There has been much talk about the lack of profitability among dairy producers lately, with milk prices below most operators’ cost of production. The negative profit margins have certainly put quite a bit of strain on the industry for the past year and led to a new round of the CWT’s herd retirement program in an effort to further reduce production and boost prices.

The transfer of monetary wealth is the primary consideration for families considering transitioning the dairy farm from the older generation to the younger generation. However the transfer of intellectual wealth and family values are critical components of the transfer process, which determine the success of the transfer and the long-term viability of the farm.

Dairymen who can adapt to change will reap the rewards of their adaptation by maintaining a healthier business than those that do not adapt. Nutritionists are not exempt to this rule. If your nutritionist is not changing with the times, your business is paying the price.

Dairy producers are usually not professional economists, yet every dairy operation has to understand and work within today’s economic realities. To some, current conditions are a “perfect storm.” Others, however, see an era of opportunity.

TRENDING TOPIC ARTICLE: NEW TECHNOLOGY This article features California dairyman Bill Van Ryn discussing a Fodder Solutions sprout-growing technology. to jump to the article. Van Ryn estimated his grain costs for shipping at $500 a ton. He can grow a ton of supplemental feed using the sprout-growing system for $128. We noticed the Facebook group Raw Milk posted a link to this article in August 2012 with the comment: "Now this actually makes some sense: Instead of feeding cows grain, sprout the grain and feed them the grasses from those grains." While that could explain some recent pageviews, this article received more than 1,500 views since it was published in 2009. Because this article was so popular, we asked Curt Chittock of Simply Country, Inc., the licensed agent for Fodder Solutions, to provide an update.

On a global basis, success in dairying has always meant different things in different regions, depending on markets, climate, land values, availability of labor and a variety of other factors. For the last 50 years, successful dairy development in North America has primarily revolved around saving labor and capital through economies of scale.

Production of high-quality corn silage depends on many factors – ranging from optimum growing conditions to ideal moisture levels at harvest to proper packing in the storage structure. However, one factor that dairy producers often overlook is selecting the appropriate hybrid for corn silage production.

Production of high-quality corn silage depends on many factors – ranging from optimum growing conditions to ideal moisture levels at harvest to proper packing in the storage structure. However, one factor that dairy producers often overlook is selecting the appropriate hybrid for corn silage production.

Without a doubt the single-most unique aspect of dairy cow nutrition is that it must focus on a complex and multi-chambered digestive system.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding. In all ways acknowledge him and he will direct thy path.” (Proverbs 3:5) I have always loved this scripture from Proverbs. It is a comfort and a compass all at the same time.