We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
Cattlemen may not like how enormous amounts of feed production goes into ethanol plants, but it’s a trend that isn’t slowing down. Mike Murphy of CattleFax said within one to three years the amount of corn used for ethanol will exceed the amount of corn used toward food production.
Fueled by rising global demands for U.S. beef at a time when the domestic herd continues to decline, beef producers should prepare for steep increase in prices in 2011 – both for beef and feed commodities.
While many dairy producers across the country are battling winter weather conditions, two Midwest farmers also spent the recent cold months campaigning for online votes.
The 2011 Midwest Dairy Challenge was hosted by the University of Wisconsin — River Falls and was held February 9-11 in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Dan and Mary Luckwaldt (at right) and Jay and Kristi Richardson opened up their operations to nearly 70 students from 16 Midwest colleges and universities.
Dan Luckwaldt and Jay Richardson (below right) shared their thoughts with Progressive Dairyman on the experience of serving as host farms.
The seventh Annual Midwest Dairy Challenge, which ran February 9-11, 2011, attracted 68 students from 16 universities and colleges to the event hosted by the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
I’ve always enjoyed hearing from readers and therefore I was really excited to hear from our newest admirers after the release of Progressive Dairyman’s first Canadian issue in January.
The bulk of February’s cattle marketing was ruled by weather, as not one portion of the United States escaped the wrath of a series of snowstorms and bitter-cold. The first sign of the “weather market” showed up at the tail-end of January as nationwide feeder markets were predominantly lower on fears of the approaching blizzard, plus added pressure from lower cash fed cattle and CME cattle futures.
The world today seems to be moving at an increasingly rapid pace. Agriculture has seen more challenging times to remain profitable and sustainable. This pressure can affect our decisions when designing, building or modifying dairy facilities that can influence cow comfort.
Providing adequate cow comfort has a direct impact on milk production, health, reproduction, longevity and profitability. This article will focus on some of the key areas including stall design, bedding, overcrowding and flooring.
Let’s put this more into perspective. An average adult male requires approximately 1,800 to 2,400 calories per day for maintenance of life.
Using separated dairy solids for bedding can be economically advantageous while offering a comfortable surface for your cows. Others in North America are using it, why can’t we?
Because solids are an organic bedding, they have the potential to carry a bacterial load, as well as support bacterial growth if stalls are not managed properly.
In an increasingly competitive and complex industry, producers are looking for an edge.
Whether making nutritional decisions for herd management, conducting research to learn more about how genetics can improve traits such as milk production or managing more with less, today’s dairy producers are getting busier every day.
