Spring of 2011 had brought significant challenges to livestock grazing operations. In many areas, 10 to 12 inches of rain fell from April to May, preventing land from drying out during early-spring grazing. And recent snow melts have cause flooding in other areas.

Obviously this spring has been a challenge in terms of getting field tasks done. For one producer I work with, manure spreading was interrupted by the need to plant crops.

Spring opens new windows of opportunity for mastitis infections to take hold. Wet, muddy conditions, especially in areas hit by heavy rainfall or flooding caused by snow melting, make it more difficult to keep cows clean. “Water is the perfect transport medium for many mastitis-causing bacteria,” says Jorge Noricumbo, quality milk manager for Pfizer Animal Health, based in Visalia, California. “A wet, muddy environment makes it easier for bacteria to enter the teat end and establish new mastitis infections. Managing mastitis is a major challenge this time of year, particularly where cows are housed in open lots or corrals.”

What’s become conventional calf feeding isn’t necessarily what’s closest to “natural” calf growth programs. That’s according to Dr. Jim Drackley of the University of Illinois during his presentation at Vita Plus Dairy Summit 2010. Calf feeding programs that are most successful nutritionally mimic cow’s milk. Drackley introduced the idea of “biologically appropriate nutrition” to summit attendees.