Latest News From Maureen Hanson

Farming is one of the world’s most dangerous occupations, and dairy farms have unique equipment, feed, and animal hazards that can put human operators at risk.

When consumers think about dairy farming, one of their greatest concerns are the calves. That can be a good thing because farmers have a great story to tell. But it also may require some flexing of rearing practices.

Holstein springer values saw a healthy upward bump in the past month in California and Pennsylvania, while remaining essentially flat in Wisconsin and Idaho.

When to introduce calves to forages – along with what type and how much – remains a highly debated issue.

Just because calves survive a traumatic birth doesn’t mean they’re completely out of the woods. Some extra measures to care for dystocia calves can help put them back on par with their heartmates.

Backlogs in shipping capacity do not bode well for dairy products. Transporting a truckload of cheese from central California to eastern Wisconsin costs about $6,072 today – or about 14 cents per pound.

Growing an array of cereal grains to augment the traditional corn-alfalfa cropping cycle has become the new normal for dairy farmer Josh Tranel and his family of Cuba City, Wis.

Health insurance coverage and healthcare costs are among the greatest challenges for self-employed Americans, including farmers.

Incorporating small grains as a partial or full alternative to alfalfa is gaining popularity among dairy producers.

If you want to control flies on your farm in the summer, the time to act is spring.

Calf hutches and barns are a perfect breeding ground for summer flies, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Veterinarian King Hickman has seen his share of change in the dairy industry in his 30+ years in the business. And as the industry changes, so must the individual units that comprise it.

Is “bigger” always better when it comes to growing first-calf heifers? Probably not.

Holstein springer prices made a comeback in Pennsylvania in the past month after a short-term dip. Across the remainder of the country, they remained flat to slightly down, and still well below the cost of production.

Using pain mitigation techniques when disbudding or dehorning is now the standard of care for U.S. cattle veterinary and quality assurance organizations.

No one wants to have a down cow, but unfortunately it does occasionally happen.

These Tennessee dairy producers offer up six tips to help other aspiring on-farm cheese processors.

When the COVID-19 pandemic made its strike early in 2020, dairy producers in the U.S. was left scrambling. But Tennessee dairy producers Brian and Morgan Flowers found themselves juggling another layer of complications.

After working with dairy producers for nearly two decades, Dr. Kevin Hoogendoorn was alarmed and frustrated by the complexity of milk marketing tools. So, he decided to do something about it by creating the ZISKapp.

Vitamin E is particularly desirable in both human and animal nutrition because of its antioxidant properties.

Newly fresh heifers have to process a lot of changes on the day they give birth. Making their initial milking a pleasant experience can be aided with some advance training.

Australian researchers have developed a new technique to process raw milk that claims to deliver all the benefits of pasteurization, while leaving more nutrients and flavor intact.

Holstein springer values finally may be starting to gain ground, at least in some parts of the country.

This year, the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association will resume in-person programming for its April 6-8 Annual Conference and Trade Show.

When used correctly, ionophores can be highly effective in preventing scours caused by coccidia in pre- and post-weaned dairy calves.

When and how preweaned calves are moved from individual feedings to group pens can have a big impact on how well they do on autofeeder systems.

Stipulate details of arrangement so both parties have a clear understanding of expectations.

Holstein springer values changed little across the country in the past month, but dairy cow numbers, milk production and dairy product stocks continue to grow.

Zoonotic diseases – those that can pass between animals and humans – are estimated to annually cause 2.5 billion cases of sickness, and 2.7 million deaths around the world.

Calves that have incurred traumatic births are often are lethargic, clumsy and have little interest in nursing. These babies may benefit from a simple procedure called the “Madigan Squeeze Technique.”

Annual performance reviews: they’re often dreaded, dull, and not very productive. However, there’s a positive alternative to the standard annual review. Hold a “stay meeting” instead.

It’s frustrating, it’s costly, and it happens a lot. The post-weaning slump can set back calves that were well-grown and healthy at weaning -- with illness, stunted growth and social maladjustment

Milk prices made a health leap in December, but for the most part, dairy heifer prices did not follow suit.

A few times in your life – if you’re lucky – you cross paths with a person whose infectious persona makes you wiser, kinder and inspired to do better. Sam Leadley was one of those treasured people.

A few times in your life – if you’re lucky – you cross paths with a person whose infectious persona makes you wiser, kinder and inspired to do better. Sam Leadley was one of those treasured people.

Whether or not to feed hay to preweaned dairy calves is a longstanding debate, without an absolute answer.

The stresses of farming can leave individuals feeling bitter, anxious and overwhelmed. Challenges piled on top of one another can lead to chronic stress that interferes with good decision-making and family relationships.

When a cow aborts or has a stillborn calf, it’s a source of both frustration and worry. Was it an isolated incident, or a sign of a major problem in the herd?

Compared to one year ago, prices for springing Holstein heifers are almost identical.

Looking for a set of market prices or information on a new farm program? The USDA can answer these inquiries and more at “AskUSDA,” a new, one-stop clearinghouse of U.S. agricultural information.

Could history be repeating itself, in a replay of the 1980s farm crisis?

As colostrum management’s importance has been more widely recognized and its implementation improved, it may be time for the evaluation standards to be fine-tuned as well.

Helping older heifers grow, while at the same time not becoming too fat, is a delicate dance that challenges nutritionists and producers alike.

Holstein springer values have shown little change through the late summer and early fall, but that doesn’t make them profitable

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we can never be too well-informed about our personal and business financial standing.

Here’s what you can do to prevent teat injury from occurring before heifers even step into the milking parlor.

Dairy replacement values have been in a slump for more than 2 years. In that time, if you retained more replacement heifers than you needed, you likely lost money on them.

Preweaned dairy calves do not consume enough water via milk or milk replacer to meet their needs, and water is essential for rumen development and successful weaning.

Holstein springer values have shown little change through the late summer and early fall, but that doesn’t make them profitable.

Finding qualified dairy employees is challenging, and training them for good, long-term performance and retention can be even harder.