Dairy Herd
While there are a myriad of factors affecting profitability on a dairy farm, the transition period continues to stand out as the most critical phase.
Two young dairy producers from opposite corners of the U.S. share what excites them the most about the future of the industry, what keeps them up at night and what tools and technologies they are leaning into to help propel their dairy operations forward.
Milk prices have been better than expected and could remain that way for a while. Lower American cheese production and strong exports should provide further support.
Money management is demonstrated from one generation to the next. Open and ongoing communication about the farm’s financial blueprint can help the younger generation to develop a better understanding.
While the entire ag sector grapples with various challenges, declining grain prices are delivering a much-needed break for dairy producers.
Arkion Life Sciences reported on its latest findings during the American Dairy Science Association annual meeting.
Tough times lead to tough conversations. The question isn’t how do you plan to milk cows a year from now, but more likely how do you plan to milk cows decades from now?
Mastering the intricacies of data management has become a vital role on today’s operations.
Recognizing top dairy producers
Headwinds in interest rates, inflation and commodity prices seem to have little impact on land values, though single-digit decreases in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio have been reported.
The Federal Reserve has four more chances this calendar year to cut interest rates. Since July 2023, the system has kept its benchmark interest rate steady at a 23-year high of 5.25% to 5.5%.
Farmers cannot escape challenges, but they certainly can overcome adversity.
Challenges remain, though, for producers who want to expand.
With eyes on the forecast for July, one ag meteorologist says it looks fairly favorable for much of the Midwest, but there are a few wild cards.
The largest feedyard north of the Rio Grande is under construction allowing Blackshirt Feeders to combine data, technology and innovation in a closed loop aligning dairies and semen providers with the feedyard.
Beef-cross calves continue to fetch astounding values of more than $1,000/head in some markets.
As beef-dairy crossbred calves become a more widespread industry staple, they present their own set of specific benefits and challenges to the marketplace. A recently published study by Iowa State University researchers explored both.
The USDA has finally issued it’s Recommended Decision proposing to amend the uniform pricing formulas applicable in all 11 Federal milk marketing orders
Industry experts are bullish on export opportunities over the next year to five years. New product development will also open the door for producers to add more profits to their bottom line.
Many avoid planning because discussions can be stressful and emotional. Yet, the sooner conversations and plans start, the smoother the transition can be.
The USDA will now begin accepting applications for H5N1 milk loss assistance.
The Supreme Court decision is expected to shift more interpretive power to the courts.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will soon begin compensating dairy farmers for the loss of milk supply due to bird flu-infected cows.
The global feed-grade amino acid market is expected to grow steadily in coming years. But this popular class of feed additives also is becoming more expensive to access.
As we face another sweltering summer, the challenge of managing heat stress on the farm becomes more pressing than ever.
Aiming to inspire future food scientists and innovators by giving them a taste of working in the real world of food development
Veterinarians can play a crucial role in helping dairy farmers identify areas of opportunity, leading to more profitable and sustainable operations, says Maggie Cronk, a veterinary student and 2024 Iowa Dairy Ambassador.
Elle Purrier St. Pierre, a Vermont dairy farmer turned track star, has booked her ticket to the summer Olympics once again.
Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico and Texas are participating in the voluntary pilot program. Additional testing for the virus is also underway in aged raw-milk cheese, cream cheese, butter and ice cream.
The Milk Production report showed a year-over-year decline of 0.7% across the 24 major States during May. According to Phil Plourd no real surprises came out of the report, but that better margins are on the horizon.