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USDA Confirms Planters Have Started Rolling in Every State Except North Dakota, South Dakota
USDA Confirms Planters Have Started Rolling in Every State Except North Dakota, South Dakota

USDA's weekly Crop Progress Report shows 14% of the nation's corn crop and 9% of the soybean crop is planted. Farmers in Missouri and Tennessee are planting at a rapid pace, but the upper Midwest is already behind.

Accidental and No Foul Play, Investigation Reveals Cause of Explosion, Massive Fire at Texas Dairy
Accidental and No Foul Play, Investigation Reveals Cause of Explosion, Massive Fire at Texas Dairy

The Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office released a report from its investigation of the large fire at South Fork Dairy located outside Dimmitt, ruling the fire as accidental with no reported evidence of foul play.

 mRNA Conspiracy Theories: Ranch Group Offers ‘Fearmongering’ and ‘Misinformation’
mRNA Conspiracy Theories: Ranch Group Offers ‘Fearmongering’ and ‘Misinformation’

Misinformation and conspiracy theories regarding the use of mRNA vaccines in livestock continue, despite efforts of the scientific community, who emphasize, "mRNA from a vaccine will NOT be passed along in meat."

Producers Share Their Technology Wish List
Producers Share Their Technology Wish List

From gadgets to big ticket items, technology has a place in the dairy sector. Recently on a Farm Journal Milk Business webinar, three dairy producers shared what technology is on their dairy team’s wish list.

How Often Should You Push Up Feed?
How Often Should You Push Up Feed?

“Pushing feed is perhaps the simplest and least expensive management strategy dairy operators can implement.”

USDA Awards $2.29 Million in Farm Bill Funding to Protect Animal Health
USDA Awards $2.29 Million in Farm Bill Funding to Protect Animal Health

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is awarding $2.29 million through the National Animal Health Laboratory Network Farm Bill program to advance APHIS’ animal health preparedness.

How Colleges and Universities are Preparing Students for the ‘Real World’
How Colleges and Universities are Preparing Students for the ‘Real World’

The Institute for the Future predicts that nearly 85% of the jobs that today’s students will do in 2030 don’t exist yet, underscores how big of a task it is for colleges to prepare students for a changing future.

As El Niño Makes Its Grand Return, Here's What It Tells Us About Summer Weather and Corn Yields
As El Niño Makes Its Grand Return, Here's What It Tells Us About Summer Weather and Corn Yields

Dry conditions spurred by La Nina weighed on areas of the Corn Belt in 2022. As La Nina fades, and El Nino starts to make a return, meteorologists say the weather shift could also signal better crop production in 2023.

Missouri Moves to Tighten Reins On Foreign Land Ownership
Missouri Moves to Tighten Reins On Foreign Land Ownership

The Missouri Senate on Wednesday backed a plan to amend the state's foreign land ownership threshold. The bill also includes a provision that would limit foreign countries from acquiring farmland in Missouri by Sept. 1.

U.S. Dairy Announces New Collaboration to Lead on Climate
U.S. Dairy Announces New Collaboration to Lead on Climate

The USDEC and NMPF announced today the signing of a set of principles and a new partnership with the FARM from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, Bolivia and Colombia.

Punishing Drought Now Expected to Persist Through July Across Texas, Plains
Punishing Drought Now Expected to Persist Through July Across Texas, Plains

The updated Seasonal Drought Outlook for the U.S. is painting a grim picture for many drought-plagued areas of the Plains, but forecasters also expect drought to improve in parts of Nebraska and Iowa.

4 Items EPA Discussed this Week that Will Impact Producers
4 Items EPA Discussed this Week that Will Impact Producers

Michael Regan, EPA administrator, appeared before the House Ag Committee on Wednesday to discuss everything from WOTUS to the farm bill. Here are the highlights that will directly impact producers.

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White Swan Events Not Quite Enough to Swing Milk Markets from Surplus to Shortage

The March 2023 USDA Milk Production report showed a 0.5% increase in year-over-year milk production. Cow numbers also showed an increase of 31,000 head over last year, but production per cow only gained 3 lbs.

Dairy Leaders Against Iowa Raw Milk Bill
Dairy Leaders Against Iowa Raw Milk Bill

Following a 37-13 Senate vote earlier this week, the Iowa Legislature has given final approval to Senate Bill 315 that would allow Iowans to purchase raw milk fresh from the farm. 

