Latest From News

Suntado Breaks Ground on New Shelf-Stable Milk Plant in Idaho
Suntado Breaks Ground on New Shelf-Stable Milk Plant in Idaho

Suntado recently broke ground on what is says will be a state-of-the-art shelf stable milk facility.

The Changing Landscape of Dairy Antibiotics
The Changing Landscape of Dairy Antibiotics

In just a few months, you no longer will be able to stop at your local farm store and pick up a bottle of penicillin or box of mastitis tubes.

Bipartisan Group Pushes for Stepped-Up Basis Tax Rule Protections
Bipartisan Group Pushes for Stepped-Up Basis Tax Rule Protections

A resolution introduced Tuesday would support the “preservation” of the rule and “oppose efforts to impose new taxes on family farms or small businesses.”

DFA Annual Meeting Celebrates 25 Years of Success
DFA Annual Meeting Celebrates 25 Years of Success

Celebrating 25 years, Dairy Farmers of America, held its annual meeting on March 21 in Kansas City, Mo. Coming off a strong financial 2022, the largest dairy cooperative is committed to work together for future success.

How Many Anaerobic Digesters are in the U.S.?
How Many Anaerobic Digesters are in the U.S.?

Growth in the number of anaerobic digesters is back on the rise according to the latest data from USDA.

How Important is U.S. Ag and Food to the Economy?
How Important is U.S. Ag and Food to the Economy?

In celebration of National Ag Day and National Ag Week, the 2023 Feeding the Economy report shows just how vital the industry is to U.S. families, communities and the world.

Global Dairy Leaders Honored with World Dairy Expo Recognition Awards
Global Dairy Leaders Honored with World Dairy Expo Recognition Awards

World Dairy Expo has announced the recipients of the 2023 Expo Recognition Awards.

U.S. Milk Production and Cow Numbers Both Rise
U.S. Milk Production and Cow Numbers Both Rise

The February 2023 USDA Milk Production report showed an 0.8% increase in year-over-year milk production with a total of 17.7 billion lbs. of milk. Also following suit, U.S. cow numbers also documented growth.

A Great Dairy Reset is Happening in 2023
A Great Dairy Reset is Happening in 2023

The rollercoaster of the dairy industry certainly isn’t new. Dan Basse told the PDPW audience last week that a great reset is underway for the dairy economy, which will spell a more competitive world market.

Safeguard Your Funds: What Farmers Can Learn from the Recent Bank Collapses
Safeguard Your Funds: What Farmers Can Learn from the Recent Bank Collapses

While the fall of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank is unique, the situation does provide lessons for farmer's financial management and risk management.

Water_Stream_Grain_Bins_Pens
What Bodies of Water are Considered WOTUS?

The EPA’s new definition of Waters of the U.S. takes effect Monday. Here's a rundown of what is considered WOTUS and, therefore, subject to federal regulation.

Idaho Dairy Demo Center Planned
Idaho Dairy Demo Center Planned

The University of Idaho is building a massive dairy research center focused on the industry’s sustainability.

US Importers Carried the Burden of Chinese Tariffs Placed by President Trump
US Importers Carried the Burden of Chinese Tariffs Placed by President Trump

Former President Donald Trump placed tariffs on more than $300 billion in Chinese goods during his presidency, raising costs for American companies, according to the ITC.

Come to the Table
Come to the Table

Producers and consumer brands, such as Nestlé and Starbucks, gather round to brew sustainable solutions.

Facility Focus: Don’t Slip Up on Floor Resurfacing
Facility Focus: Don’t Slip Up on Floor Resurfacing

Dairy farms can often be a slippery place for both farmers and cows to work.

Slowing Rural Economy Creates Negative Outlook
Slowing Rural Economy Creates Negative Outlook

Economic growth is stalling in rural America. That’s according to the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) from Creighton University. 

water_drop
Who Defines WOTUS? It Might Come Down to the President or Supreme Court

The House last week has already passed its WOTUS rule resolution and it’s up for a Senate vote. The White House has pledged a veto of the measure, should it reach President Joe Biden’s desk.

Easy Ways to Attract and Retain Workers on Your Farm
Easy Ways to Attract and Retain Workers on Your Farm

The challenge to attract and retain employees on U.S. dairy farms has been a constant struggle for the past few years. Farmers need to take a fresh look at how they put together a workforce to better attract employees.

DairyComp Turns 40
DairyComp Turns 40

A widely used dairy management software program is celebrating a big birthday in 2023.

Central Plains Dairy Expo Happening Soon
Central Plains Dairy Expo Happening Soon

Dairy enthusiasts from the upper Midwest and across the country will convene for the Central Plains Dairy Expo on March 28-30 in Sioux Falls, SD.

4 Pieces of Financial Advice from a Leading Dairy Consultant
4 Pieces of Financial Advice from a Leading Dairy Consultant

A different story is unfolding in 2023 with a decline in milk prices, while expenses continue to remain high. What are the best recommendations to help position yourself for a good start for the first half of the year.

Transition Planning: Start With These Questions Today
Transition Planning: Start With These Questions Today

There is one question that you can ask yourself and those involved in your farming business to get the ball rolling on one of the most critical conversations for your business, your family and your legacy.

Does Starch Fuel Inflammation in Dairy Cows?
Does Starch Fuel Inflammation in Dairy Cows?

Ruminants walk a fine line in their ability to utilize cereal grains while maintaining digestive integrity.

Dairy Market Trends for 2023
Dairy Market Trends for 2023

The global dairy market could be navigating a bumpy road through the course of 2023.

container-exports-trade
Free-Trade Approach Pushed on the Biden Administration is Met with Backlash

"It would be a lost opportunity if we just sit on the sidelines and watch other countries engage while the playing field continues to tilt against us," said Rep. Smith (R-Neb.).

