Latest News From Taylor Leach

Ohio has become the sixth state where dairy cattle have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu.

In an effort to increase its biosecurity measures against HPAI, also known as bird flu, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture has issued a 30 day restriction on the importation of dairy cattle.

The Texas Department of State Health Services reports that a human case of bird flu has been confirmed in Texas and identified in a person who had direct exposure to dairy cattle presumed to be infected with the disease.

VES-Artex has recently unveiled a new soaking system, Intelligent Soaker 2.0, which is designed to help alleviate heat stress while significantly reducing water usage on dairy farms.

The use of A.I. has come a long way since its first use in dairy cattle during the late 1930s. While the technology has vastly changed, the basic principles still remain and practice can help keep skills current.

Though maternity pens can sometimes feel chaotic to manage, there are additional ways to help minimize stress and create a calmer calving environment for both cow and calf.

As beef-on-dairy animals within the feedlot system continue to rise, feedlots are craving two key pieces of information to help ensure these crossbred cattle thrive.

Despite efforts to keep its farm doors open, students attending South Dakota State University (SDSU) will longer have a working dairy come June 2024.

As a new approach to robotic milking for larger dairy operations, DeLaval has announced the launch of their new VMS™ Batch Milking system, a method advancement in robotic milking technology.

While most cheese pizzas are topped with 2-3 different kinds of cheese, sports 1,001 different varieties - breaking the previous world record.

Keeping cows, calves and employees comfortable during the winter months is a balancing act. However finding the right combination between keeping animals warm while also providing adequate air exchange is essential.

These 10 steps can help keep your employees from walking away.

While candy is always a go-to option, why not get creative and hand out some delicious dairy-themed goodies this Halloween instead?

These commonly overlooked issues are holding your herd back.

Housing calves with at least one companion can improve animal welfare, calf growth, and consumer perception. There are several options to consider.

When a cow freshens during the fall or winter, she tends to produce less colostrum than her herd mates who calved in spring and summer. It's no coincidence. Now research is shedding some "light" on the situation.

Recently, the board of directors from Select Sires four individual cooperatives voted unanimously to merge together as one full-service A.I. cooperative.

We all know real dairy plays a significant role in a healthy lifestyle. But a new study has found that the power of milk can also speed up wound healing.

With no end to the higher feed cost trend in sight, farmers are looking at ways to get the most out of their rations while minimizing wasted feed.

Can you guess your state's top five favorite ice cream flavors?

France’s Groups Lactalis, the world’s largest dairy maker, is expanding in Chicago after a previous $3.2 billion deal made in 2020 with Kraft Heinz Co.

Starting on June 11, over-the-counter livestock antibiotics will no longer be available through traditional retail channels.

According to a recent study, some cows don't have the right personalities to click with robots.

Weight at calving not only determines first-lactation performance, it pretty much sets in stone lifetime performance and your herd’s overall performance.

With temperatures rising from coast to coast, now is the time to wash and put away all of the calf jackets used over winter.

“Pushing feed is perhaps the simplest and least expensive management strategy dairy operators can implement.”

While dairy cattle can’t verbally tell us when they’re not feeling their best, they can give us physical cues.

Dairy farms can often be a slippery place for both farmers and cows to work.

Imagine receiving a phone call from the government telling you to euthanize your entire herd. That’s the nightmare Art Schapp, owner of Highland Dairy in Clovis, New Mexico, wished had never come true.

There’s a new face in the winner’s circle for the most lifetime milk produced by a U.S. Holstein cow, and it belongs to Chrome-View Charles 3044, owned by Mason’s Chrome View farm in Nottingham, Pennsylvania.

On June 11, 2023, the following antibiotics will no longer be available for purchase over-the-counter.

With no GPS equipment, Kansas dairy farmer Rob Leach freehanded the number 15, the jersey number of Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The result? A 100% organic manure mural to celebrate the Super Bowl.

There's now an 'alternative' to alternative plant-based meats. And the first ingredient just might shock you.

Somatic cell counts have long been an indicator of milk quality and udder health. But can a cow’s SCC get too low?

Have you ever noticed that cows who calve during the fall and winter months tend to produce less colostrum than their herd mates who calved during the spring and summer? Here's why.

Just like children letting off some steam on the playground, calves too could benefit from physical enrichment.

Inflammation creates additional stress at calving.

If you are experiencing a shortage in your straw supply, here are six bedding alternatives to consider.

“Similar to Staph aureus and mycoplasma, Prototheca [mastitis] is hard to detect, has no known cure, and is contagious by intermittently shedding from cow to cow."

On June 11, 2023, over-the-counter antibiotics will no longer be available through traditional retail channels. Instead, these antibiotics will now require a prescription from a licensed veterinarian.

Veterinarians can enhance their relationship and business with producers by identifying ways they can be more efficient. Two good starting points: management of the parlor and the parlor environment.

Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, recently passed away at the age of 96. The late queen, who was well-known for her soft spot for animals, had a herd of 200 registered Jersey cows.

With beef prices soaring and milk prices in favorable conditions, producers are keeping a keen eye on cows who are not pulling their own weight.

While both beef and dairy farmers appreciate their animals each and every day, the second Tuesday in July serves as a day of national recognition.

Providing assistance too early during stage II labor may result in an increased risk of metritis.

As the thermometer starts to creep its way into the upper 80s, 90s or even the 100°F mark, nobody wants to put in physical work during the hottest part of the day - cows included.

Art Schaap, owner of Highland Dairy in Clovis, New Mexico, has been living a nightmare for the past four years. His nightmare is finally coming to an end, but not without the heartache of euthanizing 3,665 cows.

To help producers obtain a lower SCC, it is important to know what you are up against in the herd and how to treat for specific problems, says Peter Edmondson, DVM.

Progesterone is a key hormone in the establishment and maintenance of a pregnancy. Increasing its concentration can boost pregnancy rates and decrease pregnancy losses after embryo transfer.

Pardon the pun, but dealing with scours can be a real pain in the butt. It’s frustrating, it’s costly, and it can be downright messy at times.