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Managing 8,000 Cows with Activity Monitors at Del Rio Dairy
Managing 8,000 Cows with Activity Monitors at Del Rio Dairy

A big question on the minds of many decision makers on the dairy is: Should one invest more heavily in hiring highly skilled cow people or in adopting technology that can perform tasks that good cow people could do?

USDA Issues Permit for Santa’s Reindeer to Enter the U.S.
USDA Issues Permit for Santa’s Reindeer to Enter the U.S.

USDA has granted Mr. Claus and his reindeer a special permit to enter the U.S., ensuring a seamless journey for the joy they bring each holiday season.

How Feeding Calves Helped This 33 Year Old Farm Mom Recover From a Devastating Brain Tumor
How Feeding Calves Helped This 33 Year Old Farm Mom Recover From a Devastating Brain Tumor

Fifteen years into growing a farm and a family together, everything changed for Ron and Sherri Prins and their four young kids. A diagnosis made the couple lean on their faith and on one another more than ever before.

From a Recession in China to $4 Corn, Here Are 10 Potential Surprises Ag Economists Say Could Impact Agriculture in 2024
From a Recession in China to $4 Corn, Here Are 10 Potential Surprises Ag Economists Say Could Impact Agriculture in 2024

From the election to world trade, as well as geopolitical factors that have the potential to shape agriculture in 2024, the December Ag Economists' Monthly Monitor shows the possibility of several economic surprises.

Facility Focus: 4 Tips to Manage Ventilation During the Off-Season
Facility Focus: 4 Tips to Manage Ventilation During the Off-Season

Keeping cows, calves and employees comfortable during the winter months is a balancing act. However finding the right combination between keeping animals warm while also providing adequate air exchange is essential.

Focus On Making Your Succession Plan Fair, Not Equal
Focus On Making Your Succession Plan Fair, Not Equal

According to Shuring, what may be considered equal doesn’t always make sense when the succession plan involves family members who actively work on the farm, and others who do not.

The Best Livestock-Themed Christmas Trees Full of Memories and Meaning
The Best Livestock-Themed Christmas Trees Full of Memories and Meaning

One of the things I love most about Christmas trees is the power they evoke to simply remember. Here are some special livestock-themed Christmas trees filled with memories to last a lifetime. 

 At Just 31 Years Old, He Bought The Dairy Farm From His Parents. And In The 1st Year, The Growth Has Been Incredible
At Just 31 Years Old, He Bought The Dairy Farm From His Parents. And In The 1st Year, The Growth Has Been Incredible

In just a decade on the farm, Virginia dairy farmer Ben Smith's journey has been one of dedication and innovation, which is what makes him the 2023 Milk Business Young Producer Award winner.

DeLaval Launches New Teat Spray Robot Featuring Faster Design
DeLaval Launches New Teat Spray Robot Featuring Faster Design

DeLaval has announced the launch of their new, re-designed automated teat sprayer, the DeLaval teat spray robot TSR2.

Prepare for Animal Activism in 2024
Prepare for Animal Activism in 2024

Animal Agriculture Alliance releases reports from 2023 animal rights conferences. Food chain urged to prepare for activism in 2024 including "open rescue," legislative campaigns and pressure to drop meat from menus.

Midwest Dairy CEO Announces Retirement After Almost 40 years of Checkoff Career
Midwest Dairy CEO Announces Retirement After Almost 40 years of Checkoff Career

Molly Pelzer, the current CEO of Midwest Dairy, has officially announced her retirement from the organization effective in March of 2024.

U.S. Milk Production Report Illustrates 44,000 Fewer Cows Year-Over-Year
U.S. Milk Production Report Illustrates 44,000 Fewer Cows Year-Over-Year

According to the latest U.S. Milk Production Report the number of milk cows on farms in the U.S. was 9.36 million head, 44,000 head less year-over-year and 10,000 head less than in October 2023.

Four Strategies to Help Cows Conquer Cold
Four Strategies to Help Cows Conquer Cold

These 4 management tips can help you keep cows productive through cold conditions.

Prevent Quitting: Keep Employees Top of Mind in 2024
Prevent Quitting: Keep Employees Top of Mind in 2024

These 10 steps can help keep your employees from walking away.

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Producers Await Dairy Margin Coverage Sign up for the 2024 Calendar

Producers are hoping for stronger milk prices next year. First quarter milk price looks less than promising - causing producers to turn to plan B which is hoping DMC payouts generate a healthy sum in the year ahead.

