Just as the line at the concession stand depends on what is happening on the baseball field, the line at the robot depends on what is happening in the barn.

Failure to permit cows to rest when they want to, for as long as they need to, has a negative impact on their ability to produce milk, become pregnant, stay healthy and remain in the herd.

An automated ventilation system, larger pens and automated feeders have contributed to healthier calves at Hammond Farms.

It would be easy to be lured into the idea that more grass means more livestock and profits. Caution is warranted to prevent falling into a “green fever” trap.

“We know that how a transition cow completes her transition period really sets her up for her entire lactation,” Dr. Erin Horst, Ph.D., said as she began her presentation about the Best Practices for Transition Cow Success at the recent Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference. 

Overstocking is a term often used for any time the stocking density over 100%. Across the industry, there are different philosophies and opinions to what is the most profitable stocking density.