Dairy - General
A shrinking labor pool is already having an impact, and ag experts say it’s only going to get tougher.
Frozen colostrum is a valuable tool for calf health, but to preserve its quality and immune benefits, dairy farms should use it within eight months, store it in non-frost-free freezers and label it clearly.
Starting calves off right with good colostrum, care and timing can make all the difference when it’s time to hit the road.
Oral meloxicam, given before or after dehorning, can reduce pain and inflammation in calves, with the timing of treatment affecting the length of its anti-inflammatory benefits, according to a study.
As dairy producers increasingly use beef semen to capitalize on calf value, longer gestation lengths are straining pre-fresh pens, pushing the industry to rethink cow flow, facilities, and future genetics.
If you’re looking for a dairy forage that’s highly versatile, reliable, and digestible, pearl millet might be the crop for you.
Beef-on-dairy crossbreds show clear advantages in feed efficiency and carcass performance, but Michigan State University research reveals current market premiums often exceed their true economic value.
The careful execution of calf management protocols and daily tasks that keep calves healthy can and should incrementally add up to more milk produced on the dairy, according to consulting veterinarian Scott Earnest.
Feeding liquid whey is a sustainable way to recycle nutrients, support production, and potentially earn carbon credits—all in one package.
Cattle rely heavily on their sense of smell, and understanding their odor preferences could help improve handling, health, and overall management.
Rising heat and humidity can drive up SCC, but with proactive management and attention to detail, summer doesn’t have to compromise milk quality.
At NexGen Dairy, Megan and Tim Schrupp are continuing their legacy while taking it to the next level — prioritizing future tech and future leaders
Calves can suffer from heat stress the same as older animals. But even when the heat is on, they prefer to stay close to their partners in pair housing situations, according to a recent study by University of Wisconsin researchers.
Dairy replacement heifers and beef-cross calves are fetching record-breaking prices this spring, with Holstein springers hitting $4,200 and beef-cross calves surpassing $1,600.
The Senate Agriculture Committee has advanced the bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, a major step toward restoring whole and 2% milk options in schools.
Protecting the future performance of the herd starts with cooling the cows who are carrying it.
Navigating the world of health insurance can be daunting, especially for farmers and small business owners. Here’s an explanation of several options that might work for you.
What a cow eats and how she’s cared for before calving can shape her calf’s health, resilience and productivity for years to come.
GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are reshaping dairy demand by curbing cravings for processed, fatty, and sugary products, fueling a rise in protein-rich, low-fat options.
Human nutrition increasingly embraces fermentation as a natural and non-medicated means of promoting digestive health and supporting the gut microbiome. Now, some dairies are doing the same, by feeding kefir to their calves.
A sneak peak of Farm Journal’s leading-edge survey insights illustrates strategic solutions that generate renewed confidence, ensuring a promising path forward for the industry.
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More colostrum would be welcome on virtually every dairy farm, especially if it also had higher quality. A team of Cornell University researchers explored whether a dose of oxytocin could help fresh cows deliver either, or both.
Can pasteurized whole milk be enhanced with added milk replacer powder? If so, is it possible to add too much of a good thing?
Feeding dairy-beef cross steers a low-starch, forage-based diet early in life may be the secret to fewer liver abscesses, healthier rumens, and heavier carcasses without sacrificing performance.
Researchers continue to seek methods of monitoring animal health and welfare to anticipate health setbacks and improve the animals’ lives. The latest tool to do so: saliva.
What happens inside a cow’s udder when nutrition takes a hit? A new study reveals how quickly the mammary gland adapts—and what it means for milk production.
With dairy replacements in tight supply and beef-on-dairy calves worth a small fortune, monitoring the health and management of livestock is just as crucial as keeping a close eye on financials.
It’s history in the making in U.S. dairy animal trade right now, as springer values stay knocking on the door of $4,000 per head.
With heifer prices at record highs, raising replacements on-farm can be a money saver since 2024 costs are much lower than buying on the market.