5 Elements of Effective Team Meetings at McFarlandale Dairy
5 Elements of Effective Team Meetings at McFarlandale Dairy

Christine Bender has found ways to motivate and engage her employees through monthly meetings, and the results speak for themselves. 

Calf Nutrition: Supplement Strategies that Work
Calf Nutrition: Supplement Strategies that Work

What dietary supplements are best for preweaned calf rations? Out of the literally hundreds from which to choose, do any of them really work?

Brutal Blast of Cold Set to Bring Widespread Freeze to the Western Corn Belt and Plains
Brutal Blast of Cold Set to Bring Widespread Freeze to the Western Corn Belt and Plains

A late April blast could bring sub-freezing temperatures as far south as northern Texas, sparking growing concerns about the potential damage to winter wheat.

Leaning into the Future: Producers Share How Technology Enriches Their Operations
Leaning into the Future: Producers Share How Technology Enriches Their Operations

As producers continue to dial in on productivity and profitability, they also leaned into technology to help them achieve these goals. Three producers talk tech on a Farm Journal Milk Business webinar.

Livestock and mRNA Vaccines: What You Need To Know
Livestock and mRNA Vaccines: What You Need To Know

As misinformation regarding the use of mRNA vaccines in livestock filter through social media, there are facts begging to be set straight.

3 Trends that Will Drive the Food System of the Future
3 Trends that Will Drive the Food System of the Future

The food system is being reimagined today and farmers can benefit by thinking about how to improve their ability to take advantage of opportunities in the process, says Rob Dongoski with Ernst and Young.

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5 Reasons Producers Are Financially Better Positioned Now Compared to 2014

History likes to repeat itself. Prior to last year, the last time milk prices were great was in 2014 and we all know what followed—lackluster milk prices. Although producers are better positioned today vs. 2014.

What To Know When You’re At The Table With An Alternative Ag Lender
What To Know When You’re At The Table With An Alternative Ag Lender

If you’re ready to meet with an alternative lender, here are some points to keep in mind.

Cornell Dairy Nutrition and Management Shortcourse
Cornell Dairy Nutrition and Management Shortcourse

Four days of intense learning, peer networking, and innovation exposure await attendees of the 2023 Cornell Dairy Nutrition and Management Shortcourse, scheduled for June 5-9, 2023.

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Pass or Fail: The March Survival Test for Alfalfa

It’s an old agronomic adage that “March is the month when alfalfa lives or dies.” How did it fare this year?

New: Farm Journal to Offer Milk Business Producer Awards
New: Farm Journal to Offer Milk Business Producer Awards

For the first time ever, Farm Journal is offering Milk Business Awards to identify and honor dairy producers in three different categories: technology, young producers and employee excellence.

Stamp Out Entitlement: Develop Ownership Criteria For Your Farm
Stamp Out Entitlement: Develop Ownership Criteria For Your Farm

As you look at transitioning leadership and ownership of your farm to the next generation, be ready to tackle entitlement issues. 

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Get past the flash: Four tips to find the right animal monitoring system
Get past the flash: Four tips to find the right animal monitoring system

Four tips to find the right animal monitoring system

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Cows Will Tell You When They’re Feeling “Off”
Cows Will Tell You When They’re Feeling “Off”

While dairy cattle can’t verbally tell us when they’re not feeling their best, they can give us physical cues.

Don’t Overdo Lock-up Times
Don’t Overdo Lock-up Times

Self-locking head-lock stanchions have become a management staple on most U.S. free stall dairies. But their convenience can become too much of a good thing.

What We Now Know About What Caused the Large Fire at a Texas Dairy Farm
What We Now Know About What Caused the Large Fire at a Texas Dairy Farm

According to Castro County Sheriff Sal Rivera, officials believe a honey vac machine, which sucks the manure out of cow lanes, may have been the initial source of the fire. Questions remain on why it spread so quickly.

Pork is Under Pressure
Pork is Under Pressure

A small (but loud) group of animal rights extremists and vegan activists are working hard to eliminate choice. They are doing so by applying intense pressure to restaurant, retail and foodservice brands. Here's how.

What’s Wrong with the Current Waters of the U.S. Rule?
What’s Wrong with the Current Waters of the U.S. Rule?

“As I understand it, this rule says EPA is going to determine jurisdiction on a case-by-case basis,” says NCBA's Ethan Lane. “This is never the way you want a bureaucracy to interact with your private businesses."

Replacement Heifer Prices Hold Their Ground
Replacement Heifer Prices Hold Their Ground

Holstein springer values remained steady to slightly higher in the past month, amidst a fairly monumental sell-off of lactating dairy cows nationwide.

