When Julie ten Hoeve called her son’s high school to report Ian being absent to help chop corn on the family’s 650-cow dairy farm, she worried about what the school would say. The school’s response eased her mind.

Dairy cow culling is at near-record levels and scorching August heat has docked milk production throughout most of the country.

Weather patterns have been anything but predictable this year thanks to El Niño. However, one meteorologist says America’s heartland may start to see wetter weather conditions just in time for fall.

The Milk Business Conference in Las Vegas Nov. 28-30, highlights every corner of the dairy industry and has a great line-up of speakers to help producers capitalize on and further develop their strengths. Sign up today.

The House Agriculture Committee’s Agricultural Labor Working Group has released an online survey. Feedback from farmers and employees is requested to provide insight into dairy’s significant workforce challenges.

Higher milk prices may not necessarily mean greater income depending on feed prices. The recent hot weather has had an impact on milk production, but it also may have had an impact on crop yields.