Many southern U.S. regions once plagued by ongoing drought have seen substantial precipitation this past month. Although this rain is a welcome change, it occurred during a crucial harvest window for many small-grain crops – leaving many producers pondering the best means to handle these forages.

Supplementing feed with liquid molasses is one way to improve the nutrient density and digestibility of feed for dairy cows.

Successful dairies achieve consistent performance by implementing protocols that reduce variation within their operation. They do everything they can to limit the internal and external pressures cows face, while creating resilient animals that can withstand the pressures beyond their control.

We may not think about it much, but there’s an interesting story behind how the soybean became a pillar of U.S. agriculture. A long-time staple in eastern parts of the world, soybeans originally came to the states in the early 19th century as ballast in cargo ships that were returning from the Far East.

If you are feeding livestock, you know that the price of hay has gone up. Even if you raised your own hay, the cost to produce that hay has increased.

Hydroponic forages, or forages grown using a specially formulated combination of water and light – no soil required – are not a new technology. Increased pressures to find sources of quality feed through several years of persistent drought, along with the appeal of a land- and water-efficient, environmentally friendly source of high-quality forages has spurred a growing interest in using hydroponic forages in the U.S.

The farm has been in Peter’s family for 151 years, but he is the second generation to farm it, since previous uncles and great uncles had been country doctors and rented out the parcel. Peter took over the family dairy when his father passed away in 2001 after being in partnership together.