ADM to Acquire Dairy Flavor Firm Revela Foods
ADM to Acquire Dairy Flavor Firm Revela Foods

Global grains merchant ADM said on Monday it will acquire Revela Foods, a Wisconsin-based developer and manufacturer of dairy flavor ingredients and solutions, to bolster the company's flavors portfolio.

The Sweet Spot for Oral Calcium Supplementation
The Sweet Spot for Oral Calcium Supplementation

Is the blanket approach of giving calcium boluses to every fresh cow really the best route to prevent milk fever?

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The Crucial Link Between Education and Effective Risk Management with DRP Insurance
The Crucial Link Between Education and Effective Risk Management with DRP Insurance

Can DRP insurance be the key to safeguarding dairy profits amidst market uncertainty?

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Debunking Production-Fertility Myths
Debunking Production-Fertility Myths

Despite the myths, you can have both high production and high fertility.

8 Factors Shaping the Rural Economy in 2024
8 Factors Shaping the Rural Economy in 2024

CoBank has released their 2024 outlook report, which takes a look at the key themes the organization expects to shape agricultural and the rural economy in the coming year.

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Finding Purpose Once the Cows Leave

Sadly, the future includes fewer farms. If you are part of that statistic, likely you'll always identify as a farmer, but find something to get you out of bed once the cows leave and provides you a sense of purpose.

Does Your Farm's Culture Pass This Easy Test?
Does Your Farm's Culture Pass This Easy Test?

Prioritizing culture is often overlooked when it comes to employee management and retention.

FDA Grants Approval for Replacement Heifer Starter Enhancements
FDA Grants Approval for Replacement Heifer Starter Enhancements

A popular combination of enhancements in calf starter rations has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for replacement heifers.

Big News: House Passes Bill to Bring Whole Milk Back to School Menus
Big News: House Passes Bill to Bring Whole Milk Back to School Menus

More than a decade after banning whole and reduced-fat milk from being served during school lunches, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted in support of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act.

Fonterra Farmers to Get Extra Payment from Nestle for Sustainability Goals
Fonterra Farmers to Get Extra Payment from Nestle for Sustainability Goals

New Zealand dairy group Fonterra said on Thursday food and beverage giant Nestle will make additional payments to its farmers for achieving certain sustainability goals under a new agreement.

 House Passes Bill to Preserve Veterinary Use of Xylazine 
House Passes Bill to Preserve Veterinary Use of Xylazine 

 The House of Representatives passed the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act on Tuesday. It will help fight illicit use of the product in humans while preserving access to the drug for animals.

Replacement Heifer Prices Stronger Heading into Year's End
Replacement Heifer Prices Stronger Heading into Year's End

Dairy replacement heifer values continue to gain ground after years of anemic prices.

Mexico’s Dairy Demand to Grow in 2024
Mexico’s Dairy Demand to Grow in 2024

A growing population and an increase in consumer purchasing power in Mexico will support U.S. exports

The Lessons Learned Beyond the Sunrise and Sunset on the Farm
The Lessons Learned Beyond the Sunrise and Sunset on the Farm

What about the moments in between the times the sun rises and sets? The moments that aren’t as bright and certainly are not Instagram-worthy, but they do help shape our children for their future.

Official Judges for World Dairy Expo 2024 Announced
Official Judges for World Dairy Expo 2024 Announced

And the official judges of World Dairy Expo 2024 are...

What is the Impact on Dairy Sales When Consumers are Feeling the Pinch?
What is the Impact on Dairy Sales When Consumers are Feeling the Pinch?

The levels of consumer spending on food at home compared with spending on food away from home have implications for dairy markets because people consume more dairy products when dining out or ordering takeout.

Dutch Dairy Cooperative FrieslandCampina Cuts 1,800 Jobs
Dutch Dairy Cooperative FrieslandCampina Cuts 1,800 Jobs

Dutch dairy cooperative FrieslandCampina on Tuesday said it would cut 1,800 jobs worldwide in the next two years in a drive to reduce costs and improve profitability.

Grants Seek to Address Liver Abscess Formation in Cattle
Grants Seek to Address Liver Abscess Formation in Cattle

Four grants have been awarded by ICASA totaling roughly $1.15 million to identify why liver abscesses occur and develop diagnostic tools to enable informed decision-making to treat the condition.

Dairy Heifer Supply Tightens
Dairy Heifer Supply Tightens

Heifer availability has tightened, and prices have increased substantially. One reason is the interest that has developed in beef-on-dairy calves.

Calf Microbial Supplements: Sorting out the “Pre,” the “Pro,” and the “Post”
Calf Microbial Supplements: Sorting out the “Pre,” the “Pro,” and the “Post”

In both human and veterinary medicine, we’re hearing more about the benefits of gut supplements to support health, performance, and well-being.

