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Take Away Message from U.S. Milk Production Report: Road to Less Milk
Take Away Message from U.S. Milk Production Report: Road to Less Milk

The USDA Milk Production report shows that per cow milk production in the 24 major States for March was 3 less lbs. than last March. The 24 major States also had 71,000 head fewer than in March 2023.

Fairlife Breaks Ground on $650 Million Facility in New York
Fairlife Breaks Ground on $650 Million Facility in New York

Fairlife is known for its value-added dairy products, such as ultra-filtered milk, protein shakes and lactose-free milk. Soon, the company will be producing these popular products at its upcoming facility in N.Y.

Crop Progress Update: Planters Pick Up Steam Across Most States
Crop Progress Update: Planters Pick Up Steam Across Most States

Corn planting is now 2% ahead of the five year national average, while soybeans are currently 4% ahead, according to the April 22, 2024, USDA Crop Progress report.

Last Call for Producers to Enroll in DMC for 2024
Last Call for Producers to Enroll in DMC for 2024

The deadline to enroll for the USDA’s Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) and Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage (SDMC) programs is approaching fast. The last day for producers to sign up is Monday, April 29, 2024.

Liver Abscesses in Beef-on-Dairy Cattle are Costing Packers Big Money
Liver Abscesses in Beef-on-Dairy Cattle are Costing Packers Big Money

This growing beef-on-dairy health problem is costing packers two major things – time and money.

NEW: USDA Confirms Cow-to-Cow Transmission a Factor in Avian Flu Spread
NEW: USDA Confirms Cow-to-Cow Transmission a Factor in Avian Flu Spread

USDA said this week cow-to-cow transmission is a factor in the spread of avian flu in dairy herds, but it still does not know exactly how the virus is being moved around.

Opinions

Nevil Speer
Speer: Day-Old Calves Cost How Much…?

Prices for day-old beef-X-dairy (BXD) calves are often surprisingly high. But what used to be a highly discounted after-thought (straight dairy calves) is rapidly transforming into a meaningful source of production.

Jennifer Shike
Animal Activists Are Waging War in Your Backyard

As I approached the site of my first animal activist rally, I kept my distance. I watched two people beside a small megaphone and a bag, checking their phones constantly. I leaned in anticipating what would happen next.

Guest Commentary
Extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is Good for American Farmers

On Jan. 1, 2023, the percentage immediately deductible through bonus depreciation (a provision in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) went from 100% to 80%. It will continue dropping by 20% each year until it reaches zero.

Greg Henderson
A Girl, a Goat and the Law: The Shasta County, CA, Boondoggle

How fair officials and the local sheriff, both unencumbered by intelligence, tarnished your image as a livestock producer and created a public relations disaster.