Derek Nolan

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Labor costs are becoming a larger piece of the operating cost pie.
Somatic cell count averages for 2022 were highest in the year’s late fall and winter months. Below are some considerations for managing mastitis as the weather changes.
Many discussions about becoming carbon neutral have been geared toward carbon credits and markets. Some calling it a potential gold rush for agriculture. However, the carbon market can be very confusing to understand.
The inaugural edition of the Three-Minute Student Thesis (3MT) contest with a poster component was held in conjunction with the 2023 Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference in Dubuque, Iowa on June 7-8.
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.
Focusing on feed efficiency can impact our farms’ profitability and be a way to benchmark our future goal of being carbon neutral by 2050.
When it comes to the optimal time for breeding, size is more important than age.
On-farm processing has gained a lot of traction over recent years to help farms meet their economic and business goals. However, a dairy processing center is not a simple addition to the farming operation.
Oftentimes, estimating cow value around the time of culling is oversimplified.
As corn planters are finally starting to roll in the Midwest, planning for the finished product can never start too early.
Reclaimed sand and recycled manure solids help farmers lower bedding costs. When bedding meets quality thresholds, farms that use recycled bedding produce the same quality of milk as those that use fresh bedding.
The time of consistent heat stress is upon us. Heat-stressed cows produce less milk, have reduced fertility, and have higher SCC. Providing proper heat abatement can have both an economic and welfare impact on the farm.
The milk price outlook has been a welcomed change. Increasing the number of cows in the herd may be a way to capture the benefit of high milk prices. However, feed prices and animal behavior should also be considered.
Six things to keep in mind when considering sire and dam selections in a beef x dairy crossbreeding program.
Transitioning new corn silage into the diet can impact milk production and cow health. The following are three tips to help make the transition a smooth one.