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack Reveals the Final COP28 Declaration Will Not Focus on Agriculture and Food
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack Reveals the Final COP28 Declaration Will Not Focus on Agriculture and Food

COP28's decision to not include food and agriculture as a way to meet climate goals was influenced by a request from the G77 group of developing countries for additional review related to agriculture and food.

John Phipps: The Slow Growth of Going Organic in Agriculture
John Phipps: The Slow Growth of Going Organic in Agriculture

Organic food sales have grown over time, but it's still only accounts for 2.5% to 6% of the food market. How much is organic farming growing year over year? John Phipps answers a viewer's question in Customer Support.

It’s Not an Immigration Issue, but Rather a Labor Challenge That Faces Agriculture
It’s Not an Immigration Issue, but Rather a Labor Challenge That Faces Agriculture

The immigration debate has been a continued conversation that has offered little to no solutions in Washington. Meanwhile, labor continues to be a No. 1 headache that farmers from coast to coast are challenged with.

Dairy and Beef: A Merger of Many Merits
Dairy and Beef: A Merger of Many Merits

Beef cross calves are currently generating healthy profits for dairies. They also are a welcome addition to the beef supply chain, according to Dr. Zeb Gray, Beef Technical Feedlot Specialist with Diamond V.

Darigold Appoints New Interim Chief Executive Officer
Darigold Appoints New Interim Chief Executive Officer

Darigold, Inc. announced that Chief Executive Officer, Joe Coote, is leaving the company, and the Board Chairman, Allan Huttema, has been named the interim CEO, effective immediately. 

USDA May Now Face Court Challenge in Its Implementation of ERP for 2022 Losses
USDA May Now Face Court Challenge in Its Implementation of ERP for 2022 Losses

 Some Republican House and Senate members have expressed their concerns to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, particularly regarding the new payment formula used for ERP in 2022.

5 Year-End Tax Planning Tips
5 Year-End Tax Planning Tips

As the year comes to a close, Paul Neiffer shares five ways to minimize the impact of income taxes.

Young Farmers Share Their National Leadership Experience
Young Farmers Share Their National Leadership Experience

Three National Young Cooperators share about their journey with training and leadership development that has helped propel them forward.

Activist Sentenced to Jail for Conspiracy and Trespassing
Activist Sentenced to Jail for Conspiracy and Trespassing

A California jury deliberated for six days before returning guilty verdicts of conspiracy and trespassing for DxE co-founder Wayne Hsiung. The jury deadlocked on a second conspiracy charge.

Is Dairy’s Problem Over Supply or Under Demand?
Is Dairy’s Problem Over Supply or Under Demand?

When it comes to dairy, president of Ever.Ag Insights, Phil Plourd, shared at the 2023 Milk Business Conference that we don’t have oversupply, but we do have a lot of under demand that is holding the markets back.

Determination is Key to South Dakota Dairy’s Rich History
Determination is Key to South Dakota Dairy’s Rich History

Farming has run deep in the Moes family roots for the past 130 years. Today, the fourth and fifth generations continue to keep their ancestors’ dreams of farming alive.

Fed Eyes Interest-Rate Cuts for 2024 as U.S. Economy Slows
Fed Eyes Interest-Rate Cuts for 2024 as U.S. Economy Slows

Analysts say an initial cut could be made as early as first quarter 2024. One of the key factors the central banking system will consider is whether its inflation rate target of 2% has been achieved.

Simple And Sustainable: Feeding Dairy Cows This One Ingredient Could Reduce Methane Emissions By Up To Half
Simple And Sustainable: Feeding Dairy Cows This One Ingredient Could Reduce Methane Emissions By Up To Half

As global dairy companies set a new goal to trace and reduce emissions, U.S. dairy researchers say feeding a small amount of red seaweed may be the secret to cutting methane emissions from dairy cattle by up to half.

Labor Can Be Dairy Farmers' Biggest Challenge, That's Why This Wisconsin Dairy Is Getting Creative To Keep Employees
Labor Can Be Dairy Farmers' Biggest Challenge, That's Why This Wisconsin Dairy Is Getting Creative To Keep Employees

From English classes to a rideshare program, Vir-Clar Farm is finding new ways to attract employees and make them feel valued.

Can We Improve Colostrum Through Dam Nutrition?
Can We Improve Colostrum Through Dam Nutrition?

The more we learn about the myriad virtues of colostrum, the more of it we want. And if it also could be even higher quality and/or produce higher offspring immunity, that would be even better for calves.