Dairy Herd
If a dairy cow had a central “mission control” in her body, it would be the rumen and the complex system of microorganisms that reside within it.
Whey led the rally in Class III last week and came out of the gate strong with bids this morning, giving Q1 Class III futures contracts an early pop back over $19.50.
New employees can cost 50% more than existing employees. This is due to the costs of training, uniforms and a general slump in production due to decreased productivity during the introductory period.
Oddly enough, as I marveled at Parisian architecture, my thoughts veered towards an unexpected parallel: the dairy industry, particularly the innovative process of barn construction across the United States. Both are a blend of tradition and innovation.
The USDA has announced its latest round of financial support to address the critical shortage of food animal veterinarians in many parts of the United States.
What a week in the Class III market, driven by a nice run higher in both CME cheese and whey futures.
New Federal Order will require national milk testing and support state officials and dairy regulators; builds on actions to protect farms, farmworkers and communities from H5N1 avian influenza.
This top-tier dairy continues to prepare for both predictable and unforeseen events.
It’s not very often that whey takes the lead story, but it’s had main character energy this week.
“I know people are concerned about the tariffs, but the fact is, [Trump] looks at tariffs as a way to get their attention and eventually to get better and reciprocal trade agreements,” says Terry Branstad.
Sleep is becoming the next frontier in dairy research, opening discussions and posing more questions regarding its impact on animal productivity, welfare, and ethology.
The 2024 World Forage Analysis Superbowl marked the 40th anniversary of the contest rewarding the quest to produce quality forages
CME cheddar markets continued yesterday’s climb. Blocks advanced to $1.7000 per pound, adding three cents, while barrels rose to $1.6675, $0.0175 higher.
Products making environmental, social and governance-related claims averaged 28% cumulative growth between 2018 to 2022, versus 20% for products that didn’t, according to McKinsey & Company.
The UK Court of Appeal has ruled that Oatly cannot use the term “milk” in its trademark “Post Milk Generation,” citing that it misleads consumers and violates dairy-specific labeling laws.
Per capita consumption of dairy products reached 661 lbs. per person in 2023, an all-time high.
Nothing goes to waste on the 6,000 acres of Royal Family Farms.
Nutritionists and researchers from as early as the 1950s have been investigating isoacids in dairy nutrition. Now, decades later, their potential role in boosting rumen function, dairy cow productivity, and even environmental sustainability is being visited with renewed interest.
Today’s spot market showed mostly positive activity, with cheese prices making notable gains.
Progress has been made toward no-till, reduced tillage and cover crop adoption, but one expert says it may not be enough to overcome existing social, financial and technical barriers to adoption
Even the best vaccine won’t protect your cows if it’s not stored right.
Soil needs, timing, crop needs, and application methods and rates can all impact how manure should be used as a fertilizer.
Holstein heifer prices soar to $4,250 at Minnesota auction.
Take-home advice to boost your farm’s labor productivity
Jim McCormick with AgMarket.Net says Mexico, Canada and China are the top three export customers of the U.S. and account for 40% of total exports. So, if these countries retaliate it could be devasting for trade and ag markets.
Inspirational stories and messaging from past U.S. dairy sustainability winners
Uncertainty remains whether falling output in Mexico benefit the U.S. dairy industry.
Despite a decline in milk production throughout most of the year, there has been an unexpected resurgence lately creating a year-over-year increase of 0.4%.
Cow numbers in October were higher than in the previous year. This is the first time cow numbers exceeded year-earlier levels since May 2023. Even though there is a tight heifer supply, more cows are being added to the nation’s herd.
As you do your tax planning at year-end, be sure to review any assets you have held for at least a year to determine if your taxable income remains in the 15% tax bracket.