »
Disinfectants 101
Six considerations when selecting and using a disinfectant.
FULL STORY »