Do I Need A Trust?
Do I Need A Trust?

Here’s what farmers should consider with this sometimes complex question.

How Many Farms Are in the U.S.?
How Many Farms Are in the U.S.?

Total land in farms decreased 1.9 million acres to 893,400,000 acres in 2022 versus 2021. Here is other noteworthy farmland data, courtesy of USDA’s Farms and Land in Farms 2022 Summary. 

Replacement Heifer Prices are Shooting Up
Replacement Heifer Prices are Shooting Up

Holstein springer values finally are approaching cost of production in many U.S. markets.

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.

A New Tool for Better Calf Transport
A New Tool for Better Calf Transport

Real-time monitoring of the environmental conditions for baby calves during transport would be highly beneficial to their comfort and health. Now, that task is becoming a possibility.

Build a Dream Feed Center
Build a Dream Feed Center

So, you want to build a new feed center? Where to start without getting caught up in all the nitty gritty details? Start with all your wants and a wish list that fulfills your finished project vision.

cash-1257463-640x480
How Do You Stress Test Cash Flow?

The rollercoaster of milk prices is something we have seen before. Dr. Kevin Bernhardt with the UW-Extension recommends producers do a sensitivity analysis and ask, ‘How quickly can your good fortunate change?’

8 Core Values Bridge the Dynamics of Family and Business
8 Core Values Bridge the Dynamics of Family and Business

Todd and Louise Malecha have one mission: Keep everyone on the same page. For their operation, that “same page” is a 587-page business plan. 

USDA’s Cover Crop Program Would be Made Permanent through Biden's Budget
USDA’s Cover Crop Program Would be Made Permanent through Biden's Budget

To put cover crop investments in motion, NRCS would draw on federal, state and private conservationists to hire “thousands” of employees for rural America.

New Antibiotic Rules Start in June
New Antibiotic Rules Start in June

Beginning June 11, 2023, most livestock antibiotics will no longer be available over-the-counter. Ohio State University dairy veterinarian Kevin Jacque shares his thoughts on adapting to the new rules.

<p>California dairy cows</p>
What is the Best Risk Management Approach in 2023?

One glance at the milk futures and it’s hard to be optimistic, especially coming off a record milk market year. Simply stated, the second half of the year presents opportunities that come with bittersweet reviews.

Does Acidification Improve Colostrum?
Does Acidification Improve Colostrum?

Acidification of milk or milk replacer is a common practice for some calf raisers, with some studies showing it improves weight gain and fecal scores in calves.

Rural Economy Slows, Farmland Values Stay Strong
Rural Economy Slows, Farmland Values Stay Strong

The rural economy seems to be set on cruise in neutral gear. That’s according to the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) from Creighton University. 

Water Scarcity Challenges How Dairy Farmers Will Feed Their Cows in the Future
Water Scarcity Challenges How Dairy Farmers Will Feed Their Cows in the Future

The U.S. is heating up and that could spell disaster for U.S. livestock producers. Drastic changes will need to be implemented to ensure we have enough feed for our cattle in the future.

Out-of-the-Box Tips to Attract and Retain Good Employees
Out-of-the-Box Tips to Attract and Retain Good Employees

Three farmers share what they have done to keep their good employees, including how they hired some unique employees that have become a good fit for their operations.

Milk Aims to Sponsor Every Woman Running a Marathon This Year
Milk Aims to Sponsor Every Woman Running a Marathon This Year

After sponsoring women runners at the 2022 Marathon in NYC, this year Milk aims to extend support even further, sponsoring every woman running any marathon who signs up for Team Milk

Navigating Uncertainties, Exploring New Technologies, Key to Dairy Success
Navigating Uncertainties, Exploring New Technologies, Key to Dairy Success

PDPW Business Conference sessions to focus on managing geopolitical change, new technologies.

Don’t Assume That Old Refrigerator Is Good Enough To Store Vaccines
Don’t Assume That Old Refrigerator Is Good Enough To Store Vaccines

Household units and mini fridges are often unsuitable for maintaining veterinary products, according to a recent study by Emmanuel Rollin, DVM, College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia.

Food Prices Soar Again in January
Food Prices Soar Again in January

Despite interest rate hikes, food inflation remains stubbornly high.

It's Okay Not to Be Super Mom All the Time
It's Okay Not to Be Super Mom All the Time

Amber Horn-Leiterman witnessed her mom doing it all—contributing to the farm, as well as caring for the family. The Wisconsin dairy mom says it’s okay for moms to let down their superwoman powers and ask for help.

Leadership Habits that Lead to Success for Three Dairy Managers
Leadership Habits that Lead to Success for Three Dairy Managers

When turnover on a dairy is low, employees are motivated and teams work together to reach goals, one has to wonder, what are these managers doing differently?

From Farm to Fuel: Dairy's Role in Supplying Renewable Natural Gas
From Farm to Fuel: Dairy's Role in Supplying Renewable Natural Gas

What goes in, must come out. That’s the saying every dairy farmer knows all too well when dealing with manure. But what if you could use manure to help generate additional income for your farm? Here's how.

Teat Ends Talk
Teat Ends Talk

Scoring teat ends tells a story of how happy a cow is with how she is milked and treated. It also provides insights into whether the milking process is harmful to the animal and needs to be changed.

Do A Risk Assessment to Gauge Your Farm's Technical Debt
Do A Risk Assessment to Gauge Your Farm's Technical Debt

Could agriculture face a Southwest-type meltdown?

Hay_Bale_Barn_Storage
HAYTECH Honored at World Ag Expo

A remote hay monitoring system was recently honored as a Top-10 New Product winners at the 2023 World Ag Expo in Tulare, Calif.