How to Reduce Turnover and Boost Morale on the Farm
How to Reduce Turnover and Boost Morale on the Farm

Follow this strategy to reduce turnover and increase morale on your farm team.

Drive-over Piles Gaining Favor
Drive-over Piles Gaining Favor

Silage-storage methods have evolved over the years, with drive-over piles becoming the increasingly popular method of choice today.

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A Tale of Two Cows: Dosing the Animal vs. the Feed
A Tale of Two Cows: Dosing the Animal vs. the Feed

Should you be thinking about your feed ingredients in terms of quantity delivered to the cow or as concentration in the feed? A great place to start is with the mode of action.

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Food Prices Lower in March, but Still 8.5% Higher Than a Year Ago
Food Prices Lower in March, but Still 8.5% Higher Than a Year Ago

Lower grocery prices highlighted the March Consumer Price Index, but the annual food inflation rate remains well above the all-items index.

How Technology is Enriching Dairy Operations
How Technology is Enriching Dairy Operations

Dairy producers share how technology is playing a big role in propelling their dairies forward. This webinar gives real-life examples to take back to your operation.

Crashing Dirt Bikes to Chasing Cows: Scott Irwin Releases New Book on Futures Market
Crashing Dirt Bikes to Chasing Cows: Scott Irwin Releases New Book on Futures Market

Futures markets are a mystery, says Scott Irwin, author of the new book, Back to the Futures, is now available for pre-order and is scheduled to be released on April 19 on Amazon.

What is the Current Grade of Dairy Conditions in 2023?
What is the Current Grade of Dairy Conditions in 2023?

The 2023 calendar year is off to a fast start and 90 days into the New Year leading economists say that milk production has been weaker than anticipated.

Dairy Report: Milk Production Forecast on the Rise
Dairy Report: Milk Production Forecast on the Rise

The USDA released its new outlook for dairy this year, raising its milk production forecast.

Saving Landfill Space: Researchers Develop Washable Antimicrobial Wipes
Saving Landfill Space: Researchers Develop Washable Antimicrobial Wipes

USDA researchers have engineered sustainable machine-washable antimicrobial wipes that can be used at least 30 times for cleaning hard and nonporous surfaces.

Moving Milk in 2023: No Small Task
Moving Milk in 2023: No Small Task

Hauling milk from the farm to the plant is no small task. Moving member milk was addressed at the Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Annual (MDVA) Meeting last month in Hershey, Pa

Livestock Show Prep: Biosecurity to Reduce the Spread of Disease
Livestock Show Prep: Biosecurity to Reduce the Spread of Disease

Spring livestock shows are underway with summer junior nationals and fall fairs not far behind. Biosecurity should always be a priority for exhibitors before, during and after the show.

Large Explosion and Fire Breaks Out at South Fork Dairy in Dimmitt, Texas Monday Night
Large Explosion and Fire Breaks Out at South Fork Dairy in Dimmitt, Texas Monday Night

The explosion occurred at South Fork dairy, which is located just southeast of Dimmitt. According to Castro County Sheriff Sal Rivera, the explosion occurred around 7:20 p.m. on Monday. The cause is still unknown.

The Old is New Again in Calf Management
The Old is New Again in Calf Management

Precision dairy technology isn’t just for cows. Autofeeders, activity monitors, and other emerging tools are making it possible to raise calves with the type of individual attention received by the calves of yesterday.

Suspects Caught in an Unbelievable Milk Scandal in Miami
Suspects Caught in an Unbelievable Milk Scandal in Miami

Miami-Dade Police have arrested six suspects after they were busted for a dairy products theft ring and responsible for more than $1 million worth of stolen dairy items.

Animal Disinfectants Market Projected to Reach $4.6 Billion in 2027
Animal Disinfectants Market Projected to Reach $4.6 Billion in 2027

The global animal disinfectants market is expected to reach $4.6 billion by 2027, according to a Markets and Markets report, up from $3.2 billion in 2022.

Ideas Big and Small: Create a Culture of Creativity on Your Farm
Ideas Big and Small: Create a Culture of Creativity on Your Farm

We all know one of the most dangerous phrases in business is: We’ve always done it this way.

Senate Ag Leaders Ask for More Farm Bill Funds
Senate Ag Leaders Ask for More Farm Bill Funds

“A commitment to additional financial resources for the farm bill will help to transition our farm and food supplies away from ad hoc support," the Committee members said in a letter.