In agriculture, rain typically poses two major pain points: challenges to field traffic and harvesting timelines.

The emerging trend toward alternative forages means it may be time to adjust crop nutrition protocols. Alfalfa has long been considered the “queen” of forages thanks to its high protein solubility and digestibility balanced with amino acids.

Both JTP Farms and Haas Dairy approach dairy farming in a way that maximizes facilities, technology and manpower. These dairies are meeting – and surpassing – production goals in automated milking systems by pushing the limits of pen space while not compromising cow health.  

Mental health is a critical, wide-ranging topic. Like-minded individuals rooted in the agricultural world, while often skilled at building walls around themselves and their thoughts and actions, are never immune from its wide-ranging influences.

With a theme of “Driving Innovation,” the conference featured more than 50 speakers presenting interactive sessions that included simultaneous translation into Spanish.

Heim’s Hillcrest Dairy in Wisconsin has created a welcoming team culture with low employee turnover. Since the farm started in 1963, it has grown from less than 100 cows to more than 800. Today, members of the second, third and fourth generations work on the dairy.

During a week that will be remembered for its frigid below-zero temperatures and added weather complications on the farm, more than 450 farmers and allied industry professionals traveled to Green Bay, Wisconsin, for the Dairy Strong Conference, held Jan. 16-18, 2024.